Area of Study: Ecosystems Science and Sustainability and Spanish
Where I Studied Abroad: Bocas del Toro, Panama
About Alyssa: Hello! My name is Alyssa and I am a Senior studying Ecosystem Science and Spanish. I studied abroad in Panama through SFS during summer 2023, and the program fit perfectly into what I love to do. I got to practice my Spanish while also learning about marine ecology which was super cool. My favorite parts of my program were snorkeling and getting to know the other people in my group. I believe that everyone can learn a lot about themselves by going abroad, and making people feel more comfortable with the process is something I am excited to do as an advisor!
Lilly Figueroa
Area of Study: Natural Resources Tourism
Where I Want to Study Abroad: Semester at Sea
About Lilly: Hiya! My name is Lilly - I am a Sophomore at Colorado State University studying Natural Resources tourism with a global concentration and a minor in the German language. I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad on the Spring 2024 Semester at Sea voyage. Ya Voyage 133! While abroad I traveled to ten different countries across three continents all while taking classes on a ship. While abroad I made connections with both fellow students and local people that will last a lifetime. I experienced a range of cultures via immersive field programs and interactive courses. I had a wide range of experiences including living with the Iban tribe in the Malaysian jungle, seeing the Taj Majal in India, dancing with Masai Mara people in Kenya, touring townships in South Africa, cooking and drumming with businesswomen in Ghana, and breaking fast with my host family in Morocco. I want to make it possible for other CSU rams to have these same life-changing experiences and to see the wonderful world we call home!
Hailey Graham
Area of Study: Psychology
Where I Studied Abroad: Lisbon, Portugal
About Hailey: I am a fourth year student majoring in psychology and double minoring in criminology and business administration. I studied abroad in Lisbon, Portugal in the fall of 2023 with API. While abroad, I took a Portuguese language class and a Portuguese history class that allowed me to interact with the locals and learn more about the history and architecture Portugal has to offer. I travelled to neighboring countries and met up with other friends abroad where I got to learn about many different cultures and customs.
Matt Orr
Area of Study: Human Development and Family Studies
Where I Studied Abroad: Sydney, Australia and Valencia, Spain
About Matt: Hi, I am a fourth-year student here at Colorado State majoring in Human Development and Family Studies with concentrations in Prevention and Intervention Studies as well as Early Childhood Professions. I studied abroad in spring 2023 at Macquarie University right outside of Sydney, Australia doing an exchange semester where I was able to fulfill the requirements of my HDFS focus. I was able to meet lifelong friends and fall in love with the beautiful city of Sydney while staying in the school housing. I was also able to travel all over the east coast of Australia as well as other Oceania, and Southeast Asian countries during my semester abroad. Throughout that experience, I was able to find a love for traveling, which made me decide to apply to be an ISA Intern in Valencia, Spain summer, of 2024. While there I interned at a youth psychology clinic that focused on multiple mediums of therapy. I was focused on traditional and group therapy where I worked hand and hand with a youth psychologist and a team of interns, administering therapy and creating therapeutic activities for the adolescents. I was able to gain essential Spanish language skills, living in a homestay, as well as working with the youth. This experience also allowed me to explore lots of amazing destinations in Europe and fully immerse myself in the Valencian community and culture. I am forever grateful for these experiences, and I'm so excited to help you get started with this experience.
Colin Wrasman
Area of Study: Mathematics and Business Administration
Where I Studied Abroad: Hirakata, Japan
About Colin: Hi, Everyone! My name is Colin. I'm a 3rd year business major here at CSU, and I am a Marine Corps veteran. I just recently completed a semester abroad in Japan, and it was such an amazing experience! I met people from very unique backgrounds and made so many lasting memories, from exploring the Japanese countryside and big city life to making great conversation with the small shop owners despite the language barrier (it really helped me practice my Japanese!). I was able to travel to both China and Taiwan and check off some bucket list items while I was there. Seeing the Great Wall was amazing, but probably my favorite was riding a scooter around northern Taiwan (HIGHLY recommend, just be safe). In my free time, I love getting out and being active; I love taking pictures and just sitting in a quiet place outside and taking in the energy and the scenery, and I'll do just about anything to catch a good sunset. My goal as a peer advisor is to make sure you have all the resources you need to go have the best experience you possibly can, as well as make the process as reassuring as possible so you don't have to stress about getting where you're going. Studying abroad can seem like a really daunting experience, but I'm here to help! Just like I tell my friends, my door is always open.
Mihrat Kenore
Area of Study: Finance and International Business
Where I Studied Abroad: Verona, Italy
About Mihrat: Heyy:)) My name is Mihrat Kenore, and I am a third-year Finance & International Business student. During the fall semester of 2023, I studied abroad with USAC at Instituto Universitario Salesiano Venezia in Verona, Italy. My time abroad stands out as one of my most cherished experiences. I was able to travel throughout Europe and visit countries I never dreamed I would be able to visit at this stage in my life. It gave me a chance to explore different cultures, people, food, and lifestyles firsthand while enhancing my education. I was able to network and build new relationships with other students and teachers, specifically my three roommates who made my study abroad experience exciting and feel at home. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity and look forward to helping other students on their path to this life-changing experience.
Brooke Painter
Area of Study: Economics and International Studies
Where I Studied Abroad: Lobitos, Peru and Barcelona, Spain
About Brooke: Hey! I am a Junior in Economics and International Studies with an International Development minor. I was fortunate enough to study abroad twice and had amazing, but different experiences with both programs. The first time was over winter break 2021 with the CSU Engineering department to Lobitos, Peru where I worked with EcoSwell, an NGO who focuses on environmental protection and sustainable development. I learned so much from this program and it was one of the reasons I changed my major (which was a fantastic thing for myself). The second time was during Summer 2023 with SAI to Barcelona, Spain where I attended classes at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. I got to practice Spanish, learned that I loved living in another country, and met some amazing people! Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth and I cannot recommend it enough!
Carrigan Grow
Area of Study: Art
Where I Studied Abroad: Florence, Italy
About Brooke: Cheers! I’m Carrigan Grow. I am from North Carolina working towards my BFA in painting at CSU. I had the privilege to continue studying art in Italy, Spring of 2023. It enriched every part of my art education to experience the rich history face to face. I was able to explore my interests deeper, get to know culture and history more fully, and ask questions I never thought to ask. Studying abroad allowed me a window into a different perspective of life, and a reflection onto my own.
Karen Rodriguez
Area of Study: Ethnic Studies and Sociology with a minor in Legal Studies
Where I Studied Abroad: Morroco and Spain
About Karen: Hi!! My name is Karen Rodriguez and I am a junior at CSU double majoring in Ethnic Studies and Sociology with a minor in legal studies! I have had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad twice during my time at CSU. I first studied abroad in Morroco in the winter break of 2022 with a staff and faculty-led program through TRIO Student Support Services that focused on Education and Culture. This experience was life-changing because it allowed me to learn a new language, experience a new culture, and create unforgettable memories. I also was able to study abroad in the Fall of 2024 in Madrid, Spain. This experience allowed me to visit various countries in Europe, live a city lifestyle, and discover more about myself and my career. These experiences have been life-changing for me, especially as a first-generation student and as a peer advisor, I want to encourage all students to study abroad. Studying abroad is meant for everyone and is possible which is why I’m super excited to help any and all start their journey!
