Helping Students Explore the World
FGCU Study Abroad Mentors
Our mentors have walked the same path you're on now. They explored their options, chose to study abroad and found programs that aligned with their academic and professional goals. Now, as study abroad mentors, they are eager to share their insights and experiences with you.
Already studied abroad and would like to become a peer mentor? Apply Now
Adriana
Major: Marketing
Type of Study Abroad: FGCU Faculty-led Program
Country visited:
1. Faculty-led Study Abroad to Ecuador and Bolivia during summer in 2023. While in Bolivia I visited La Paz and Lake Titicaca. While in Ecuador I visited Quito, Cotopaxi, Otovalo, and Baños.
2. Faculty Led Study Abroad to Peru during summer 2024. While in Peru I visited Lima, a Iquitos, Amazon, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu.
Scholarships: Perez Scholarship
"My study abroad experience is one that I will be forever grateful for. I have memories that I will cherish forever and learning experiences that have helped me define myself as a person. I studied Spanish and took a colloquium course while abroad. Some unique experiences that I’ve had span from climbing an active volcano, jumping into the Amazon river, trying Cuy (guinea pig), swinging in a cloud forest, and climbing to the top of Machu Picchu!"
"My favorite memories would be talking to the locals and getting to know each place I visited. Each day, I made it a point to check in with my family back home daily and take a moment to reflect on how far I've come in making my dreams a reality. I could not have been more happy with my experience studying abroad with FGCU and would 100% recommend it to anyone wanting to travel and experience what the world has to offer."
Type of housing: Homestay, I have also stayed in hostels, field stations, and hotels.
Topics I can help with: Applying for study abroad scholarships, Budgeting while abroad, Navigating cultural differences, Making new friends, Using public transportation, Building foreign language proficiency, Open to any questions
How to Contact Adriana:
ahall1038@eagle.fgcu.edu
Instagram: adventures_with_adriana
Malia
Major: Public Health
Type of Study Abroad: FGCU Faculty-led Program
Country visited: Life in Peru, Summer 2024. Lima, Iquitos, Ollantaytambo, Aguascalientes, the Amazon
We stayed at field stations in the Amazon with project Amazonas and went on hikes and boat rides to observe and interact with wildlife. We saw dolphins swimming in the river and saw so so many bird species including macaws and toucans. On our night boat ride we also saw glass frogs and caimans. We also stopped at Island of the Monkeys outside Iquitos which was unreal and they have 7 species of monkeys throughout the rescue. We went on a tour and the monkeys followed us around, one jumped on my head and another climbed up for me to hold it. We also got to climb the smaller mountain next to machu picchu and visit many historical sites and learn about the culture and history
Type of housing: Hostels, tambos, dorms, hotels
Topics I can help with: Budgeting while abroad, Understanding personal identity abroad, Making new friends, Using public transportation, Open to any questions
How to Contact Malia:
Emails: mhford1893@eagle.fgcu.edu
maliaford04@gmail.com
snapchat: malia.ford04
Melanie
Major: Finance
Type of Study Abroad: Education Abroad Provider-Direct Enrollment
Program Provider: Sant’Anna Institute
Country visited: Sorrento, Italy, Summer II
"I took two classes about Italian history, one was History of the Mafia and the other was History and Culture of Italian Food. I made some amazing friends here and saw some amazing places."
Type of housing: Residence Hall/Dormitory
Topics I can help with: Budgeting while abroad, Planning independent travel, Navigating cultural differences, Understanding personal identity abroad, Making new friends, Using public transportation, Open to any questions
How to Contact Melanie:
mnwilson9126@eagle.fgcu.edu
Instagram: _m.wilson_
Bethllenix
Major: Political Science
Type of Study Abroad: Education Abroad Provider- Direct Enrollment
Program Provider: University of Pécs
Country visited: Pécs, Hungary
I studied abroad at the University of Pécs located in the city Pécs, Hungary. I studied for 5 months there for the Spring 2024 term. I applied directly with the University of Pécs and took courses signed up through them. The University of Pécs had various faculties which students were assigned to according to their major. My major was political science so I was assigned to the Faculty of Humanities and Social sciences.
Internship: Yes
Scholarships: Gilman Scholarship, Perez Scholarship, Global Learning Grant
I studied political science and took 3 in-person classes at the University of Pecs. A unique experience I was able to do abroad was a social media internship where I posted on one of the University of Pecs instagram accounts for 5 months. I made content in the form of videos, stories, and regular posts. I posted twice a week and would make content focused on the city of Pecs and student life. My favorite memory was my roommate walking with me to the city center for my first time on the second day I arrived.
Type of housing: Residence Hall/Dormitory
Topics I can help with: Applying for study abroad scholarships, Budgeting while abroad, Planning independent travel, Using public transportation. Open to any questions
How to Contact Bethllenix:
bazubieta1078@eagle.fgcu.edu
Victoria
Major: Accounting
Type of Study Abroad: Education Abroad Provider
Program Provider: TEAN (The Education Abroad Network by WorldStrides)
Country visited: South Korea
Scholarships: Global Learning Grant
During my study abroad experience in Korea, I focused on international relations. One unique experience was speaking at a Korea University UNESCO meeting, which was both challenging and rewarding. My favorite memory was going dolphin watching on Jeju Island; it was truly magical. On a daily basis, convenience store food runs were a must in my nightly routine. I also made it a point to follow and listen to the locals, as they know the city of Seoul the best and tend to avoid the touristy spots. Some of my favorite local recommendations included Hapjeong (near Hongdae), Jamsil for food, Mangwon-dong for cafés, and World Cup Stadium Station for breathtaking sunset views and great biking paths (Seoul has an excellent public biking rental service)
Type of housing: Residence Hall/Dormitory
Topics I can help with: Planning independent travel, Navigating cultural differences, Understanding personal identity abroad, Using public transportation, Building foreign language proficiency, Open to any questions
How to Contact Victoria:
Instagram: mmfanxy
Email: vgeorges8581@eagle.fgcu.edu
Lindsay
Major: Marketing
Type of Study Abroad:
Education Abroad Provider Program
Program Provider: USAC (Universities Study Abroad Consortium)
Country visited: Spain
Scholarships: Gilman Scholarship, Fund for Education Abroad, Perez Scholarship.
I had the opportunity to turn my dream to life by surfing in another country.
Type of housing: Apartment, Homestay
Topics I can help with: Applying for study abroad scholarships, Budgeting while abroad, Planning independent travel, Living with a host family, Navigating cultural differences, Understanding personal identity abroad, Making new friends, Using public transportation, Building foreign language proficiency, Open to any questions
How to Contact Lindsay:
lpohlman2029@eagle.fgcu.edu
Sarah
Major: Environmental Studies
Type of Study Abroad: FGCU Faculty-led Program
Country visited: Peru
In Peru, we focused on the theme of "Life in Peru". During our visits to Lima, Iquitos, the Amazon, and to Cusco, we learned about the connection between environmental topics and human life. Being with a large group of like-minded students was a great experience, especially for someone like me who has never traveled internationally. The best experience in my opinion was getting to see Machu Picchu. We were able to hike the ruins and see one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Type of housing: Hotels and hostels
Topics I can help with: Planning independent travel, Navigating cultural differences, Understanding personal identity abroad, Making new friends, Using public transportation, Building foreign language proficiency, Open to any questions
How to Contact Sarah:
Email: smeyster6427@eagle.fgcu.edu
John
Major: Entrepreneurship
Type of Study Abroad: Education Abroad Provider Program
Country visited: Spain (Granada)
Provider: Arcos Learning Abroad
I Studied the Spanish language in granada from June 1 to June 28 in 2024, and backpacked around Europe for a month after, returning on July 29. I Traveled to Lagos, Lisbon, Sevilla, Malaga, Los Açores, Madrid, Barcelona, in Spain and London, United Kingom. My favorite part was staying with a Spanish family for all of June, where I was immersed in the Spanish culture and picked up the language much quicker than I otherwise would have. I met a lifelong friend in my house mate from Texas, and my classes were also amazing. The whole experience really did change my life and i can’t describe how grateful I am to have had this opportunity.
Type of housing: Homestay
Topics I can help with: Budgeting while abroad, Planning independent travel, Living with a host family, Navigating cultural differences, Understanding personal identity abroad, Making new friends, Building foreign language proficiency, Open to any questions, General advise about studying abroad
How to Contact John:
Email: jrking3285@eagle.fgcu.edu
Snapchat: jking404999
Cameron
Major: History/ French Minor
Type of Study Abroad: Education Abroad Provider
Country Visited: France (summer session June2024)
Provider: API Abroad
I was in a B1.1 level French course at the Institut Catholique de Paris. I stayed in an apartment with a roommate in the 6th Arrondissement of Paris, which was a short walk to my university, but oftentimes when I would meet up with friends, I often took the metro or the RER. I loved adjusting to life in Paris, there's so much to do; one of my favorite memories was exploring the city with my friends on the night of Fête de la Musique, when there was music and dancing on every street in Paris.
Type of Housing: Apartment
Topics I can help with: French Language, Using public transportation, Open to any general study abroad questions, Navigating cultural differences
Contact Information:
Addison
Major: Environmental Studies
Type of Study Abroad: Education abroad Provider Program
Location: French Riviera, France
Provider: CEA CAPA
Internship: None
I studied abroad for an entire Spring Semester and was in France for about five months. Attending a French-speaking school allowed me to improve my proficiency in the French language. My experience in France allowed me to also travel to a different country almost every weekend.
Type of Housing: Apartment
Topics I can help with:
Planning independent travel, Navigating cultural differences, Understanding personal identity abroad, Making new friends, Using public transportation, Building foreign language proficiency, Open to any questions, General advise about studying abroad
How to contact Addisohn:
amwileman5995@eagle.fgcu.edu
instagram: amwileman
Sophia
Major/Minor: Political science with a minor in Global Studies
Type of Study Abroad: Education Abroad Provider
Country visited: South Korea, Seoul, Summer 2024
Program Provider: USAC
"I studied Korean Politics at a prestigious university in South Korea and did many activities in Seoul. The school brought us to the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace and my favorite memory was getting Korean Barbecue at 2 am after a fun night out. I always grabbed coffee at the popular chain near the dorms on my way to class and meeting up with friends to try new restaurants for dinner."
Type of housing: Residence Hall/Dormitory
Topics I can help with: Budgeting while abroad, Planning independent travel, Making new friends, Using public transportation, General advise about studying abroad
How to Contact Sophia:
siregui8267@eagle.fgcu.edu
Emily
Major/Minor: Psychology & Neuroscience & Cognition Concentration/French Minor
Type of Study Abroad: Education Abroad Provider, Spring 2024 Semester
Program Provider: TEAN(The Education Abroad Network by WorldStrides), Seoul, Korea University, South Korea
Country visited: Seoul, South Korea
Scholarships: Gilman Scholarship, Global Learning Grant, TEAN Global Opportunity (Full Ride) Scholarship
“I studied at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea, for the Spring 2024 semester, and I took psychology and neuroscience courses along with Korean language courses. Outside of my classes, I found many ways to make the most of my time in South Korea, as it was also my first time traveling outside of America. Korea University offers a buddy program to help international students adapt to life in Korea by pairing them with a mentor and a group of other Korean mentors and international students. Because of this program, I could adapt more easily and make friends from all around the world. Public transportation is cheap and efficient, so it was easy to travel around Seoul and explore different areas during my free time. I enjoyed music concerts, museums, karaoke, trying new restaurants, visiting pop-up events, and cafe-hopping, among many other activities. One of my favorite memories was being able to travel to Jeju Island. It was my first time fully solo traveling, and I was able to take in the unique beauty of the island."
You can read more on the TEAN blog about my experience.
Type of housing: Residence Hall/Dormitory
Topics I can help with: Applying for study abroad scholarships, Planning independent travel, Navigating cultural differences, Understanding personal identity abroad, Making new friends, Using public transportation, Building foreign language proficiency, Open to any questions, General advise about studying abroad
How to Contact Emily:
Instagram: @emilyroseval_
ejvaldovinos2713@eagle.fgcu.edu
Victor
Major/Minor: Communication / Spanish / Interdisiplinary Studies
Type of Study Abroad: FGCU Faculty-Led
Country Visited: Campeche, Mexico (Spring 2023)
During our trip to Campeche, Mexico 11 other students and I lived with host families. We learned about the history of Campeche and its people. We also immersed ourselves in the local culture, always speaking Spanish, eating local dishes, and learning a traditional dance. We also spent time at a local orphanage playing games and singing songs with the kids. I still communicate with my host family from time to time, sharing life achievements and news with each other.
Type of housing: Homestay
Topics I can help with: Living with a host family, Navigating cultural differences, Building foreign language proficiency, Applying to FGCU Faculty Led Programs, General advise about studying abroad
How to Contact Victor: vdearmas2389@eagle.fgcu.edu
Jayden
Major/Minor: Political Science MAJOR & Economics MINOR
Type of Study Abroad: Direct Enrollment with Sant’Anna Institute
Sant'Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy YEAR ABROAD
Currently in Italy Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
Scholarships: Honors Development Fund
From the beautiful streets lined with businesses, the wonderful food, the school overlooking Marina Grande, and the local hospitality Sorrento offers, there is so much to see and do here. I take classes like History of the Mafia, Italian, Italian Food and Culture, International Organization, and The Connection of New York and Naples. As you walk the streets you can interact with locals, passing by endless fruit stands, smelling the meats and cheeses from the store fronts you pass by, the sound of music, and the feeling of home the entire time. Expect to always be greeted with a smile. Expect to always have something to do. Expect to always have the best view possible.
Type of housing: Residence Hall/Dormitory, Homestay
Topics I can help with: Visa applications for Italy. Applying for study abroad scholarships, Budgeting while abroad, Making new friends, Using public transportation, Building foreign language proficiency, Open to any questions, General advise about studying abroad
How to Contact Jayden: jtopper3896@eagle.fgcu.edu
INSTAGRAM: Jayden_Opper
Alora
Psychology major with Education and Political Science minors
Type of Study Abroad: Education Program Provider
Program Provider: AIFS Abroad
Country Visited: South Korea
I spent the summer of 2024 studying in Seoul, South Korea, participating in a month-long program that included two in-person courses. I took Korean Language 1 and Meditative Practice, where we explored the psychology of the mind and learned how meditation can help reduce stress, particularly for athletes. Some of my favorite memories include excursions to N Seoul Tower, visiting the border between North and South Korea, attending a NANTA cooking comedy show, and exploring the vibrant city. Every day, I made it a point to discover as much as possible and engage in conversations with locals, whether in English or my limited Korean. One of the highlights was visiting Jeju Island, which felt more rural and natural compared to the city, and I had the chance to meet many interesting people from around the globe.
Type of housing: Residence Hall/Dormitory
Topics I can help with: Applying for study abroad scholarships, Budgeting while abroad, Navigating cultural differences, Understanding personal identity abroad, Making new friends, Using public transportation, Building foreign language proficiency, Open to any questions, General advise about studying abroad
How to Contact Alora:aeblack1991@eagle.fgcu.edu
Instagram: a_garden_snake
