Meet with a science education abroad ambassador
and start planning your study abroad experience.
Open Study Abroad Walk-In Hours
In the lower level of Ritenour Building:
- Wednesdays 10:00 a.m.–noon (Nicole)
- Fridays 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. (Ariella)
If you're thinking about studying abroad—or researching or interning abroad—science education abroad ambassadors Nicole and Ariella can help find the best international experience for you and identify the next steps toward your global program.
Meet Our Student Ambassadors
Ariella Biney
Major, degree pursued: Biology
Minor(s): Global Health; Diversity and Inclusion in Human Health and Development
Education abroad experiences:
- BIOL 497: African Savannah Ecology (2021–2022)
- SC 475N: Anatomy in Italy (2023–2024)
Why Penn State?
I knew I wanted an institution that valued a strong sense of community among students and it’s also one of the most innovative schools on the research front
How I First Learned About Study Abroad
I happened upon education abroad by pure chance! I was walking by Huck Life Sciences one day and saw the mini abroad fair outside. After only a few minutes of learning about all the unique programs available to me, I knew I had to take the opportunity.
Top Piece of Advice for Students Wanting to Study Abroad
Study abroad is for everyone! No matter your year or major, exploring other cultures through engaging experiences will have a lasting impact on you and your future endeavors—so go apply!
Loren Nicole Foster
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 I First Learned About Study Abroad
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.