Meet the Education Abroad Student Team 2021 - 2022

Each year Education Abroad is lucky to work with a fantastic group of students who serve as interns, peer advisors, and Highlander Abroad Advisory Committee (HAAC) members. They are part of our outreach efforts, so you will probably see them tabling at events, presenting to classes about Education Abroad opportunities, and connecting with student organizations.

We are excited to work with these students over the course of the year. Say hi to them when you see them at our events!

Get to know our 2021 - 2022 team:

 

Student Image Bio
Photo of Samantha Acosta, a UCR student smiling at the camera with a car hood in the background

Name: Samantha Acosta
Major/Area of Study: Biology
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Role in Education Abroad: Global Opportunities Abroad Leader (GOAL)

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

"Please do it. If you are thinking about it, visit the Education Abroad office to get more information. There is a program to go abroad to virtually any country, so go for it. Studying abroad is such a good experience, and you will learn lots of new life skills such as: navigating public transportation in a foreign language, money management, and many more."

Photo of Chelsey Calingo, a UCR student with dark hair, wearing glasses and smiling at the camera

Name: Chelsey Calingo 
Major/Area of Study: Higher Education Administration and Policy
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Role in Education Abroad: Curriculum Design Graduate Student Intern

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“I think it's a common misconception to think it will be too expensive, but check out financial aid options for you! It is often similar in cost or even cheaper than a regular term at UCR. If you're thinking of doing Education Abroad, you absolutely can do it.”

photo of Gabriella Carrion, a UCR student with dark curly hair, smiling at the camera

Name: Gabriella Carrion
Major/Area of Study: International Education Leadership M.Ed.
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Role in Education Abroad: Administrative Graduate Student Intern

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

"Do your research but keep an open mind! If you are taking any foreign language classes, ask your professors about programs they may know about too."

Photo of Karsten Fields, a UCR student with short dark hair who is smiling at the camera

Name: Karsten Fields
Major/Area of Study: Computer Science with Business Applications
Anticipated graduation year: 2023
Role in Education Abroad: Global Opportunities Abroad Leader (GOAL)

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“For someone considering studying abroad, I would highly recommend that they look into the financial support options such as grants, scholarships, etc. because this is one of the largest hurdles for many when thinking about going abroad. I would also advise them to consider all three program types (FLEAP, OAP, UCEAP) because each type offers different experiences and options that may appeal more to a different students.”

Photo of Chau Giang, a UCR student with dark hair who is smiling at the camera

Name: Chau Giang
Major/Area of Study: Mechanical Engineering
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Role in Education Abroad: Highlander Abroad Advisory Committee (HAAC)

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“I would tell them that if they are even considering the possibility to do something, they should just go for it. Don't wait till the last minute and regret that decision of not doing it because you can only have so much time in college.”

Photo of Laura Gimenz Anglada, a UCR student with brown hair who is smiling at the camera with the London Bridge and the Thames River behind her

Name: Laura Gimenez Anglada
Major/Area of Study: Language
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Role in Education Abroad: Global Opportunities Abroad Leader (GOAL)

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“To do it. I think sometimes what stops them from doing it is fear, because you go to a different country by your own and away from your family and friends.”

Photo of Rasin Kellow, a UCR student with dark hair who is smiling at the camera with the ocean in the background

Name: Rasin Kellow
Major/Area of Study: Master of Business Administration with concentration in Management and Marketing
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Role in Education Abroad: Marketing and Communications Graduate Student Intern

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“I would definitely encourage students to take advantage of every adventure by making lots of local friends.”

Photo of Christian Lopez, a UCR student with short dark hair who is smiling at the camera

Name: Christian Lopez
Major/Area of Study: Business
Anticipated graduation year: 2023
Role in Education Abroad: HAAC & Education Abroad Marketing and Communications Student Assistant

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“In all honesty going abroad is a big decision, but it's these type of decisions that matter. If any small part of you is passionate or interested, go for it! It doesn't hurt to at least explore the opportunity.”

photo of Geraldine Lopez, a UCR student with dark hair, smiling at the camera

Name: Geraldine Lopez
Major/Area of Study: Sociology
Anticipated graduation year: 2023
Role in Education Abroad: HAAC & Education Abroad Administrative Student Assistant

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“Students should be forging the path of knowledge during their career, and school is essential for a successful future. Building a network between students from different places can be beneficial in the long run.”

Photo of Janet Maringka, a UCR student with brown hair who is smiling at the camera and standing in front of a castle at Disneyland

Name: Janet Maringka
Major/Area of Study: Economics/Administrative Studies and Political Science/International Affairs
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Role in Education Abroad: Highlander Abroad Advisory Committee (HAAC)

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“I would definitely tell a student who wants to go abroad to plan early. There is definitely a good amount of forms that need to be turned in so it’s good to start early. I would also tell them to apply to scholarships! There are a ton offered to students who want to study abroad and it will definitely help you have more fun on your trip.”

photo of Geraldine Lopez, a UCR student with dark hair, wearing a hat, smiling at the camera and feeding a camel

Name: Alexa Moto Lopez
Major/Area of Study: Political Science/International Affairs
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Role in Education Abroad: Highlander Abroad Advisory Committee (HAAC)

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“JUST DO IT! Let go of your worries, "what if's", and allow yourself to enjoy this experience. Everything else will fall into place and the study abroad team at UCR is ready to support you along the way.”

Photo of Andrea Salazar, a UCR student with dark hair, wearing glasses and smiling at the camera

Name: Andrea Salazar
Major/Area of Study: Psychology
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Role in Education Abroad: Highlander Abroad Advisory Committee (HAAC) 

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“Do it! It's a wonderful experience to appreciate other cultures, enhance your networking, grow as a student and as an individual.”

Photo of Anuja Samant, a UCR student with dark hair who is smiling at the camera

Name: Anuja Samant
Major/Area of Study: Neuroscience
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Role in Education Abroad: Highlander Abroad Advisory Committee (HAAC)

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“If you are interested in seeing what's out there, I would go abroad with no hesitation! Financial constraints should never be a barrier to receiving an educational experience. Going abroad forces you to step out of your comfort zone, learn about a new place & culture, and provide an opportunity to find yourself!”

photo of Anthony Shemaria, a UCR student with short, dark curly hair, wearing glasses and smiling at the camera

Name: Anthony Shermaria
Major/Area of Study: Creative Writing
Anticipated graduation year: 2023
Role in Education Abroad: Highlander Abroad Advisory Committee (HAAC)

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“Do it! Ask for help! Don't let the fears that crop up stop you from having a life changing experience.”

Photo of Imagen Soto Carbajal, a UCR student with dark hair who is smiling at the camera and standing by a railing near the ocean

Name: Imagen Soto Carbajal
Major/Area of Study: Marketing
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Role in Education Abroad: Marketing and Communications Graduate Student Intern

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“The only disappointment you'll experience is not having done it sooner! It is a wonderful and exciting journey that all students should experience!”

Photo of Sukan Suksawang, a UCR student with dark hair who is smiling at the camera. A ferris wheel is in the background.

Name: Sukan Suksawang
Major/Area of Study: Sociology
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Role in Education Abroad: Global Opportunities Abroad Leader (GOAL) 

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“If you are still hesitant about going abroad, I recommend you to go because it is very worthwhile. Even if it's only for a short period of time, you'll learn a lot of things including studying and life skills. One thing that I want to suggest is that being open-minded instead of set expecting while you are aboard would be very helpful. I promise that you will get to learn many things and meet a lot of amazing people!!”

Photo of Katherine Truong, a UCR student with dark hair who is smiling at the camera standing in front of a sculpture

Name: Katherine Truong
Major/Area of Study: Chemical Engineering BS + MS
Anticipated graduation year: 2026
Role in Education Abroad: HAAC & Education Abroad Administrative Student Assistant

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“If you're considering to study abroad, make sure you keep an open mind to new experiences and be respectful when learning about someone else's culture. Do your best to learn the local language and dialect even if you feel like you sound a little silly.”

Photo of Mariah vanPutten, a UCR student with dark hair, smiling at the camera with a sandy beach and ocean in the background

Name: Mariah vanPutten
Major/Area of Study: Biology
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Role in Education Abroad: Global Opportunities Abroad Leader (GOAL) 

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“Don't let fear hold you back!!”

photo of Jonathan Young, a UCR student with short dark hair, smiling at the camera and standing in front of a large NASA sign

Name: Jonathan Young
Major/Area of Study: Statistics & Chinese
Anticipated graduation year: 2022
Role in Education Abroad: Highlander Abroad Advisory Committee (HAAC)

What advice would you give to a student considering Education Abroad? 

“For anyone considering Education Abroad, I would say come out to the office or explore the Education Abroad programming that happens throughout the school year. There are many programs to choose from, and there are many ways that through a consultation, LaSharon or Macy can help students find the right programs for them based on the location that you would like to go to, or the classes that you want to satisfy whether it be major, minor, electives, or any other courses, or GPA, and many other categories that you would like the program to fulfill to you. Even if you are slightly interested, it is much better to start planning for your Education Abroad experience as soon as possible because you never know how your Education Abroad plan might fit within your degree and still keeping you on track with all of your other requirements. As much as college is learning about yourself, Education Abroad is another opportunity to learn about yourself within an international context and globalization while combining the challenges of learning about yourself in college.”

 

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