Study Abroad Student Interns
Meet the current Study Abroad student interns. Our interns have all participated in a Valpo approved study abroad program prior to working in our office. They are a great resource and often the first point of contact for students interested in studying abroad. Interested students are welcome to ask our interns about their experiences and for tips.
Grace Jendreas
Program: Kansai Gaidai University (KGU) Exchange
Term: Spring 2023
Major: Biology
Minor: TESOL
“Studying abroad gave me the chance to study in my dream location, Japan, which is not often available to biology majors. I’m also on track to graduate on schedule. This experience taught me that with enough determination, I can achieve my goals. Additionally, it sparked my passion for my minor and broadened my post-grad possibilities.”
Monze Gomez
Program: Asia Exchange – Seoul, South Korea
Term: Spring 2024
Major: International Business
Minor: International Relations
“Studying abroad allowed me to realize that I’m more capable than I thought. I went to Korea knowing only the very basics, but I was able to learn and adapt throughout my semester. If I had not been pushed out of my comfort zone, I would not have gotten to discover different parts about myself.”
Sami Jefferson
Program: Kansai Gaidai University (KGU) Exchange
Term: Fall 2024
Major: CVAD
“Japan is like a second home to me. Spending time there allowed me to explore the world and discover so many new things about myself. I’ve built new relationships, made new memories, explored new interests, and expanded my goals in life. If I had not spent a semester in Japan, I wouldn’t have been aware of just how many amazing opportunities there are around the world.”
Aiden Koch
Program: Valpo Study Center in Reutlingen, Germany
Term: Fall 2024
Major: Electrical Engineering
“Studying abroad has been one of the best experiences of my collegiate career. Not only do you experience a brand-new form of learning while being abroad, but the learning continues as you come home. Being able to fully appreciate your own culture is something you can only do after spending time in another!”
Hope Johnson
Program: Valpo Study Center Heredia, Costa Rica
Term: Spring 2024
Major: Theology and Spanish
“In Costa Rica I was blessed with many formative experiences through my classes, internship, and host family. I am the most grateful for the relationship that I built with my host family. They truly adopted me and we continued to get closer through eating meals together, watching movies, playing cards and going to family parties. This connection is not just for 5 months but is now a friendship for life.”