Introducing the Spring 2025 IFSA Student Marketing Correspondents
IFSA | Feb. 19, 2025
Meet Our Newest Roving Reporters
We’re thrilled to welcome a new group of students to share their stories from abroad during the Spring 2025 term. With words, photos, and the magic of social media, this talented group will take students back home in the U.S. along on their cultural journeys.
Follow IFSA on Instagram to take part, and learn more about this program, designed to help students defray study abroad costs and gain valuable experience.
Kathleen Baker | Notre Dame University | Finance | IFSA Study in Barcelona Programs in Spain.
“I chose to study abroad in Barcelona because of the Mediterranean culture and I knew I wanted to further enhance my Spanish language skills. I’m super excited to travel all over Europe and meet new friends!”
Zach DeGennaro | Skidmore College | Math, Music and German | University of Melbourne Partnership in Australia.
“This is my 4th time studying abroad. I wanted to study at the University of Melbourne because it allowed me to do a diverse range of classes. I also wanted to experience directly enrolling in a large school as my college is quite small.“
Joshua Delarosa | Grinnell College | Computer Science and Spanish | IFSA Mérida Universities Program in México.
“I chose the Mérida Universities Program because it was a great opportunity to learn more about the country my mom is from, improve my Spanish, and meet awesome people. Both universities (UADY & Modelo) also offer lots of classes on Hispanic & Latino literature, which is one of my biggest academic interests.”
Vy Doung | Trinity College | Political Science and Film Studies | University of Oxford Partnership in England.
“I chose to study abroad at Oxford because of its academic rigor that challenges me intellectually. I was also really impressed with its architecture and have been enjoying walking around the city to appreciate the scenery. I am already half-way through my program, but I still look forward everyday to meeting new people and learning new things.”
Tamzin Folz | Syracuse University | Music Business | University of Edinburgh Partnership in Scotland.
“I chose to study at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland because of the city’s rich history. I’m excited to explore Scotland and the greater UK, and to try local and traditional food.”
Ruti Sonia Isimbi | Scripps College | Data Science | IFSA Study In London in England.
“I chose to study abroad through IFSA because of the diverse classes they offer. I’m most excited about meeting new people and exploring different parts of Europe.“
Darin Jacks | Vanderbilt University | Math, Business and Creative Writing | University of New South Wales Partnership in Australia.
“I chose the UNSW Sydney Program because of my love for wildlife (especially sea-life) and my want to explore a part of the world that I had never been to (and is hard to get to). I’m excited to continue exploring Sydney’s wildlife and hopefully learn how to surf.“
Hannah Elle Kendzor | University of Wisconsin Madison | Biology and Psychology | University of Galway Partnership in Ireland.
“I chose the IFSA University of Galway Program because NUIG was one of my top schools when I was first applying to universities, so I was able to get the best of both worlds and experience both NUIG and my home university. I am most excited to travel, be immersed in new cultures, and meet new people.”
Ashley Nelson | Trinity College CT | Neuroscience and Latin American Studies | IFSA Study in Buenos Aires in Argentina.
“I chose this program because I want to immerse myself in Latin American culture while improving my Spanish and continuing my studies in Neuroscience from an Argentine perspective. I’m most excited to explore the country and make my own experience while learning from the local community and becoming more confident in my Spanish.”
Georgia Stewart | University of Michigan | Computer Science | IFSA Tech Career Accelerator in Prague, Czech Republic.
“I chose the Prague Tech Accelerator program since I believe working with local tech startups would be a valuable and unique experience. I am most excited to immerse myself in a culture for an extended period of time and meet new people in a new place!“
Japhy Theobald | Brandeis College | Biochemistry and Computer Science | University of Otago Partnership in New Zealand.
“I’m hoping to explore the wildlife of New Zealand as a lover of nature. I’m super excited to go to a part of the world I’ve never been before, engage with New Zealand’s history and it’s deep Māori roots, all while sharing my experience.”
Chihiro Tominaga | Kenyon College | International Studies, Spanish and Public Policy | Universidad Nacional Partnership in Costa Rica.
“I chose the Universidad Nacional partnership program in Costa Rica because I wanted to study alongside local students while immersing myself in the culture of a region I’ve never been to before. I am excited to meet new people while I’m there and to get to know myself more through this experience.“
Nicolas Vilches | Lewis & Clark College | Music and Hispanic Studies | IFSA Chilean Universities Program in Valparaiso.
“I chose the Valparaíso, Chile program both to fulfill my Spanish immersion requirements but also because my dad is from Chile and I’m hoping to connect with my heritage on a deeper level. I’m most excited about diving into the local music scene and forming friendships with other Chilean students, as well as solidifying my fluency in Spanish!”
Rachel Zhang | Georgetown University | International Affairs | IFSA Study in Shanghai in China.
“I’m in the Shanghai Social Sciences program, which I chose due to both my academic interests and family background. For my International Affairs major, I plan to declare a concentration related to Chinese culture and politics, so I can’t wait to take courses specific to Chinese politics while also learning through immersion! I also look forward to exploring Shanghai and China on my own for the first time, and learning about the country my parents come from.”