Victoria is a Psychology major with a Communications minor who studied abroad in the UK, an experience that transformed her outlook on life. Living across the world on her own helped her gain independence, confidence, and a deep appreciation for new perspectives. Passionate about inspiring others to travel, Victoria enjoys sharing her first-hand experiences to show that studying abroad is achievable for anyone. While abroad, she created videos documenting her journey, which inspired many to consider their own adventures. As a Global Ambassador, she hopes to encourage more students to step outside their comfort zones and embrace life-changing global opportunities.
Global Ambassador
Global Ambassadors are UNM students who have studied abroad fo
r a semester or academic year, and would like to encourage their fellow UNM students to go abroad as well.This program is an opportunity to share your global perspectives and study abroad stories, raise awareness and interest in study abroad programs and inspire your peers to engage in diverse and inclusive cross-cultural experiences worldwide. Students want to hear from their peers, so the anecdotes, advice, and expertise from returned students are our excellent resources for students who are considering study abroad.About
Global Ambassadors are involved in a range of projects, including organizing and attending study abroad recruitment events, hosting information sessions or tables, and much more. Each mentor choses which particular projects to become engaged in and may even initiate their own programming! Mentors also make themselves available to be in communication with prospective study abroad students who want to learn more about UNM study abroad programs. Qualifications:What do Global Ambassadors do?
Requirements & Benefits
Your time as an Ambassador may begin on-site during your time away (only at Exchange partner universities) by sharing information about UNM and coming to study in New Mexico! Benefits: *Paid positions are limited. Once all paid positions are filled, interested students will be offered a volunteer position. Volunteer ambassadors will participate in outreach events at will.
Apply
Applications will be accepted twice a year in August and January. Fall semester ambassador application: Due June 15th Spring semester ambassador application: Due November 15th How can I become a Global Ambassador?
Current Ambassadors
VU Amsterdam, Fall 2024 Trinity is a Nursing major who studied abroad in Amsterdam, Netherlands, an experience that pushed her out of her comfort zone and transformed her perspective on the world. Initially hesitant, she found the courage to go after speaking with past study abroad students—an encouragement she now hopes to provide as a Global Ambassador. While abroad, she traveled extensively, gaining insights into different cultures and developing independence. Her experiences taught her resilience, adaptability, and the importance of cross-cultural communication. With a caring heart and a passion for sharing her journey, Trinity is eager to inspire others to take the leap and explore the world. Advice for other students: Talk to everyone you can. Get to know their story because you will learn so much through that little interaction and you’ll never see them again so it really doesn’t hurt! Chung Ang University, Fall 2024 Susan is an East Asian Studies major with a Chinese concentration and an Art minor at UNM. She spent a semester abroad in Seoul, South Korea, where she expanded her global perspective and honed her communication and time management skills. While abroad, she worked as a Blog Abroad Recipient for GEO and interned as a GSI at Chung-Ang University. Passionate about international education, Susan hopes to inspire and assist other students in their study abroad journeys. She sees the Global Ambassador program as a way to build connections, gain experience in the field, and encourage more students to explore the world. Advice for other students: I would say do a lot of research. Either by looking online or talking to other people who have done it before you. The more research you do the more prepared you will be for your time abroad. I will also be open to everything that goes your way. Be open to change. Be open to making friends. Be open to new adventures, but also be open for the challenges. Not everything will be smooth, but take it with stride. Learn to find new solutions and to make the best of whatever comes your way. University of Leeds, Academic Year 2024-2025 Advice for other students: My advice to students interested in studying abroad would be to just do it. To me the process felt long and challenging but the best advice I received and could give is to take it day by day. University of Sheffield, Spring 2025 Selia is a Biology major with a Chemistry minor who studied abroad in the UK, an experience that deeply shaped her personal and professional growth. Living and studying alongside people from diverse backgrounds taught her adaptability, cultural appreciation, and the value of global perspectives. She hopes to inspire others to pursue similar opportunities, believing that studying abroad fosters unique personal growth and cross-cultural understanding. Aspiring to work in the medical field, Selia values her newfound ability to connect with and respect people from all walks of life. As a Global Ambassador, she looks forward to encouraging others to embrace transformative global experiences. Advice for other students: I would recommend that students going abroad: University of Western Australia, Spring 2025 Eden is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing who studied abroad in Australia, and also participated in the National Student Exchange Program. Passionate about sharing her experiences, she has documented her journeys with friends and on social media, inspiring others to explore similar opportunities. Having navigated challenges like credit transfers, she is eager to guide students in making the most of these programs. Selia believes travel fosters empathy, understanding, and personal growth, complementing education. With tuition covered for New Mexicans, she hopes to see more in her community embrace the transformative power of studying abroad. Advice for other students: Talk to people! getting advice from locals saved me I had a lot of confusing things that happend and having someone to help was amazing but some advice would revolve around money the entire process of transferring funds and making sure you switch your phone number verification before your trip is crucial as in other countries routing numbers aren't really routing numbers. Having a trusted friend to help when you don't have access is a great idea. also I highly recommend staying in a dorm or area you will have plenty of opportunities to make friends. TEAN Shanghai China, Spring 2025 Abran is a Pre-Pharmacy major who studied abroad in China, an experience that broadened his worldview and deepened his personal growth. Immersing himself in a new culture taught him lessons beyond the classroom, from building cross-cultural understanding to gaining confidence and adaptability. Passionate about the value of global education, Abran hopes to inspire and guide students who may feel hesitant about studying abroad. He believes connecting with people from different cultures fosters respect, unity, and important life skills. As a Global Ambassador, Abran looks forward to sharing his story, answering questions, and helping others embrace the transformative power of international experiences. Advice for other students: My personal advice for studying abroad is to try everything, meet everyone, and do your best to avoid staying in your room. Be open to new experiences, even if they feel unfamiliar or outside your comfort zone. Some of the best memories come from saying “yes” to things you wouldn’t normally do. Budgeting is also really important. When you're in a different country, you have the chance to explore amazing places but it’s easier to enjoy those experiences when you manage your money wisely. A little planning can go a long way. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to locals. They know the best hidden spots whether it’s food, nature, or cool neighborhoods and they can help you see the country in a more real and personal way. Some of my favorite memories came from meeting local people who showed me places I would have never found on my own. Most of all, be present. Enjoy the moment, take it all in, and remember that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The more open you are, the more you’ll get out of it. University Carlos III of Madrid, Spring 2025 Carlee is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing Management who studied abroad in Spain, an experience that transformed her personal and professional outlook. As a realtor and marketing student, she gained valuable skills in cross-cultural communication and understanding global perspectives. Passionate about promoting global education, Carlee hopes to help UNM students discover the life-changing benefits of studying abroad while offering support to make the process less intimidating. She sees the Global Ambassador role as a way to enhance her public speaking and leadership skills while fostering a more connected, understanding world through shared international experiences. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Spring 2025 Sophia is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Management Information Systems who studied abroad in Japan, an experience that transformed her perspective and strengthened her independence. Immersing herself in a new culture made her more open, spontaneous, and passionate about global exploration. Her time abroad deepened her desire to pursue a career in cybersecurity with an international focus. Sophia believes global education offers invaluable personal, academic, and professional growth, providing lessons no classroom alone can teach. As a Global Ambassador, she hopes to inspire students to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new cultures, and experience the life-changing rewards of studying abroad. Advice for other students: Some of the best memories come from stepping out of your comfort zone! Say yes to new experiences and meet new people every chance you get, even if it pushes you. 
Trinity Harbaugh
Susan Perrone
Victoria Pimentel
Selia Lozoya
Eden Slattery
Abran Salas
Carlee Flores
Advice for other students: My advice would be to talk to everyone because you are all experiencing the same emotions at the same time and there is always people who can help you.
Sophia Pacheco
