Global Ambassadors

Major: Psychology
Studied abroad in: Cork, Ireland – University College Cork, spring 2025
Contact Jessica

What was the most meaningful experience you had abroad? What made it so memorable? 
The most meaningful experience I had while abroad was getting to meet people from all over the world. While at UCC, I met people from other US States, as well as from Mexico, France, the Netherlands, and various other countries. It was truly an eye opening experience to get to swap stories about life with people who experienced it through different cultures and traditions. Studying abroad allowed for me to have so many meaningful conversations and meet people I now consider to be close friends that I will stay in touch with even after I leave Ireland, which is very special.

What do you wish more people knew about the study abroad experience? 
I wish more people knew that studying abroad is about more than just going to class or traveling around. It really is a time of fostering such personal growth and learning more about yourself. I definitely gained a lot of insight during my semester abroad and learned how to enjoy life in different ways from seeing how they live in Ireland. You also experience a new level of independence, which lends itself to great opportunities for personal growth as well.

Why do you think Salve students should study abroad? 
Salve students should study abroad because it is such a wonderful opportunity to create amazing memories and meet some wonderful people. It also is such a great way to grow as a person, as you have to step out of your comfort zone and navigate new territory. Being able to study in another country is such a wonderful privilege and a great way to take special courses that you wouldn't be able to get at a smaller school like Salve, as well as a way to travel around to new countries and see new cultures around the world. There really isn't anything like it and I would say I am definitely a better person now than I was before I had this opportunity.

Major: Elementary education 
Studied abroad in: London, England at St. Mary’s University, spring 2024 
Contact Fiona

What was the most meaningful experience you had abroad? What made it so memorable? 
Sitting in the cable cars above the River Thames with the group of Salve girls who also chose to study abroad at St. Mary's. The view of the city was breathtaking, and we just had a day full of London activities that we had all planned out. It was a surreal moment, and I just thought about how close I had gotten to these people that I shared a campus with at home. Without London and going abroad I would have never made these types of bonds. 

What do you wish more people knew about the study abroad experience? 
The people you meet on your trip will make your experience 10x better. Even if these people are from Salve or other countries, integrating and building these friendships away from home makes them so much more meaningful. Meeting people abroad who have the same interests as you will open so many doors and make the time away fly by.

Why do you think Salve students should study abroad? 
To gain confidence, make friends, and see a world outside of the United States. 

Major: Elementary and special education 
Studied abroad in: Limerick, Ireland - Mary Immaculate College, spring 2025
Contact Sofia

What was the most meaningful experience you had abroad? What made it so memorable? 
One of the most memorable experiences I had abroad was when I traveled around Italy for 10 days. I had gone to Rome and it was absolutely beautiful. Then I went to Florence and got to spend time with my friends who were studying there. It was so great to spend time with the people I missed so much and it was so cool to have them show me around their home base. While being in Italy I had taken day trips to Pisa and Siena and those were also so beautiful. I think getting to travel with my friends from other places was the best memory I had.  

What do you wish more people knew about the study abroad experience? 
That there is definitely a culture shock where ever you go but you get used to it so quick. It also is so normal to get homesick and wish to go home at first. I definitely had moments in the semester where I was homesick and wished I could have been with my friends in Newport. Take every moment you get to travel around. Don't hesitate. 

Why do you think Salve students should study abroad? 
Over the course of the semester I learned so much about myself that I did not know before. I got the opportunity to solo travel a lot which made me realize how independent I was. Looking back as I am about to leave I traveled to so many places that I would have never seen (Croatia, Malta, Paris, London, Krakow, Italy). I grew so much as a person even though first coming abroad can be hard you get so sad to leave at the end of the semester.