Study Abroad Ambassadors
What is a Study Abroad Ambassador?
Ambassadors are study abroad returnees who are passionate about their education abroad experiences and are willing to share their insights with fellow students. Once your program is completed, visit our Get Involved page for information on becoming a Study Abroad Ambassador.
Contact a Study Abroad Ambassador
Ambassadors can be reached through email. Find Ambassadors who have studied in the region, country, or program in which you are interested.
Americas
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Jessica Hampton: *Global UNI 101: Explorations in Costa Rica – Short-Term Fall Major: Music Education Club(s): None Memory: My favorite experience in Costa Rica was hiking the Ricon de la Vieja National Park, and being able to see the boiling mud pits, natural hot springs, and the abundance of wildlife such as several species of monkeys, toucans, and various plants. After the tour of the mountain, we went hiking down to a waterfall and jumped into the ice-cold water. It was so surreal and beautiful to see the vastly different forms of natural wonders this single park had to offer. |
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Alexa Anne Bishop: *Global UNI 101- Adventures in Costa Rica - Short-Term Fall Major: Anthropology Club(s): None Memory: The most enriching part of this experience for me was ziplining nearly 700 feet in the air through the mountains of Costa Rica. Though I could barely breathe as I flew down, the picturesque view before me was utterly breathtaking and incomparable |
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Sarah Kelly: *Global UNI 101- Adventures in Costa Rica - Short-Term Fall Major: Elementary Education Club(s): None Memory: My experience, specifically, was so enriching because I had never been out of the country, and we got to do so much in a short amount of time, including salsa dancing, tree climbing, and tasting authentic Costa Rican cuisine. My favorite experience, though, had to be the zip lining over the mountains and rainforest of San Carlos. |
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Peyton Purvis: *Global UNI 101- Adventures in Costa Rica - Short-Term Fall Major: Nursing Club(s): Tri-House Area Council President, Desk Receptionist, Dance Company Memory: I immersed myself in the culture, experienced a new language (Spanish), and explored picturesque landforms. The trip was packed with activities I will remember forever. I loved sitting in the hot springs, trying unique fruits, and zip-lining through the rainforest. One of the highlights was spotting a kinkajou on a night hike. I was in awe of this new wildlife. Zip-lining was 100% my favorite experience. |
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Christian Wilson: *Global UNI 101- Adventures in Costa Rica - Short-Term Fall Major: International Studies Club(s): French Club Memory: One of my favorite memories was zip lining over the cloud forest and eating fresh fruits across the country. From swimming in a river on the first day to almost climbing up the inside of a tree, each adventure encouraged me to embrace expanding my horizons and helped me develop into a more adventurous and open-minded individual. |
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Kaylise Buckner: *Global UNI 101- Adventures in Costa Rica - Short-Term Fall Major: Pre-Nursing Club(s): None Memory: All of the experiences were so much fun, but my favorite was our trip to a local Women's Co-op. Hearing the story of how it came to be, and the cultural importance was eye-opening. My short time abroad pushed me beyond my comfort zone, taught me the power of adaptability, and inspired me to become a more engaged global citizen. |
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Sydney Ross: *Global UNI 101- Adventures in Costa Rica - Short-Term Fall Major: Business Administration Club(s): None Memory: While abroad, I had the privilege to zip line, raft down the Sarapiqui River, take Latin dancing classes, hike near a volcano, and try Costa Rican coffee and chocolate. Another experience I will never forget is seeing a mother and baby sloth in a tree. |
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Rider Warner: *Learning in Action: Community and Culture in Belize - Short-Term Spring Major: Pre-Nursing Club(s): Honors College, UNCW Club Swim, Association of Nursing Students, American Association of Men in Nursing, UNCW Neuroscience Club Memory: Volunteering in the clinical setting allowed me to learn from medical professionals and better understand the importance of open-perspective care in a different healthcare system. Outside of volunteering, I loved exploring Belize. My favorite food was fry jacks, which became a breakfast favorite. The most meaningful part of my experience was learning from people with different backgrounds and perspectives, and growing both personally and professionally. |
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Tayla Nowicki: Learning in Action: Community and Culture in Belize - Short-Term Spring Major: Elementary Education Club(s): Honors College, Dance Company, Club Tennis, Watson Student Leaders Memory: One of the most enriching experiences I had while in Belize was working alongside New Horizons Primary Elementary School in San Pedro. This allowed me to further my knowledge of working with kids and to teach in a vastly different environment from the U.S. One of my favorite places was visiting the ATM caves in San Ignacio, as it felt very adventurous climbing rocks and learning about the history of the caves' skulls and artifacts. |
For information on programs in the Americas, reach out to the region's advisor, Allison Peoples.
Asia
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Luke Donleycott: *Kansai Gaidai University - Fall Major: Oceanography Club(s): Japan Club Memory: My favorite place was the Okonomiyaki restaurant I found on the second week of classes, where I became a regular and on my last weekend had a going away party thrown for me by the owners. I also loved using the public transportation system, and I will never forget taking the bullet train for the first time. |
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Molly Melito: *Buddhism and Sustainability in Thailand - Short-Term Spring Major: International Studies Club(s): Greek Life, Plastic Ocean Project, Letters of Love Memory: Traveling to Thailand was definitely outside my comfort zone, but it allowed me to discover Asia's culture, beauty, and diversity, which I could never experience elsewhere. My favorite activity was visiting the Elephant Sanctuary, where we fed, washed, and swam with elephants. |
For information on programs in Asia, reach out to the region's advisor, Katrena Henderson.
Europe
UK & Ireland
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Meah Walsh: UK: *University of Surrey - Spring Major: Business Administration Club(s): American Marketing Association, Management Consulting Club Memory: Outside of the UK, my favorite experience was backpacking with my friends for 15 days during spring break in Croatia, Italy, and Spain. In addition to cultural understanding, living internationally for an entire semester had a significant impact on my independence and sense of self. |
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Perry Brooks: Ireland: *Maynooth University - Spring Major: International Studies Club(s): Best Buddies, UNCW Yacht Club, UNCW POP Memory: In my time in Ireland, I was able to make connections with people from all over the world, bringing about future opportunities to explore new places. I got out of my comfort zone while traveling abroad, which instilled newfound confidence in many aspects of my life. |
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Jayden Holloway: *Mythology and Harry Potter: London - Short-Term Spring Major: Pre-Marine Biology Club(s): Black Student Union, Black Men's Association, SCUBA Club, Tennis Club Memory: Walking around London and seeing the amazing architecture was a fantastic experience. Visiting Stonehenge ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip; being able to go inside during sunset was so beautiful and an experience I will never forget. Before going abroad, I had never seen a play, and the only musicals I had seen were on TV. However, seeing live theatre made me realize how much I love theatre! |
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Ellery Daggerhart: *University of Surrey - Spring Major: Business Administration Club(s): Women in Business, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Society, Honor and Conduct Board Member Memory: It is difficult to pinpoint a favorite part, but the people I met and the memories I made with them will forever stay with me. Studying in a foreign place for a semester was intimidating at first, but it quickly became one of my most cherished experiences, and I cannot recommend it enough! |
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Emma Wyzard: *Mythology and Harry Potter - Short-Term Spring Major: Marine Biology Club(s): Greek Life, Letters of Love, Pre-PA Club, AMSA Memory: I chose this program because of my love for Harry Potter and mythology in general! I enjoyed going to the National Gallery to see the mythological paintings we studied earlier that semester. Seeing Warner Brothers Studio where Harry Potter was filmed for the first time gave me chills and was my favorite part of the trip! |
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Hanna Mitchell: *University of Galway Summer Schools - Summer Major: Environmental Sciences Club(s): Honors College, Seahawk Wildlife Society Memory: One of my favorite places was Galway’s Latin Quarter and weekly Galway Market, where I loved exploring the historic streets, browsing local vendors, and experiencing the friendliness of the people. Whether I was discovering local foods, learning about Irish traditions, or exploring a new city during a field trip, every day offered something new to learn. |
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Leah Melton: AIFS Abroad in London, England - Summer Major: Communication Studies Club(s): Pier 601 Creative Memory: I saw that AIFS 2026 Summer classes offered a program that would provide me great opportunities with meeting fashion marketers and learning about the future of the industry. I got to see flagship designer stores and have a professor who has worked for all the major fashion houses in London. |
For information on programs in UK/Ireland, reach out to the region's advisor, Megan Hinson.
France
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Lillie Swindle: The NC Consortium Program (NC in Paris) - Fall Lillie Swindle: The NC Consortium Program (NC in Paris) - Fall Major: International Studies Club(s): Yoga Club, Gingrich 360 Memory: My favorite experience in Paris was watching a ballet at the Opera Garnier. I was fortunate to travel a good amount during my trip. I went to cities in France including Montpellier, Nice, and Strasbourg, as well as countries including Ireland, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. |
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Addison Pfleegor: *Summer on the Mediterranean - Summer Major: Business Administration Club(s): Honors College, Women in Business, Pi Sigma Epsilon Memory: I loved exploring the beaches of the Mediterranean, traveling to Paris and Nice, and hiking the Calanques! |
For information on programs in France, reach out to the region's advisor, Katrena Henderson.
Italy
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Katie Mazzella: AIFS Abroad in Florence - Fall Katie Mazzella: AIFS Abroad in Florence - Fall Major: Psychology Club(s): Women's Club Soccer, Best Buddies, MALO Memory: My favorite spot in Florence was Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can watch the beautiful sunset over the city. Afterward, enjoying a brick oven pizza made with fresh, natural ingredients was unforgettable. By the end, Florence felt like home, and I didn’t want to leave. |
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Anna Davis: *UNCW in Italy - Summer Major: History Club(s): None Memory: The food in Italy was on a completely different level than what I had been exposed to in the U.S. My personal favorites were the carbonara from Rome or the gnocchi from Sorrento, both of which originate from Italy. |
For information on programs in Italy, reach out to the region's advisor, Kara Pike Inman.
Greece
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Paige Holmes: AIFS Abroad in Athens, Greece - Fall Major: Pre-Marine Biology Club(s): None Memory: The ability to walk around Athens and see the Parthenon almost every day was a surreal experience that I will never forget. The amount of history within the country is unimaginable, and the opportunity to be able to learn about it first-hand was truly amazing. Greece was such a magical place and I now have memories that will last me a lifetime! |
For information on programs in Greece, reach out to the region's advisor, Kara Pike Inman.
Central Europe
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Savannah Lorence: *Action and Advocacy in the Netherlands: Displacement, Education, and Resistance - Summer Major: Education Club(s): UNCW Book Club, CRU Wilmington Memory: During the first week, I tried stroopwafel and poffertjes at local markets and explored sites such as the Verzetsmuseum. One night, my fellow travelers and I attended a World Cup watch party at an outdoor floating pub where locals were decked out in the Netherlands’ bright orange. The most enriching part of the trip was interacting with communities beyond tourist sites. One day we even toured a Dutch secondary school and participated in a panel answering students’ questions about America. |
For information on programs in Central Europe, reach out to the region's advisor, Matt Mende.
Spain
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Nia Kane: Discover with WorldStrides: Valencia: Health and Natural Sciences - Spring Major: Biology Club(s): Honors College Memory: One of the most enriching experiences was the festival Fallas in Valencia. This festival is practically for a month, and they build elaborate structures made of wood, cork or paper mâché and burn them on a specific date. It was amazing to see it all! My favorite food was paella and the 1-euro TKO tacos. We had a paella making class with the program. We were shown the grounds of the fields where all the ingredients were grown, then cooked and danced, ending with a meal! |
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Livia Amstalden: *Valencia – Summer I Major: Business Administration Club(s): None Memory: I really enjoyed being able to explore the city of Valencia with a group of students from UNCW who quickly became my friends. The city has everything from a historic downtown, modern architecture in the City of Arts & Sciences, and the beach. Having Valencia as a home base allowed me to explore the city but also access other parts of Spain and take trips over the weekends and be exposed to even more stunning architecture, amazing food, and culture. |
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Lilly Hull: *Valencia - Summer I Major: Business Administration Club(s): UNCW InChaarg Memory: I lived with a host family and had a roommate and I loved it. Getting to eat dinner and experience new types of cuisines was amazing, along with getting to practice my Spanish in an environment I was more comfortable in. I got to try freshly made Spanish dishes and experience what it is like to be living there as a local. |
For information on programs in Spain, reach out to the region's advisor, Allison Peoples.
Oceania
Australia
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Sierrah Blackwell: *Macquarie University - Fall Major: Environmental Science Club(s): Greek Life, Honors College, Habitat for Humanity, Cru Memory: I checked many things off my bucket list: the Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, a trip to Fiji, and Australia Zoo (sadly no Robert Irwin). But my favorite place was the small beach town of Coffs Harbour. Coffs offered me a familiar escape that reminded me of Wilmington. Even when I did get homesick, the Aussies always surrounded me with a warm welcome. |
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Chaylen Hines: *Macquarie University - Fall Major: Political Science Club(s): Women's Club Soccer Memory: Through studying abroad, education became more than a classroom, it was visiting the American War Museum in Vietnam, scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, or learning about global politics through the eyes of another country. Studying abroad not only gave me more knowledge, but also insight, empathy, compassion, bravery, and the confidence to go alone, not knowing I’d come home with more than I had before. |
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Avigail Friedel: *Queensland University of Technology - Fall Major: Exercise Science Club(s): None Memory: As one of the most ecologically diverse countries I have ever visited, it's difficult to choose just one favorite place, but the Whitsundays, Noosa Heads, and Stradbroke Island really stood out to me. The natural beauty of each location was truly unforgettable. One of my favorite everyday discoveries was Australia’s coffee culture, which quickly became part of my daily routine. As an Exercise Science major, I was inspired by the country’s strong emphasis on an active, outdoor, and healthy lifestyle. |
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Carmen Blankenship Breeden: *James Cook University Major: Marine Biology Club(s): Surfrider, Yoga Club, SUP, Plastic Ocean Project Memory: My favorite memories from studying abroad include going to karaoke at Flynn's every Wednesday with my friends, sailing the Whitsundays, and snorkeling over the Great Barrier Reef. |
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Lily Rogers: *University of the West Indies - Spring Major: Environmental Sciences Memory: The island provided incredible opportunities for hands-on learning beyond the classroom, allowing me to gain real-world experience in the marine field. From conducting fieldwork to earning my scuba certification, every day brought new opportunities for discovery. Outside of academics, I spent my time hiking, relaxing on beautiful beaches, and exploring the island’s culture and landscapes. I also enjoyed experiencing Barbadian culture, local cuisine (Trini doubles are a must try!), and relaxed island lifestyle. |
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Sophia Bendetti: Discover at WorldStrides: Semester at Bond University - Spring Major: Business Administration Club(s): Greek Life Memory: From exploring rainforests and living on a sailboat at the Great Barrier Reef to visiting Fiji and New Zealand, every adventure was unforgettable. One of the highlights of my semester was seeing wildlife I'd only ever seen in pictures, including kangaroos, koalas, eagle rays, and vibrant marine life. My favorite place was Rainbow Bay, where I spent hours sitting in the ocean and talking with friends. |