Introducing the Fall 2024 IFSA Student Marketing Correspondents

Marin Ackermann | Bates College | Politics and Latin American Studies | IFSA Chilean Universities Program in Santiago.

“I chose Chile because I wanted a better grasp on the Spanish language. This program also allows me to take classes at two different universities and have an internship for career development. I am super excited to see the amazing sites in Chile. My goal is to go to both Patagonia and Easter Island.”

Stephanie Boktor | Washington and Lee University | Neuroscience and Poverty and Human Capabilities | IFSA Seville Universities Program: UPO in Spain.

“I chose this IFSA program because I did a program in Valencia, Spain my sophomore year and really enjoyed my time there, so I wanted to continue improving my Spanish and immerse myself in a different part of the country. I am most excited for the experiences I will gain from traveling, new friendships, and exploring the culture!”

Emma Farnham | Colby College | Economics and Global Studies | IFSA University of St Andrews Partnership in Scotland

“I wanted to go to a university where I could not only continue to pursue my academic interests, but also become a part of a very special community. I am looking forward to sharing my journey!”

Diana Garcia | University of Minnesota | Marketing | IFSA Mérida Universities Program in Mexico  

“I chose this IFSA program because of the unique experiences it offers in the beautiful city of Mérida, Mexico. I am excited to immerse myself in Mexican local culture along with living and studying on the Rivera Mayan coast.”

Rosa García | Haverford College | Environmental Studies and Spanish | IFSA Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú Partnership in Peru

“IFSA’s program in Peru offers direct enrollment, allowing me to immerse myself in Spanish-speaking communities while gaining insight of my major through a Latin American perspective! I also want to explore Latin America as much as possible.”

Ella Greene | University of Alabama | Prelaw Criminal Justice | IFSA University of Limerick Partnership in Ireland

“I chose this program because of the classes offered at the university and the opportunities they have. I’m very excited to explore the city as well as Ireland as much as possible during my time abroad!”

Jessie Gross | Butler University | Data Science and Statistics | IFSA Tech Career Accelerator program in Prague, Czech Republic

“I chose IFSA in Prague because of the excellent computer science program, and the Czech Republic is a country I have not yet explored!”

Avery Lynch | Providence College | English | IFSA Queen’s University Belfast Partnership in Northern Ireland

“I chose to study abroad in Belfast through IFSA because of the endless opportunities the program provides its students. I am excited to document my travels and grateful that I will be able to share my experience with others.”

Owen McCurdy | Santa Clara University | Communications | IFSA Study in Barcelona program in Spain

“I selected Barcelona because it has always been on my bucket to immerse myself in the Spanish culture and I thought Barcelona would be the perfect place! I am most excited to meet new people and broaden my worldview.”

Robbie McKersie | University of Vermont | Mechanical Engineering | IFSA University of Canterbury Partnership in New Zealand

“The University of Canterbury program enables its students to become integrated into the Kiwi culture. I am excited to befriend other students from New Zealand and live in Christchurch. I look forward to the easy access to explore the Southern Alps and all the other natural wonders of New Zealand’s South Island.”

Leo Miller | Bentley University | Finance and Mandarin Chinese | IFSA Study in Shanghai: Intensive Chinese Language program in China

“I picked this program to improve my Chinese and learn more about Chinese history and culture. I hope to return speaking the language at a high level. I am most excited to explore the historic city of Shanghai and connect with classmates and locals.”

Penelope Paxon | Boston University | Psychology and Advertising | IFSA University of Edinburgh Partnership in Scotland

“I chose to study with IFSA because I wanted to expand my horizons and learn about the rich culture in the city of Edinburgh. I am excited to meet my peers and travel and explore together.”

Ella Sheehan | Duke University | Economics and Political Science | IFSA King’s College London Partnership in England 

“I selected this IFSA program because I can continue my studies in a new country while having a network of support. I am looking forward to meeting people from various places and traveling around.”

Lucy Sparks Mendez | Bryn Mawr College | Neuroscience and Creative Writing | IFSA Universidad de La Habana Partnership in Cuba

“I’m really excited to be studying abroad in Havana because I wanted a chance to develop my Spanish and because my family immigrated from Cuba. I’m eager to learn more about the country while abroad and I really hope I get a chance to cook with my host family to learn more Cuban recipes!”

Ryley Steggal | Oberlin College | Psychology and Law & Society | IFSA Trinity College Dublin Partnership in Ireland

“I chose this program because I wanted to take classes in multiple academic departments, and be able to explore both Ireland and Europe as a whole while I am there. I am most excited to be immersed in a completely different environment, and to learn about Ireland’s history and culture.”

Jaeda Tagoe | Northwestern University | Psychology and Chemistry | IFSA Study in Buenos Aires: Psychology and Neuroscience program in Argentina

“I chose this IFSA program because of its focus on psychology and neuroscience. I am really excited for the immersive experience I will have by living with a host family and navigating around the city.”

Isabela Tapperson | University of Minnesota | Math | IFSA University of Adelaide Partnership in New Zealand

“I chose to study with IFSA in Adelaide because of the direct enrollment that gave me access to a wide variety of technical classes and provides both support and an immersive experience. I have already had the chance to meet some wonderful people to do things with, but I am still excited to explore more of Australia and its culture, especially as we come out of winter!”

Ezra Tinsky | Georgetown University | Science, Technology, and International Affairs | IFSA Chilean Universities Program in Valparaíso

“I chose this IFSA program because I wanted a unique cultural experience that was as immersive as possible. I also wanted to improve my Spanish by getting to live with a Chilean family. I’m most excited to make new friends, both American and Chilean, as well as to explore the city, country, and continent as much as possible.”

Holly VanVoorhis | Whitman College | English | IFSA University of Galway Partnership in Ireland 

“I chose IFSA’s program in Galway because I wanted to continue my English studies with classes that focus in on older texts and offer insight into how physical setting can influence literature. I’m also excited to travel in and around Ireland and meet new people.”

Sebastiano Voicu | Trinity College | Economics and Math | IFSA University of Oxford, Worcester College Partnership in England

“I chose Oxford because it has great research opportunities and I want to challenge myself. I can’t wait to share videos with resources and activities for visiting students, as well as pictures of the university throughout all seasons.”

Benjamin Williams | Amherst College | Political Science and Chinese | IFSA Study in Shanghai: Social Sciences program in China

“I selected this IFSA program because of the freedom to explore that it offers and the opportunity to improve my Chinese. I’m most excited about making new friends and meeting new people in a country and culture diametrically opposed to my own. I also really love traveling, so I’m looking forward to explore as much of China as I can within this short time frame.”

Anya Williams-Phelps | Spelman College |  International Studies | IFSA University of Cambridge, Pembroke College Partnership in England

“This program allows me to study classics, a subject I am passionate about, while furthering my education and experience in international affairs and political science. I am excited to document and share my study abroad adventure!”