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: Global studies 
Studied abroad in: Milan, Italy at Cattolica - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC), spring 2025
Contact Maria

What was the most meaningful experience you had abroad? What made it so memorable? 
My most meaningful experience is still in course. I cannot pinpoint a specific thing, at least not yet, but I can say that experiencing so much cultural openness has forever changed the way I view the world. It was about being truly confronted with the complexity and grandness of the world and the way deep down we all ask the same questions and seek the same things in life.

What do you wish more people knew about the study abroad experience? 
I would like people to understand the importance of cultural awareness. Not just in terms of being savvy about cultural facts or history but how that is applied in practice. We are surrounded by opportunities to connect that we often ignore as being forced to do so really shows you that.

Why do you think Salve students should study abroad? 
Salve Regina students should study abroad to truly understand what it means to be a citizen of the world. You do not need to follow what others say the “study abroad experience” should be. You get to create your own game plan and set of expectations, within your budget and personality.

Major: Social work 
Studied abroad in: Dunedin, New Zealand – University of Otago, spring 2025 
Contact Emily

What was the most meaningful experience you had abroad? What made it so memorable? 
Being able to learn about the Māori people and their customs, beliefs, and then visiting culturally significant places like maraes (traditional meeting houses) and witnessing a traditional dance was truly beautiful. It reminded me of my nana's tribe back home, and it was special to have the opportunity to discuss the connections I had observed within their culture and mine with the tribal leaders. We shared many common beliefs, and it was refreshing to hear all that they had to share with me. Their knowledge and experiences are priceless, and having the opportunity to talk to people from across the world has been amazing.

What do you wish more people knew about the study abroad experience? 
It's not as scary as it seems! It's a lot to be away from home for a few months, and I know that stops students from going because they fear they'll become too homesick. I know everyone's different, and it depends on the country you're going to and whether or not you speak the language, but it's still such a priceless experience. People are often kinder than you'd expect and are willing to help you, ensuring your experience is amazing.

Why do you think Salve students should study abroad? 
Studying abroad is an amazing adventure that offers students a chance to learn and grow in so many ways! By immersing themselves in a new culture, students not only gain a fresh perspective on the world but also develop important skills such as cross-cultural communication and adaptability. It’s a fantastic way to learn new teaching styles, languages, and perspectives that you might not find at home. Plus, traveling abroad can boost your career prospects! It helps you expand your professional network and shows future employers that you’re open-minded, resourceful, and globally aware. In short, studying abroad adds a richness to life that goes far beyond the classroom experience.

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.

Major: Art history
Studied abroad in: Rome, Italy – American University of Rome, spring 2025
Contact Lily

What was the most meaningful experience you had abroad? What made it so memorable? 
People say that it’s often the journey that holds more significance than the destination. Some of my best experiences in Rome have been the “side quests” or the spontaneous little adventures that arose on my journey while navigating the Eternal City abroad. I would often find myself doing things just to do them or not, and declaring… “when in Rome.”

What do you wish more people knew about the study abroad experience? 
I would say that the study abroad office does a pretty good job of preparing students for a semester in another country. However, I can't stress enough how language courses helped me ease into the experience. I think understanding the language, culture, and history of the country/city helps you appreciate your time abroad a thousand times more. 

Why do you think Salve students should study abroad? 
There is much that seems distant and mysterious to young people: What am I going to do? How will I achieve my goals? Who or what will my guide be? The late, peripatetic Anthony Bourdain hinted at an important way forward, a road to find out. “Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you.”

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

What was the most meaningful experience you had abroad? 
This was my first solo trip to Italy. Previously, I had visited family in Rome and Spotorno with my parents, but this time I traveled with a close friend. It was the most liberating experience of my life. Navigating a new city and a language I wasn’t fluent in challenged me to grow my independence and build character. Italy had always been a dream destination, and exploring its cities on my own felt incredibly fulfilling. Without the familiar routine of traveling with my family, I was free to take paths I wouldn't normally choose, leading to countless cherished memories.

What do you wish more people knew about the study abroad experience? 
When you do research before studying abroad, such as looking at TikToks and reading articles from college students, they do know what they are talking about. I would look up what to pack on a weeklong trip exploring a city. I didn't think I would need things like a paper fan or carabiners to keep your zippers closed, turns out they would have come in super handy. From personal experience, take the advice you get and research you do to heart because 9/10 times it is highly useful information.

Why do you think Salve students should study abroad? 
The memories I have from studying abroad are some of the best I've made to date. The people I've met and the friends I grew closer to were what made those memories so special. The freedom of being on your own, doing what you want, and going where you want is the best feeling. I would say this a million times again - I highly suggest that you study abroad if you have the opportunity.