Meet with a science education abroad ambassador
and start planning your study abroad experience.
Open Study Abroad Advising Appointments
In 124 Ritenour Building and on Zoom
Schedule an Appointment with Yohana
If you're thinking about studying abroad—or researching or interning abroad—science education abroad ambassadors Yohana, Luke, and Tito can help find the best international experience for you and identify the next steps toward your global program.
Meet Our Student Ambassadors
Yohana Gabriel
Major: Biology (General Biology option)
Email: yvg5293@psu.edu
Completed Education Abroad Programs:
BIOL 489: Biology of Ecohealth in Tanzania (Maymester)
ISI Florence Biology Track (Spring Semester)
Why Penn State?
I chose Penn State because of large campus community, school spirit, and the availability of academic resources and supportive network.
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 the education abroad opportunities through an Eberly Education Abroad Ambassador’s presentations at my first-year seminar. I then researched some more on the website and scheduled a meeting with Joel to learn more. The first program I participated in was during Maymester through BIOL 489: Biology of Ecohealth in Tanzania.
Top piece of advice for students wanting to study abroad?
Step outside of your comfort zone and keep an open mind!
Luke Toups
Majors: Forensic Science and Premedicine
Email: slt5770@psu.edu
Completed Education Abroad Programs:
Dublin Physics Program, Ireland (Summer)
University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia (Spring Semester)
CRCC Tokyo Internship (Summer)
Local Research or Internship experience: Research under Dr. Jamal Essayli to assist in studies involving eating disorders, specifically anorexia and ADHD.
Why Penn State?
I chose Penn State because it had everything that I was looking for in a university. The Forensic Science program here is one of the best in the nation. Additionally, I also knew that I wanted to study abroad, so having strong international opportunities was important to me. Finally, the strong community around Penn State made me feel at 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 Penn State’s study abroad opportunities through my own research, but my real introduction came when I met Joel at Welcome Day. I thought my options as a forensic science student would be limited, but I quickly learned that wasn’t the case. Since then, I’ve studied abroad three times - and counting!
Top piece of advice for students wanting to study abroad?
My biggest piece of advice is to just go for it! Studying abroad, you will encounter so many opportunities and experiences that may be outside your typical comfort zone, and although it may seem scary, those moments are often the most memorable and rewarding.
Tito Vidal
Major: Biology, with Psychology minor
Email: rcv5123@psu.edu
Completed Education Abroad Programs:
BIOL 497: African Savannah Biology in Kenya (Winter Break)
SC 475N: Anatomy in Italy (Spring Break)
BIOL 499A: Tropical Field Ecology in Costa Rica (Winter Break)
Local Research or Internship experience: I work in Josh Gross's Lab with peptide research. I also worked in a lab in Jefferson Hospital studying imatinib's use for MCAS patients under Dr. Christian Fidler.
Why Penn State?
I chose Penn State for college because it had the culture I was looking for, great programs, lots of research labs, fun sports, and the ability to explore myself through the many opportunities that are available here.
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 it before committing to PSU at a fair where I met Joel Waters and learned of all the amazing study abroad opportunities at Penn State.
Top piece of advice for students wanting to study abroad?
Take the trip. You'll never regret the travels you did, only the ones you talked yourself out of. The anxiety fades away but the story stays with you for good.