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Meet Our Student Ambassadors

Loren Nicole Foster

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Major, degree pursued: Biology (General Biology option)

Minor(s): Global Health; Diversity and Inclusion in Health and Human Development

Education abroad experiences:

• Seoul, Korea: Sociology and Culture in Korea (summer 2023)
  • I studied sociology and learned about South Korean culture while staying at Konkuk University dormitories.
• SC 475N: Anatomy in Italy: Cadavers, Culture, and Science; IT 175: Italian Language and Culture (spring break 2024)
  • I studied Italian and learned about the birth of anatomy, starting from the Renaissance era in Italy, and visited cultural and historical landmarks in three Italian cities: Rome, Florence, and Bologna.
• Global Health Fieldwork Experience in Oaxaca, Mexico (summer 2024)
  • As a part of the Global Health minor led by Dana Naughton, I stayed in a homestay for five weeks and was able to shadow physicians, take Spanish classes, and learn about traditional medicine.
• Perreault Fellows Program: International Internship and Global Leadership Fellowship, Buenos Aires, Argentina (2023–2024)
  • Sponsored by the Perreault Fellows Program, I completed a six-week clinic internship in conjunction with Connect-123.

Why Penn State?

I initially had applied to Penn State because my best friend’s family came from a lineage of Penn Staters. Thankfully, after becoming a Millennium Scholar, I was fortunate enough to be able to go.

How did you first learn about education abroad opportunities at Penn State and about the first abroad program in which you participated?

I first became aware of Penn State’s study abroad programs by one of Joel Waters' many presentations. After taking Sam Richards' SOC 119 class, I was encouraged to apply and completed my first study abroad.

Top piece of advice for students wanting to study abroad?

To study abroad is to allow yourself and your mind to grow. It will expand your horizons and perspectives, and sometimes even confirm what you want to pursue. Be a sponge; absorb all you can and appreciate the many things life and people have to offer.

Payten Gorman

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Major: Biology, General, Pre-Health Track

Research experience: Undergraduate researcher in the Cavener Lab focusing on a Wolcott-Rallison Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.

Why Penn State?

I knew in high school that I wanted to be involved in research and study abroad and be a part of a big community of people. Penn State, being known for its research, is what first piqued my interest. Then, touring the school and seeing the amazing camaraderie and opportunities solidified my decision that Penn State would be home.

How did you first learn about education abroad opportunities at Penn State and about the first abroad program in which you participated?

I first learned about education abroad when I was looking to see if I would be able to study abroad being a STEM major with specific prerequisites for medical school. I really learned about the opportunities in my freshman seminar when we were given a presentation on the opportunities for biology majors, specifically. My first program was BIOL 489: Biology of Eco-Health in Tanzania. During the end of my fall semester, I was set on the idea of studying abroad, and BIOL 489 was a course that I found very interesting when it was presented in the seminar. It is also a short-term trip that would not impact my plans during the school year, and I had already completed the prerequisites during my first semester!

Top piece of advice for students wanting to study abroad?

The biggest piece of advice that I have for any students wanting to study abroad is to make the leap! I know it can be scary to make that first step out of your comfort zone, but it will be the best experience of your life. You will meet the most amazing people and have experiences you could never imagine. I could not recommend it enough!