Jump to Footer

Global Education Mentor Program

Global Education Mentors (GEM) have a special volunteer role with the Global Education Office (GEO). GEMs speak to prospective students and provide a unique perspective on specific programs and locations, as well as the overall study away experience.

We encourage you to contact a GEM who represents a program or location that is of interest to you.

Interested study away alumni should contact the study away team by visiting the Global Education Office or by emailing [email protected].

Meet Our GEMs

Taya Balfour

  • Majors: Business Administration and International Business 
  • Minors: Accounting, Management Information Systems, and Legal Studies
  • Study Abroad Program:  University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain, summer 2023
  • Administering SUNY Campus: SUNY Plattsburgh
  • Anticipated Graduation: May 2025

Favorite part of study abroad program: Picking just one singular aspect of my study abroad experience is such a challenge, but for sure the people I met have to be one of the best parts. During my summer abroad, our program consisted of about 50 people. Being such a small group, we all became close and would hang out on weekends and still talk to this day. I specifically became close with two of my friends, and we have all met up at each other’s colleges already and plan on hanging out next summer. With these people you meet, you get to experience the new culture you are in and forge connections that go way beyond the classroom.

Something you wish you knew prior: One thing I wish I listened to and understood was the universal desire to make connections. It might seem intimidating going to this new country alone but the truth is that everyone is truly in the same boat. When people say that everyone is also experiencing traveling abroad for the first time, they truly mean it. It is okay to feel overwhelmed about the fact you are alone in a new country but remember the people around you are also experiencing this. So my advice would be to be open and try to make the most of your experience by traveling and talking to people.

Advice to students considering a study abroad program: JUST GO! I always knew at some point I wanted to study abroad, but wanting to and actually going are two different things. I signed up so late in the year but was so glad I did because it was one of the best experiences that helped me become much more independent. Going abroad, especially by yourself, really forces you to put yourself out of your comfort zone and embrace new challenges. It is important to be open-minded and try to engage with everyone because this is such a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world. Any doubts you might have will definitely resolve themselves when you get there and actually get to experience the incredible adventure that studying abroad offers.

Contact Information:  [email protected]

Evan Boiko

  • Major: Robotics
  • Minor: Computer Science
  • Study Abroad Program: Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, spring 2023 and fall 2023
  • Administering SUNY Campus: SUNY Plattsburgh
  • Anticipated Graduation: May 2025

Favorite part of study abroad program: Getting to know more about Japan, meeting new people and trying Japanese food.

Something you wish you knew prior: How annoying public transport can be sometimes.

Advice to students considering a study abroad program: Don’t worry about learning Japanese, but learn some key phrases.

Contact Information:  [email protected]

Sean Vogl

Favorite part of Study Abroad: My favorite part was all of the travel I got to do and all of the amazing people I got to meet along the way. Studying abroad is an incredible way to experience a unique part of the world and hear cool perspectives about everything.

Something you wish you knew prior: I wish I knew more about the school I attended than just the area.

Advice to students considering study abroad: Do it. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that almost everyone you speak to who never did it wishes they did. Do not go with anyone else!

Contact Information: [email protected]

Meet our Study Away Alumni

Kayleigh Beattie

  • Major: General Studies
  • Study Abroad Program: University of Hawaii at Hilo with National Student Exchange, spring 2022 and spring 2024
  • Administering SUNY Campus: SUNY Plattsburgh
  • Anticipated Graduation: May 2024

Favorite part of study abroad program: My favorite part about my study away program was learning about and experiencing a different culture and the ways of life in Hilo, Hawaii. I was able to meet so many people and experience new and amazing things that I wouldn’t be able to in N.Y.!

Something you wish you knew prior: I wish I knew how impactful traveling and building a life in a new place would be. It was really hard to leave, and it changed my life for the better in so many ways. I’m so grateful for it, but at the same time, I wish I had known the extent before I went!

Angelina Briggs

Favorite part of study abroad program: I had so much fun during my time in Korea. It was such an amazing experience, and I was able to learn more about the culture there, eat amazing food and visit amazing places. I loved all the friends I made while there. We are actually talking about going to Korea next year for a couple of weeks to meet up!

Something you wish you knew prior: You will not realize how much time flies when you are truly having fun. I stayed in Korea for about 6-7 weeks and as I was getting comfortable and able to understand everything, it was time for me to go home! Making use of the time there was really the thing I needed and I absolutely loved doing almost everything I could with the time I had.

Advice to students considering a study abroad program: DO IT, DO IT, DO IT, DO IT! It is such an eye-opening experience when you are in another country and you get to see other parts of the world.

Benjamin Chadwick

  • Major: Digital Media Production
  • Minor: Graphic Design
  • Study Away Program:  Bond University in Gold Coast, Australia, fall 2022
  • Administering SUNY Campus: SUNY Plattsburgh
  • Anticipated Graduation: May 2024

Favorite part of study abroad program: My favorite part was making new friends from all over the world and experiencing a new education system.

Something you wish you knew prior: I wish I knew how many differences there were between Australian and American cultures. It is fun, though, to be surprised and learn about the differences.

Advice to students considering a study abroad program: Take the leap. I know it can be scary to go to a new country and might seem overwhelming, but I promise you’ll love it. You’ll meet new friends, have new experiences and become a better person overall.

Lindsey Connor

  • Major: Early Childhood Education B.A./M.S.T.
  • Study Abroad Program: Kingston University Summer School in London, England, summer 2023
  • Administering SUNY Campus: SUNY New Paltz
  • Anticipated Graduation: May 2025

Favorite part of study abroad program: The rapport and experiences I had with meeting new people from all over the world!

Something you wish you knew prior: Don’t try to plan everything ahead of time. Spontaneity is the best part of being abroad and trying new things!

Advice to students considering a study abroad program: Take every adventure you can! Take pictures of EVERYTHING! Try anything and everything!

Fiona Fitzgerald

  • Major: Nutrition
  • Minor: Marketing
  • Study Abroad Program:  University College of Cork in Cork, Ireland, spring 2023
  • Administering SUNY Campus: SUNY Cortland
  • Anticipated Graduation: May 2024

Favorite part of study abroad program: Experiencing new cultures

Something you wish you knew prior: You never know who you might meet

Advice to students considering a study abroad program: Go into it with an open mind and be yourself!

Juliette Given

  • Major: Art
  • Minor: Psychology
  • Study Abroad Program:  Dingle Summer Art Program in Dingle, Ireland, summer 2023
  • Administering SUNY Campus: SUNY Cortland
  • Anticipated Graduation: May 2024

Favorite part of study abroad program: Exploring different cultures and meeting new friends

Something you wish you knew prior: Forms of international communication such as alternative texting apps

Advice to students considering a study abroad program: If you’re thinking about it…do it! Always keep an open mind while visiting new places.

Bel Morley

  • Major: Biomedical Sciences
  • Minors: French, Chemistry and Neurobiology
  • Study Abroad Program:  University of Québec at Chicoutimi in Chicoutimi, Canada, summer 2023
  • Administering SUNY Campus: SUNY Plattsburgh
  • Anticipated Graduation: May 2024

Favorite part of study abroad program: Learning Quebecois culture and engaging with the outdoors

Something you wish you knew prior: It’s always better to apply for a host family if given the option

Advice to students considering a study abroad program: There are so many different scholarships and unique funding opportunities available to help finance study away. It never hurts to apply and take advantage of them.

Back to top