Study Abroad Ambassador Program
The main goals of the Ambassador Program are to encourage students from all backgrounds and majors to study abroad, and to increase support for students exploring and preparing for programs abroad.
ETSU students - if you would like to be matched with an ambassador for peer mentoring, please complete this form . Note: peer mentoring is available but may be limited during academic breaks.
Fall 2026 Ambassadors
Kailey Adkisson
Major/Minor: Health Administration, Communicative Disorders
Study Abroad Program(s): WorldStrides summer program in Morocco
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: Talk to the locals! The people you meet can make your experience more meaningful than the places you visit.
Fun fact: My favorite band is Red Hot Chili Peppers!
Allison Brewer
Major/Minor: Public Health, Ethics
Study Abroad Program(s): American College of Greece semester exchange in Greece; ETSU Faculty-Led summer programs in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: If it makes you scared you should probably do it. It's good to push yourself into discomfort when you can grow from it.
Fun fact: When I was 11, I had a size 11 shoe.
Chloe Campbell
Major/Minor: International Affairs, Journalism
Study Abroad Program(s): ETSU Faculty-Led summer programs in India, France, and the United Kingdom
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: While abroad, make an effort to talk to absolutely everyone! Don’t be afraid of cultural barriers, just be respectful and you’ll learn SO much.
Fun fact: I’ve played the fiddle for over fifteen years!
Raina Desai
Major/Minor: Biology, Culture and Health
Study Abroad Program(s): ETSU Faculty-Led programs in the United Kingdom, Guatemala, Morocco, and Mexico; WorldStrides semester in Spain
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: Plan activities that you’re interested in when abroad, but don't be afraid to explore without a plan! Sometimes the best experiences happen spontaneously.
Fun fact: I love tea and bring home local teas whenever I travel!
Mollyemma Edington
Major/Minor: History
Study Abroad Program(s): ETSU Faculty-Led summer programs in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Ghana
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: Don't let your fear of flying stop you from studying abroad. Also, ask the locals what food you should try because they will all have awesome recommendations.
Fun fact: I have a twin sister, and I love KFC.
Grant Himel
Study Abroad Ambassador Leader - Mentoring & Research
Major/Minor: Marketing, Japanese
Study Abroad Program(s): Kansai Gaidai semester exchange in Japan; ETSU Faculty-Led program in Ecuador; Absolute Internship program in Singapore
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: Create an interesting life for yourself and take opportunities, risks, whatever life throws at you.
Fun fact: I can speak 6+ languages, I love cooking dishes from all over the world, and I've spent over 6 months of my life abroad.
Jared Huff
Study Abroad Ambassador Leader - Events
Major/Minor: Management, Japanese, Global Citizen Scholars, Legal Studies
Study Abroad Program(s): ETSU Faculty-Led program in France; Short-Term program at Harlaxton College; Portugal Internship
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: Enjoy the mundane and normal things in life.
Fun fact: I have visited over 35 countries!
Alexis Jaquez
Major/Minor: Media and Communication, Foreign Languages, Global Citizen Scholars
Study Abroad Program(s): ETSU Faculty-Led summer programs in Japan and France; Kansai Gaidai University semester exchange in Japan
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: Make friends wherever you go! You never know what adventures they’ll lead you to.
Fun fact: I’ve competed in a film festival!
Sarah Joseph
Major/Minor: Biomedical Health Sciences, Spanish for the Professions
Study Abroad Program(s): ETSU Faculty-Led summer programs in Italy and Australia
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: You'll never regret the chance to experience something new.
Fun fact: I sing in a jazz choir!
Armita Kordamiri
Major/Minor: Biomedical Health Sciences, Culture & Health
Study Abroad Program(s): ETSU Faculty-Led summer programs in France and Brazil, winter break programs in Guatemala and Panama, and spring break in Morocco
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: Don't let your fear of failing turn into regret of never trying.
Fun fact: I am a dance choreographer!
Olivia Grace Lamb
Major/Minor: Media & Communication, English
Study Abroad Program(s): WorldStrides summer program in Peru
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: It will never be cheaper for you to travel than it is in college, SO GO FOR IT!!
Fun fact: I'm an old lady at heart, with a love for crocheting and reading!
Madison Lankford
Major/Minor: Management
Study Abroad Program(s): American College of Greece semester exchange program
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: The best memories happen outside your comfort zone!
Fun fact: I was on a billboard and commercial as a kid!
River McLaws
Major/Minor: Rehabilitative Health Sciences, Spanish for the Professions, Psychology
Study Abroad Program(s): TnCIS Faculty-Led summer program in Spain
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: Just go for it! And keep an open mind.
Fun fact: I have been playing the cello since I was 13.
Peyton Minnick
Major/Minor: Graduate school - Computer Science
Study Abroad Program(s): Direct-enroll faculty-led summer programs in Spain and Austria; Summer internship in Portugal
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: Don’t ever feel afraid about taking the opportunity to study abroad. You may feel nervous, but this is probably your best time in your life to travel. Just go for it, and you won’t regret it.
Fun fact: I graduated from Northeast State with five associate degrees.
Garrett Moore
Major/Minor: Digital Media
Study Abroad Program(s): ETSU Faculty-Led summer program in Japan
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: Don't be afraid to go out on solo-trips while you study abroad. Some of my favorite memories of studying abroad were trips that I planned the travel, lodging, sightseeing, and food for! At the same time, part of the fun of the adventure can be in being spontaneous, and I have great memories of food that I just thought looked good and chose at random versus looking for restaurants on my phone.
Fun fact: When I studied abroad in France I took a train trip to Mont Saint-Michel, but didn't realize the train split into two trains. I ended up in Granville, France. I was able to rebook my train for a few hours later, and was able to enjoy the beautiful coastal town of Granville which I didn't plan on going to whatsoever.
Aarna Patel
Major/Minor: Biomedical Health Sciences, World Languages
Study Abroad Program(s): ETSU Faculty-Led summer program in the United Kingdom, spring break in Morocco, and winter break in India; API summer program in Argentina
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: Shake off those nerves and make friends with a local! I've made so many unforgettable friendships in all parts of the world by just reaching out and staying curious.
Fun fact: I applied for my first passport when I was 3 days old!
Quinn Pialet
Major/Minor: Graphic Design, Criminal Justice
Study Abroad Program(s): WorldStrides semester in Italy; Summer internship in Japan
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: Learn some of the language before you arrive! It goes a long way.
Fun fact: I used to be able to ride a unicycle.
Savanna Shaw
Major/Minor: Biology, Psychology
Study Abroad Program(s): ETSU Faculty-Led in India
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: You can be afraid and still do it anyway. Don’t let fear stop you from seeing the world!
Fun fact: I spent two months in New Zealand working with kiwi birds.
Galina Wearing
Major/Minor: English, Communication Studies, Global Citizen Scholars
Study Abroad Program(s): ETSU Faculty-Led winter break programs in the UK & France, summer programs in Ecuador & France; American College of Greece semester exchange
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: Lean into your curiosity! It's how the best stories happen.
Fun fact: I collect vinyl!
Adeline Wilson
Major/Minor: Rehabilitative Health Sciences, Healthcare Foundations
Study Abroad Program(s): WorldStrides semester in Spain
Advice for students interested in studying abroad: Get lost! On free days abroad you should wander without a plan. You might find a cute cafe, a hidden bookstore, or a monument you’ll never forget.
Fun fact: I love to go hiking and camping!
Application
Apply to be an Ambassador here!
Eligibility
- Must be a current ETSU student in any major and year who will be enrolled during the Fall 2026 semester
- Graduate and pre-professional students are welcome to apply
- Must have studied abroad at the college level through an ETSU-approved program
- At this time, the program is only open to students who are or will be located in or near Johnson City in Fall 2026
- A maximum of 20 students will be accepted into the program, including up to 4 leadership positions
- Leadership positions are only open to students who have previously served as a Study Abroad Ambassador
Roles & Commitment
- Study Abroad Blue Ambassador
- 1 semester commitment
- 10 hours per semester, including monthly group meetings and trainings
- $250 scholarship, half disbursed at the beginning of the semester and half disbursed at the end of the semester
- Study Abroad Gold Ambassador
- 1 semester commitment
- 20 hours per semester, including monthly group meetings and trainings
- $500 scholarship, half disbursed at the beginning of the semester and half disbursed at the end of the semester
Leadership Positions
- Leadership positions are only open to students who have previously served as a Study Abroad Ambassador
- Commitment
- 1 semester commitment
- 30 hours per semester, including monthly group meetings and trainings
- Each leadership position will serve as a contact point between other Ambassadors and the Education Abroad Office. Leaders will help organized efforts in their designated area, lead meetings related to their designated area, and work with other leaders on coordinated projects
- $750 scholarship, half disbursed at the beginning of the semester, half disbursed at the end of the semester
What You'll Receive
- A scholarship of $250, $500, or $750, depending on your role, with half disbursed at the beginning of the semester and half disbursed at the end of the semester
- Leadership, student service, and professional development opportunities
- A supportive team and community
- The ability to work on student-led projects
- A space to share your study abroad experiences with others
Example Activities
- Tabling
- Briefly presenting at info sessions & predeparture meetings
- Helping with Study Abroad Fair & other events
- Meeting with students 1-1 or in small groups to answer questions and share advice
- Social media
- Designing marketing materials
- Research & resource creation
- Propose your own projects or activities
Former Study Abroad Ambassadors
-
2023-2024
Fall 2023
- Rebekah Allen
- Grace Almann-Camacho
- Kimia Ataran
- Alexa Barker
- Kate Boundy
- Lindsay Burns
- Kennedy Hunt
- Kacey Lefevers
- Finnigan Shirley
- Dylan Singleton
- Alyssa Taylor
- Sydney Wilder
- Natalie Wilson
Spring 2024
- Rebekah Allen
- Grace Almann-Camacho
- Kimia Ataran
- Grace Beecher
- Sarah Blevins
- Kate Boundy - Marketing Leader
- Haley Carter
- Nick Derusha
- Blakeley Griffin
- Kelsey Guy
- Kennedy Hunt - Ambassador Leader
- Olivia Rogers
- Finn Shirley
- Dylan Singleton
- Camden Smolter
- Alyssa Taylor
- Syd Walter
- Sydney Wilder - Events Leader
- Natalie Paige Wilson - Mentoring & Research Leader
-
2024-2025
Fall 2024
- Kimia Ataran
- Grace Beecher - Mentoring & Research Leader
- Sarah Blevins
- Kate Boundy - Marketing Leader
- Dani Bradley
- Mary Brown
- Haley Carter
- Raina Desai
- Kelsey Guy
- Grant Himel
- Kyla Jernigan
- Jaedyn Joyner
- Jonathan Roberts
- Olivia Rogers
- Dylan Singleton
- Camden Smolter
- Hailey Story
- Alyssa Taylor
- Syd Walter
- Sydney Wilder - Events Leader
Spring 2025
- Kimia Ataran
- Grace Beecher - Mentoring & Research Leader
- Sarah Blevins
- Kate Boundy - Marketing Leader
- Emma Brown
- Raina Desai
- Zoe Feltis
- Grant Himel
- Jared Huff
- Kyla Jernigan
- Jaedyn Joyner
- Mary Lundin
- Peyton Minnick
- Jonathan Roberts
- Olivia Rogers
- Finn Shirley
- Dylan Singleton
- Camden Smolter
- Alyssa Taylor
- Sydney Walter
-
2025-2026
Fall 2025
- Rachel Aiken
- Caleb Anderson
- Sierra Arguello
- Sarah Arnold
- Kimia Ataran
- Emma Brown - Marketing Leader
- Raina Desai
- Indira Escudero
- Zoe Feltis
- Grant Himel - Mentoring & Research Leader
- Jared Huff
- Alexis Jaquez
- Sarah Joseph
- Armita Kordamiri
- Olivia Grace Lamb
- Madison Lankford
- River McLaws
- Peyton Minnick
- Casey Nelms
- Camden Smolter
- Eleanor Weedman
Spring 2026
- Evelyn Arcand
- Sarah Arnold
- Kimia Ataran
- Gracee DeJarnette
- Indira Escudero
- Lucas Havely
- Grant Himel - Mentoring & Research Leader
- Jared Huff
- Sarah Joseph
- Armita Kordamiri
- Olivia Grace Lamb
- Madison Lankford
- River McLaws
- Sara Myers
- Casey Nelms - Marketing Leader
- Samantha Shuman
- Camden Smolter
- Galina Wearing
- Eleanor Weedman
- Adeline Wilson