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RIT Global

Global Ambassadors are students just like you that have gone through the study abroad experience. They are a great source of information for more country specific questions or if you just are playing around with the idea of study abroad but are not ready yet to talk to a study abroad advisor.

Reach out to them via email or social media to chat or set up a time to meet in person. Some of the things they can help you with:

  • Common misconceptions about study abroad.
  • Tips for preparing to go abroad - banking, budgeting, safety, transportation, packing, independent travel, culture shock, etc.
  • Country specific or program specific advice.
  • Or just connect with them to hear their story!


Click on each GA photo to learn more about their experience.

Myren Bobryk-Ozaki
College:
CLA, Communication
Country:
Croatia
Program Type:
RIT Global Campus
Myren Bobryk-Ozaki
CLA, Communication
Croatia

Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs

My name is Myren (or Ren), and I am a Communication major with minors in Business Administration, HR Management, and Advertising and PR. I am huge on fashion and art, community involvement (I am on eBoard for multiple on-campus organizations), and advocacy and activism. The opportunity to study abroad just fell into my lap, and I decided to run with it. I want to travel more than ever because it gives me more global awareness beyond the lens of the U.S. I want to help others study abroad because it's an unforgettable and amazing experience that I think as many people as possible should try to do.

Read Myren's Study Abroad Blog post - Tips and Tricks for Your Study Abroad Photos

Olivia McCluskey
College:
CHST, Biomedical Sciences
Country:
Ireland
Program Type:
RIT Faculty-Led
Olivia McCluskey
CHST, Biomedical Sciences
Ireland

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hello! I'm Olivia, and I'm a third-year Biomedical Sciences student. I always hoped to study abroad to explore and learn about other cultures hands-on. In the summer of 2022, I studied Ireland's culture, society, and justice system for two weeks. I learned about Ireland through conversing with Irish citizens, seeing historical and beautiful landscapes, and making new connections with my RIT peers on the program. Studying abroad opened my eyes to the possibilities of working abroad after college, which is now one of my goals. I believe everyone should experience some time abroad as it opens further travel and exploration opportunities.

Jasmine Nichols
College:
COS, Biology
Country:
Croatia
Program Type:
RIT Global Campus
Jasmine Nichols
COS, Biology
Croatia

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hi! My name is Jasmine Nichols, and I'm a Biology major from Rochester. I studied abroad in summer 2022 in Dubrovnik, Croatia at one of RIT's Global campuses. I participated in the Ecology of the Dalmatian Coast and the Roots of the Croatian Wine Tradition program. I got to take an ecology class and a wine class in Croatia! I also went on a week-long sailing trip to different islands in the Adriatic. It was so amazing seeing a different culture and the changes in that culture in other regions of the country. My favorite part of going abroad was talking to new people and gaining new perspectives on my own culture. I also loved trying new foods :) I would absolutely recommend studying abroad to anyone who wants to go on an adventure and get out of their comfort zone!

Read Jasmine's Study Abroad Blog Article - Adventures in the Adriatic

Nhyira Asante
College:
CHST, Biomedical Sciences
Country:
Greece
Program Type:
Affiliate (Perrotis College)
Nhyira Asante
CHST, Biomedical Sciences
Greece

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

I am a 3rd-year biomedical science major on the pre-med track. Studying abroad was a huge factor in coming to college because I knew it was something I would definitely want to do while I was in college. I have always been interested in learning about other cultures and wanted to experience them first-hand by living in different countries. I had a fantastic time studying abroad in a country I never thought I would study abroad in. I went into the program not knowing what to expect and came out with an incredible experience I would love to do all over again. I want to encourage other students to study abroad because it is an amazing experience and gives you a new perspective on life. I love learning to cook different foods, listening to music from different countries, and watching international dramas.

Read Nhyira's Study Abroad Blog Post - Halara-ing in Greece

Abby Jones
College:
NTID, ASL-English Interpretation
Country:
Croatia
Program Type:
RIT Global Campus
Abby Jones
NTID, ASL-English Interpretation
Croatia

Hello! My name is Abby Jones, and I am an ASL interpreting major. I studied abroad in Croatia during the summer of 2022 at an RIT global campus. I've always loved the idea of traveling and knew I wanted to study abroad in college. Thankfully, RIT was able to provide this fantastic opportunity! Although it can be a scary experience, I learned so much about myself and other cultures abroad and would love to do it again! Traveling provides amazing experiences, new perspectives, independence, and memories that will last for a lifetime, as cliché as that sounds. Studying abroad was a wonderful opportunity, and I would love to help others take advantage of it. I am always here to ease concerns and discuss anything related to studying abroad that you may want to know! :) Besides traveling, I love petting cats, relaxing with friends, and sitting outside when the weather is just right. Feel free to reach out at any time!

Lindsay Cagarli
College:
GCCIS, Computer Science
Country:
Croatia
Program Type:
RIT Global Campus
Lindsay Cagarli
GCCIS, Computer Science
Croatia

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hi! I am Lindsay, and I am a 3rd-year computer science major. In the summer of 2022, I took psychology courses in Zagreb, Croatia at RIT’s Global Campus. While abroad, I was able to make new connections, learn more about Croatian culture, and see places my freshman year self would never believe. My experience gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and made me eager to continue exploring the rest of the world. If you are unsure about studying abroad, reach out to me! By all means, take the leap and see where it takes you.

Alex Wilson
College:
KGCOE, Computer Engineering
Country:
Italy
Program Type:
Affiliate (SAI)
Alex Wilson
KGCOE, Computer Engineering
Italy

Pronouns: He/Him/His

I hope I get a chance to meet and speak with you about the fabulous journey you are about to embark upon as a potential student studying abroad. My name is Alex Wilson. I was born in the United Arab Emirates, but am a dual national with the United States and the United Kingdom. I’ve grown up around the world and can’t wait to discuss how learning about different cultures, traditions, languages, and international food coupled with studying will make you a more rounded individual that is attractive to employers. Your experiences, good or bad, will mold you to see the world in a new, exciting, and vibrant way. You will no longer be a person that is cradle to grave from a hometown; instead, this experience will transform you into a global citizen ready to take on new challenges.

My recent study abroad experience in Rome, Italy, had its ups and downs. However, it helped me develop by seeing how the ancient past is still relevant today and contributes to the future as a universal. If you want to discuss how studying abroad is in your best interest, then let’s talk! I look forward to meeting you. If you are a part of the LGBTQ community, a computer engineer, or in a STEM field, I can offer you insights into what to expect, what to prepare for, and how to make the most of your time overseas! If you’re looking for travel advice on budgeting, packing, or taking advantage of all the opportunities that come with studying abroad, my door is open to you. I wish you the best in your endeavors.

Akhil Alavalapati
College:
CET, Electrical Engineering Tech
Country:
Spain
Program Type:
Exchange
Akhil Alavalapati
CET, Electrical Engineering Tech
Spain

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Hi! My name is Akhil Alavalapati, and I am a 3rd-year Electrical Engineering Tech student at RIT. I did an exchange program during the spring of 2023 at Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid, Spain. It was truly a life-changing experience that allowed me to travel across Europe. Studying abroad allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture, providing a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the customs, traditions, and perspectives of people from different backgrounds. I have a lot of experience with European travel - definitely reach out if you have questions about study abroad or travel in general. 

Keyazsha Ashford
College:
NTID, Design & Imaging Technology
Country:
South Korea
Program Type:
Faculty-Led
Keyazsha Ashford
NTID, Design & Imaging Technology
South Korea

Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs

Hello~! I'm Keya! Study abroad was really fun and mind-blowing especially since it was my first time abroad. I want to help other students find their destination for study abroad, offer helpful tips for first-timers, etc. As a deaf person, going abroad is truly a fun experience. I also love dancing and photography.

Lizzie Barron
College:
KGCOE, Mechanical Engineering
Country:
France, Ireland, UAE
Program Type:
Faculty-Led, Affiliate, Global Campus
Lizzie Barron
KGCOE, Mechanical Engineering
France, Ireland, UAE

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

I am a 4th year MECE BS/ME. I love sailing and have been on the RIT Sailing Club team for 2 years. The main reason I choose to study at RIT was their study abroad options. I studied through an affiliate program for a semester in Dublin, Ireland, a faculty-led month-long program in Rennes, France, and studied at the RIT Dubai campus for a semester. I'd love to help any prospective study abroad students with any questions they might have. 

Peyton D'Anthony
College:
CLA, Spanish Language & Culture; International & Global Studies
Country:
Spain, Kosovo, Croatia
Program Type:
Affiliate, Global Campus, Faculty-Led
Peyton D'Anthony
CLA, Spanish Language & Culture; International & Global Studies
Spain, Kosovo, Croatia

Pronouns: She/Her?hers

Hi! I am a Spanish/International & Global Studies major and have studied abroad at RIT Croatia in Dubrovnik, RIT Kosovo, and through an affiliate program in Seville, Spain. I am planning two more study abroad programs before I graduate as well. I love nothing more than traveling, and I am so excited to share that with you all! If you have any questions about the general process, finding a program, financing, buying flights, or whatever, I’d be happy to chat! 

Sui Liu
College:
CAD, Industrial Design
Country:
Italy
Program Type:
Affiliate
Sui Liu
CAD, Industrial Design
Italy

Hello! My name is Sui, I am a fourth-year Industrial Design major, and I studied abroad in Milan, Italy through the SAI Affiliate program. I spent four months abroad, which allowed me to travel to many other interesting European cities, such as Berlin, Amsterdam, Rome, Barcelona, and many more. The opportunity to be a student abroad and take in foreign worlds at a young age is an invaluable experience. I would love to help fellow students with travel tips, recommendations, and nitty-gritty details. Parla con me!

Max Mekker
College:
SCB, Accounting
Country:
Australia
Program Type:
Affiliate
Max Mekker
SCB, Accounting
Australia

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Hi, my name is Max Mekker and I'm a 4th-year accounting major. During the Fall 2022 semester, I studied in Gold Coast, Australia. I attended Bond University, which was a phenomenal school with a beautiful campus that was just 5 minutes from some of the best beaches in the world. This was a four-month program, and the memories I made throughout this experience will stick with me for the rest of my life. While in Australia, I got to scuba dive at the Great Barrier Reef, spend a weekend in the Outback, and hike in over 10 of the country's national parks. I also had the opportunity to visit Bali (Indonesia), Fiji, and New Zealand.  Traveling is one of my biggest passions, and I strongly recommend studying abroad for any student!

Outside of traveling, I enjoy playing basketball and football. One of the coolest parts of my experience in Australia was being able to play on the Bond University college basketball team! Playing basketball with teammates from all different backgrounds was an experience I will never take for granted.

I'm completely open/comfortable to share ANYTHING about my study abroad experience. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me via email or on social media. I look forward to meeting with you!

Ryan Noyes
College:
GCCIS, Software Engineering; CLA, Japanese Language
Country:
Japan
Program Type:
Affiliate
Ryan Noyes
GCCIS, Software Engineering; CLA, Japanese Language
Japan

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Hi! My name is Ryan Noyes, and I am a Software Engineering and Japanese double major. I studied abroad three times: twice during high school (to Rabat, Morocco, and Shanghai, China), and then recently to Kyoto, Japan. Through these experiences, I have learned so much about myself, my host country, and the world as a whole. I want to show that studying abroad is an amazing experience and can change lives, and I hope that I can encourage some of you to travel. Feel free to reach out - I am very happy to answer any messages about studying abroad.

Syd Purcell
College:
COS, Biotechnology & Molecular Biomedical Sciences
Country:
United Arab Emirates
Program Type:
Faculty-Led
Syd Purcell
COS, Biotechnology & Molecular Biomedical Sciences
United Arab Emirates

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hello! My name is Syd, and I am a Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience major. I studied abroad in Dubai over the spring break of 2023. I visited the Burj Khalifa, spoke to Emiratis about fashion trends, and ate an offensive amount of dates. It was such an enriching experience that on the flight back home, I was already planning my next trip. Traveling has taught me more about myself, different cultures, and time management. I once left the airport ten minutes before my flight departed. Exploring a new country reignited my love for adventure and the unknown. If you are unsure if you should take the leap and study abroad, please contact me.