Matias Moreno

Education Abroad Programs: 

• *Embedded: EMSC 299 - EMS Study Away with The GREEN Program - University Park (Spring Break 2024)

• Singapore: National University of Singapore (Spring 2025) 

Major: Material Science and Engineering 

About Matias: Matias Moreno is a third year Millennium Scholar majoring in Materials Science and Engineering at Penn State, committed to addressing sustainability challenges through global collaboration. In Spring 2024, Matias went abroad with The Green Program in Belize as a part of their Coastal Communities and Ocean Conservation program. In Spring 2025, after the previous year's turning point, he studied abroad at the National University of Singapore (NUS) as a Global Sustainability Scholar, where he immersed himself in Singapore’s approach to urban sustainability, climate adaptation, and interdisciplinary education. Living at Ridge View Residential College, he engaged with sustainability-focused coursework and service-learning projects, including fieldwork with Fridge Restock Singapore, a local nonprofit tackling food insecurity and waste. His experience extended beyond the classroom through active involvement in campus organizations like 1.5degree-NUS, where he explored international energy policy and grassroots solutions. This semester abroad broadened his global perspective and gave him new insight into how culture shapes environmental practice—lessons he now applies in his research on hydrogen energy at Berkeley Lab and Penn State. Matias became a peer adviser to give back and help other students see education abroad not just as a trip, but as a turning point for growth, purpose, and leadership. 

Advice to Prospective Education Abroad Students: Don’t let uncertainty about a new culture hold you back—true growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s navigating a different language, academic system, or cuisine, those challenges will stretch you in ways a classroom never can. I found that speaking with a peer adviser and hearing firsthand accounts of semesters abroad in Asia was incredibly helpful. Now, as a peer adviser myself, I hope to be that person for others. 

To get in touch with Matias about his experience abroad, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu and address your email to him!