Global ambassadors are peer mentors, inspiration leaders, and expert travelers who have participated in various global engagement programs around the world. If this sounds like you, learn more about how to apply to become a global ambassador.

Many global ambassadors have had multiple experiences, including semester and short-term programs, and every global ambassador has been trained in how to help other students. If you have questions about global engagement at Elon, start by asking a global ambassador.

Ways to get connected:

  1. Use the Google Map to find Global Ambassadors by location of their program.
  2. Find a global ambassador by major, Fellows or Scholar program, or lived experience and advice by scrolling through the profiles below or doing a keyword search (control/command + F) for terms relevant to you. For instance, if you want to contact a finance major, keyword search “finance.”
  3. Email globalambassadors@elon.edu about being paired with a global ambassador, or email any specific questions only students can answer.

If you attended a Global Engagement 101 session, complete this survey!

2022-23 Global Ambassadors

Zoe Bonitatabus

zbonitatibus@elon.edu

 

 

Who I am:

  • Class: 2023
  • Major(s): History
  • Minor(s): Classical Studies; Communications; Professional Writing
  • Phi Alpha Theta
  • Epsilon Sigma Alpha
  • Classics Club

My Experience:

  • CET Prague, Czech Republic
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “Exploring the Czech Republic and learning more about the language and culture.”

Ask Me About:

  • Traveling with dietary restrictions
  • Packing tips for season changes
  • Traveling within the European Union
  • Immersing yourself in local culture

Claire Schoenfeld

cschoenfeld@elon.edu

 

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2023
  • Major(s): Journalism
  • Alpha Omicron Pi
  • Elon News Network
  • New Student Orientation

My Experience:

  • Singapore, Singapore
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “Meeting other students from around the world that I can visit during my future travels!”

Ask Me About:

  • Academic rigor in a foreign country
  • Traveling while/after studying abroad
  • Culture shock/how your day to day differs while abroad (diet, social activities)

Ava Burlingame

aburlingame@elon.edu

 

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2023
  • Major(s): Statistics and Public Health
  • Phi Mu (Academic Chair)
  • Kernodle Center LINCS Coordinator (with United Way of Alamance County)

My Experience:

  • DIS Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “Traveling around Europe, specifically to Finland, with my classmates!”

Ask Me About:

  • Why I chose to go to Denmark
  • How the study abroad program supported my major
  • How study abroad has enhanced my college experience

 

Lauren Gibbons-Neff

lgibbonsneff@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2023
  • Major(s): Strategic Communications
  • Minor(s): Leadership Studies; Peace and Conflict Studies
  • Live Oak Communications
  • Alpha Xi Delta
  • Elon Votes

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

  • Studying abroad in Scandinavia
  • Navigating study abroad applications
  • Public transit and travel
  • Having a visiting host family

Alexis Brooks

abrooks18@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2023
  • Major(s): International Business; Spanish
  • Group Exercise Instructor for Campus Rec
  • Sigma Kappa
  • Chabad at Elon University
  • Sigma Delta Pi
  • New and International Student Orientation

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

  • Interning abroad
  • Spanish fluency
  • Travel experiences
  • Living with a host family

Jenna Kenneally

jkenneally3@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class:2023
  • Major(s): Psychology
  • Minor(s): Teaching & Learning, TESOL
  • Elonthon

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

  • Ireland
  • Picking the right study abroad course
  • European travel bucket lists
  • COVID-19 impact
  • Packing/travel essentials
  • FIE

Emily Padron

epadron@elon.edu

 

Who I am:

  • Class: 2023
  • Major(s): Outdoor Leadership and Education
  • Minor(s): Psychology
  • Sigma Kappa
  • President of Parent’s Night Out
  • Graduate Admissions Student Assistant

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

  • Traveling in England and Italy
  • Packing essentials
  • Foreign currency
  • Short term (summer and winter) programs
  • Fitting study abroad into your graduation plan

Giavonna Gaw

ggaw@elon.edu

 

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2024
  • Major(s): Biology
  • Minor(s): Public Health; Statistics
  • Alpha Phi Omega
  • Sigma Kappa
  • College Fellow

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

  • Interning abroad
  • Culture shock
  • Traveling around Europe
  • Language barriers
  • Basics of CIEE Open Campus courses

Renata Pratt

rpratt4@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2023
  • Major(s): Public Health
  • Minor(s): Spanish
  • Student Union Board (SUB)
  • Public Health Society
  • NSO Orientation Leader

My Experience:

  • FIE Ireland, Dublin
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “Exploring all the pubs and live Irish music in Dublin and seeing the beautiful cliffs of Moher, waters, and more scenery!”

Ask Me About:

  • Speaking a different language while traveling (Italian and Spanish)
  • Navigating/asking for learning accommodations (extra time, alternate location, etc.)
  • Dealing with anxiety and other mental health issues while abroad
  • My world bucket list!

Rylei Smith

rsmith99@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2023
  • Major(s): Statistics; Public Health
  • Minor(s): Psychology
  • Elon College Fellow
  • LEAF

My Experience:

  • DIS Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “Living with a host family and learning about Danish culture from locals’ perspectives.”

Ask Me About:

  • Living with a host family
  • Learning a new language in a foreign country
  • Studying abroad with a STEM major

Natalie Wykle

nwykle@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2023
  • Major(s): Drama Theatre Studies
  • Minor(s): Theatre Design & Tech; Professional Sales
  • President of NewWorks
  • Elon College Fellow
  • Sigma Kappa
  • Tour Guide

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

  • Internships
  • Traveling with Dietary Restrictions
  • Summer Programs

Amelia Ward

award24@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2023
  • Major(s): International Business; Economic Consulting
  • IRC
  • Tutoring

My Experience:

Ask Me About:

  • Mental health abroad
  • Traveling while abroad
  • Navigating different communication apps
  • How to choose the right program for you!

Natalie Hasemann

nhasemann@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2023
  • Major(s): Strategic Communications
  • Minor(s): Professional Sales
  • Zeta Tau Alpha
  • Alpha Kappa Psi
  • Elon Academy Academic Coach

My Experience:

  • DIS Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Communications Fellows Florida Program
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “Snowboarding in Switzerland.”

Ask Me About:

  • Planning trips abroad
  • Budgeting
  • Eating and cooking abroad
  • Living with new roommates from other schools

Gabriella Virginia

gvirginia@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2023
  • Major(s): Strategic Communications
  • Minor(s): Psychology
  • PRSSA

My Experience:

  • DIS Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “Meeting and living with 11 “strangers” who ended up becoming my best friends.”

Ask Me About:

  • Tips & hacks to travel to different countries while abroad
  • Packing hacks
  • How to make the most out of the experience!

Caroline Powers

mpowers12@elon.edu

Who I Am:

  • Class: 2023
  • Major(s): International and Global Studies (European Concentration)
  • Minor(s): French and Communications
  • Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority
  • Elon College Fellows
  • Elon Volunteers
  • French Club

My Experience:

  • Paris, France: NC Consortium Paris
  • Favorite Elon Global Experience: “Volunteering with various organizations in Paris and being able to truly integrate myself into the community through them.”

Ask Me About:

  • Volunteering abroad
  • Language immersion in a foreign country
  • Conducting research abroad
  • Living in and navigating a large city
  • Pros of spring study abroad