Cecile Charron

ccharron2@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2027
  • Major(s): Strategic Communications, French
  • French Club President
  • PRSSA
  • The Edge Magazine
  • Student Intern at the Presidents Office

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

  • Learning languages
  • Adapting to culture shock
  • Navigating long distance friendships
  • Living alone while abroad

Mac McConnell

lmcconnell2@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2027
  • Major(s): Biochemistry
  • Minor(s): Neuroscience
  • Honors Fellow
  • Treasurer of Phi Lambda Upsilon Chemical Honors Society
  • Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society
  • Pre-Health Society, American Chemical Society

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

  • Studying abroad as a STEM major
  • Choosing the right program
  • Organizing your four-year plan
  • Making new friends
  • Planning trips to other European countries
  • Food/activity recommendations

Lila Bednarski

lbednarski2@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2029
  • Major(s): International Global Studies
  • Minor(s): French, political science
  • Business Fellows
  • Alpha Kappa Psi
  • Omicron Delta Kappa
  • Sigma Sigma Sigma
  • Elon Volunteers

My Experience:

  • Brazil: Through the Lens of ESPN, Winter 2026
  • Learning about key academic themes included the socio-historic development of soccer, the influence of supporters and stadium culture, and the broader social impact of sport. Visiting the Museu do Futebol, the Institute of Sport and Education and the Brazilian Paralympic Committee. One of the most memorable experiences was attending Flamengo vs. Vasco at Maracanã Stadium, which provided an unforgettable perspective on the passion and cultural significance of soccer in Brazil. Overall, this program strengthened my global perspective and deepened my understanding of how sports can influence culture, identity, education, and business.

 

Ask Me About:

  • Navigating the language barrier
  • Safety in a new city
  • Balancing communicating while long distance with family and friends
  • How to budget
  • Packing light

Anastasia Feldman

afeldman17@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2029
  • Major(s): International Global Studies
  • Minor(s): French, political science
  • Rugby
  • Phi Alpha Delta
  • Alpha Chi Omega

My Experience:

  • Cyprus: Divided Lands, Winter Term 2026
  • Touring an airport abandoned since 1974 and walking the buffer zone dividing the capitol of Cyprus with the United Nations.

Ask Me About:

  • Fitting study abroad into an accelerated program
  • Making friends abroad
  • Course load abroad

Courtney Hicks

chicks14@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2027
  • Major(s): Strategic Communications
  • Minor(s): Health Communication
  • Phi Mu
  • Job in Campus Recreation and Wellness

 

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

Reilly Melody

rmelody@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2027
  • Major(s): Marketing
  • Minor(s): International and Global Studies

My Experience:

 

 

Ask Me About:

  • Balancing academics and traveling
  • Navigating language barriers abroad
  • Adapting to new cultures, languages, and the everyday customs in Italy and Brazil

Gabriella Czerveny

gczerveny@elon.edu

 

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2027
  • Major(s): Marketing
  • Minor(s): Psychology, Economics
  • Business Fellow
  • Office Assistant for Colonnades
  • Omicron Delta Epsilon International Economics Honor Society
  • Kappa Delta Finance, Bylaws, and Support & Accountability committee member

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

  • Learning languages
  • Navigating public transport
  • Getting involved in clubs while abroad
  • Working abroad
  • How to plan a trip outside of your abroad program city
  • How to find things to do in your area
  • Adding a study abroad to your resume
  • Deciding which semester to go abroad
  • Bridging language barriers
  • Staying safe while abroad

Abigail Hines

ahines9@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2027
  • Major(s): Journalism
  • Honors Fellows
  • Odyssey Scholars
  • Managing editor of elonnewsnetwork.com
  • DanceWorks
  • Surtal
  • Beyond12 mentor

 

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

Ethan D’Andrea

edandrea@elon.edu

 

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2027
  • Major(s): Economics
  • Minor (s): Entrepreneurship

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

  • Studying abroad in Greece
  • Budgeting while traveling
  • Balancing school and social life abroad
  • Long distance relationships while abroad

Isabella Valente

ivalente@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2027
  • Major(s): Outdoor Education
  • Minor (s): German Studies
  • German Club
  • Club Climbing
  • Elon Outdoor Adventures

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

Gabriella Abdalla

gabdalla2@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2028
  • Major(s): Project Management; Economics
  • EFFECT
  • Fashion Club

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

  • Internships
  • Traveling with friends or solo
  • Cultural adjustment
  • Dealing with emergencies abroad

Taryn Jordan

tjordan7@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2027
  • Major(s): Psychology
  • Minor(s): Human Service Studies & Health Communications
  • Alpha Xi Delta
  • Elon 1010 peer educator
  • It Takes a Village project

 

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

  • Choosing a study abroad program that’s right for you
  • Winter Term vs. semester experiences
  • Studying abroad on your own
  • Getting involved and building connections abroad
  • Balancing travel and academics

Ella Bailie

ebailie@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2028
  • Major(s): Strategic Communications and Communication Design
  • Minor(s): Leadership Studies
  • Cinelon
  • Club Volleyball
  • Leadership Fellows
  • Italian Club

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

  • Learning Italian
  • Choosing which program is best for you
  • Deciding which classes to take abroad
  • Solo travel
  • Finding your independence

Kendyl Bloomer

kbloomer2@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2028
  • Major(s): Human Service Studies
  • Minor(s): Entreprenuership & Innovation
  • Elon College Fellow
  • New Student Orientation Team Lead
  • Koury Operations Assistant for Elon Campus Rec
  • Member of Sigma Kappa Sorority

My Experience:

  • Taking classes and living on a ship for four months! It was truly incredible to call a ship home while visiting 10 countries over the course of 4 months.

Ask Me About:

  • Budgeting while traveling abroad
  • Navigating and understanding cultural differences
  • Going abroad without knowing anyone beforehand

Brodie Nehmiah

nbroadie@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2028
  • Major(s): Mechanical Engineering
  • Minor(s): Math and Spanish
  • MMA Club and El Centro

My Experience:

  • Hawai’i: Nation or State?  Winter 2026
  • Conducting ethnographic interviews with locals in Hawai’i and learning about different perspectives on history, international relationships, and the meaning of sovereignty.

Ask Me About:

  • Budgeting
  • Volunteering
  • Building relationships abroad
  • Navigating reverse culture shock
  • Practicing cultural humility

Rocco Albano

ralbano@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2026
  • Major(s): Biology and Public Health Studies
  • President of the Biology Club
  • Second year Multifaith Intern
  • Arabic Language Organization Honors Fellows
  • Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society

My Experience:

  • Public Health Studies Practicum: India, Winter 2025
  • Honors Fellows: Turkey, Winter 2023
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “Getting to live with a family in a rural community in India during my practicum was an amazing experience! I loved connecting with people, sharing stories, and being welcomed into their everyday lives. Being fully immersed in that environment was not only fun, but also reinforced much of what I learned during the practicum in a powerful way!”

Ask Me About:

  • Building cultural competency skills
  • Engaging with locals
  • Exploring while abroad
  • Fitting a study abroad program
  • Adapting to a new culture

Adam Alkins

aalkins@elon.ed

 

Who I Am:
  • Class: 2026
  • Major(s): Cinema and Television Arts
  • Minor(s): Computer Science
  • Cinelon
  • eSports

 

My Experience:
  • Study USA Los Angeles, Spring 2025
  • WT The Film Festival Experience: Hollywood & Sundance, Winter 2026
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “Building new friendships with my fellow study away students from Elon University and other schools!”
Ask Me About:
  • Transportation in LA
  • Budgeting
  • Searching for an internship
  • Fun things to do in LA

 

Lauren Bedell

lbedell@elon.edu

Who I Am:
  • Class: 2026
  • Major(s): Political Science, Policy Studies
  • Truitt Center Multifaith Intern
  • Racquetball Club
  • Elon Alzheimer’s Initiative
  • LEAF (Lutherans, Episcopalians, And Friends)

 

My Experience:
Ask Me About:
  • Solo Travel
  • Studying abroad for three weeks versus a semester
  • Living with a homestay family
  • Finding local volunteer opportunities
  • Adjusting to new environments and cultures abroad
  • Core courses vs. Elective courses with DIS

Megan Butler

mbutler24@elon.edu

Who I Am:
  • Class: 2026
  • Major(s): International & Global Studies
  • Minor(s): Asian Studies
  • Chinese Club
  • Anime and Japanese Studies Club

 

My Experience:
Ask Me About:
  • Navigating language barriers
  • Living with a local roommate
  • Learning Chinese
  • Overcoming anxiety while abroad
  • Traveling abroad for the first time

Noelle Drummonds

ndrummonds@elon.edu

Who I Am:
  • Class: 2027
  • Major(s): International Global Studies, Dance Performance & Choreography
  • Minor(s): German Studies, Political Science
  • German Club
  • Model UN
  • Sigma Kappa
  • Tour Guide for Elon Admissions

 

My Experience:

 

Ask Me About:
  • Learning German
  • Living with a host family
  • Finding your independence
  • Solo travel

Ava Farbod

afarbod@elon.edu

About Me:
  • Class: 2026
  • Major: Human Resources Management
My Experience:
  • Study USA New York. Summer 2025
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “The amazing people I was able to connect with during my Study USA experience. I know I wouldn’t have met them if I hadn’t participated in the experience.”
Ask Me About:
  • Living in NYC
  • Being a first generation college student
  • Coffee shops in NY
  • Anything music related
  • General guidance for your Elon career

Madeline Hewgley

mhewgley@elon.edu

Who I Am:
  • Class: 2026
  • Majors: Music Theatre & Political Science
  • Minor: History
  • Elon College Fellow
  • Alpha Omicron Pi
  • Civic Engagement Senator in Student Government Association
  • North Carolina Student Legislature club
My Experience:

 

Ask Me About:
  • Making friends abroad
  • Culture shock and reverse culture shock
  • How to choose a program
  • Learning a new language while abroad
  • Living in a kollegium/with locals

Kai Indeglia

kindeglia@elon.edu

Who I am:
  • Class: 2026
  • Majors: Statistics & Data Analytics
  • Minor: Sports Management
  • Baseball Analytics Club
  • Mu Sigma Rho
  • Kappa Delta
  • Club Tennis
  • West Coast Ambassador

 

My Experience:
Ask Me About:
  • Solo travel
  • Managing expectations
  • Internships abroad
  • Navigating long distance with family and friends
  • Traveling in Australia
  • Going abroad without knowing anyone beforehand
  • Balancing travel, socializing, and schoolwork

Bunny Ingram

bingram3@elon.edu

About Me:
  • Class: 2026
  • Major: Data Analytics
  • Minors: Interreligious Studies, Asian Studies, Art
  • WERise Student Mentor
  • Alpha Phi Omega
  • Honors Fellow
  • Gender and Sexuality LLC
My Experience:

 

Ask Me About:
  • Engaging with new religious faiths and practices abroad
  • Public transportation
  • Internships in NYC
  • Going abroad with minimal language experience
  • Mental health and safety resources abroad
  • Hidden gems in NYC or Japan
Who I Am:
  • Class: 2026
  • Major: Entrepreneurship
  • Women’s Track and Field
  • President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
  • Odyssey Scholar
  • Honors Fellow
  • Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society

 

My Experience:
  • Italy, Florence: Elon Center Abroad (AEF), Fall 2024
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “Staying with my host family for a weekend was the highlight of my experience abroad. I also enjoyed going to different Christmas markets around Italy. Drinking hot chocolate, shopping for family and ice skating with friends brought me so much joy.”
Ask Me About:
  • Mental health and missing home
  • Traveling to different countries in Europe
  • Being a woman of color abroad
  • Healthy balance between academics and travel
  • Fitness while abroad
  • Going abroad without knowing anyone in your program
  • Adapting to a new culture

Julia Marcoccio

jmarcoccio@elon.edu

Who I Am:
  • Class: 2026
  • Major: Finance
  • Minors: Mathematics & Italian Studies
  • Intramural Manager
  • Italian Club President
  • AOII
  • Mathematics Tutor
  • Club Basketball

 

My Experience:
Ask Me About:
  • How to travel
  • Countries I’ve been to
  • How to budget while abroad

Gabriel Nagy

gnagy3@elon.edu

 

Who I Am:
  • Class: 2026
  • Major(s): Biomedical Engineering & Physics
  • Minor(s): Spanish
  • TNW (Thursday Night Worship)
  • Rock Climbing Club
  • Iron Tree Blooming
Ask Me About:
  • Finding peace in solitude overseas
  • Dealing with distressing situations or emergencies while abroad
  • Solo explorations and being spontaneous
  • Connecting with fellow students abroad

 

Ava Pelletier

apelletier2@elon.edu

Who I am:
  • Class: 2026
  • Major(s): Biology
  • Pre-Health Society
  • Club lacrosse
  • Mail services employee
  • Alpha Chi Omega

 

My Experience:

 

Ask Me About:
  • Making friends abroad
  • Travel planning
  • Budgeting abroad
  • Homesickness

Maxwell Power

mpower@elon.edu

 

Who I Am:
  • Class: 2026
  • Major(s): International Business
  • Minor(s): Spanish
  • Zeta Beta Tau
  • Pi Sigma Epsilon
  • Class of 2026 Senator in Student Government Association

 

My Experience:
Ask Me About:
  • How to budget abroad
  • Understanding cultural differences
  • Making the most of your time abroad
  • Tips to learn the local language

Salvatore Pugliese

spugliese2@elon.edu

Who I Am:
  • Class: 2027
  • Major(s): English Literature
  • Minor(s): Creative Writing
  • Village Project
  • Elon volunteers
My Experience:

 

Ask Me About:
  • Making new friends abroad
  • Solo travel
  • How to budget effectively for abroad
  • Homesickness

Mia Robinson

rmrobinson48@elon.edu

Who I am:
  • Class: 2026
  • Major: Accounting
  • Minor: Finance
  • Business Fellow
  • Vice President of Development for Women in Sales
  • Tour Guide for Elon Admissions
  • Chabad

 

My Experience:
  • Copenhagen, Denmark, DIS, Fall 2024
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “Making lifelong friends while abroad and getting the chance to travel with them. We continue to see each other throughout the year after abroad ended!”

 

Ask Me About:
  • Forming new friendships abroad
  • Where to eat abroad
  • Traveling abroad for the first time
  • Core courses vs. Elective courses with DIS

Olivia Rosen

orosen@elon.edu

Who I am:
  • Class: 2026
  • Majors: Biology &  Public Health Studies
  • President of the Biology Club
  • 2nd year Multifaith Intern
  • Arabic Language Organization Honors Fellow
  • Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society

 

My Experience:
  • WT India: Public Health Studies Practicum, Winter 2025
  • Honors Fellows: Turkey, Winter 2023
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “Getting to live with a family in a rural community in India during my practicum was an amazing experience! I loved connecting with people, sharing stories, and being welcomed into their everyday lives. Being fully immersed in that environment was not only fun, but also reinforced much of what I learned during the practicum in a powerful way!”

 

Ask Me About:
  • Building cultural competency skills
  • Engaging with locals
  • Exploring while abroad
  • Fitting a study abroad experience into a dense course load

Taylor Salmon

tsalmon@elon.edu

 

Who I Am:
  • Class: 2026
  • Major(s): International Business, International and Global Studies
  • Minor(s): German, History

 

My Experience:
  • CIEE Berlin, Germany, Fall 2024
  • Taking Care of Business – Culture and Custom in the German Economy, Winter Term 2024

Jessica Schmidt

jschmidt14@elon.edu

 

 

Who I Am:
  • Class: 2027
  • Major(s): Human Service Studies
  • Minor(s): Spanish, Early Childhood Development
  • Mentor for the Beyond 12 program
  • Human Services Honors Society
  • Leadership Honors Society
  • Member and sisterhood chairwoman of Phi Mu
My Experience:

 

Ask Me About:
  • Living with a host family
  • Speaking in a second language abroad
  • Balancing academics and travel
  • Short term vs semester programs
  • Volunteering abroad

Michaela Shapiro

mshapiro7@elon.edu

Who I Am:
  • Class: 2026
  • Major(s): International and Global Studies: Europe, Environmental and Sustainability Studies
  • Minor(s): Geography
  • Elon Hillel
  • Elon Residence Life

 

My Experience:

 

Ask Me About:
  • Solo Travel
  • Living with a host family
  • Budgeting for travelling
  • Learning a new language
  • Cultural adjustments

Mary Sollars

msollars@elon.edu

Who I Am:
  • Class: 2028
  • Major: Accounting & Finance
  • Track and Field
  • Women in Finance
  • Women in Sales
My Experience:
  • Sorrento, Italy, Sant’Anna Institute – Summer 2025
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “Traveling to different places in Europe while studying abroad.
Ask Me About:
  • Public transportation
  • Making friends abroad
  • What to pack