Rokia Kone

Education Abroad Program: Connect 123: Cape Town Internship (Summer 2025) via the Perreault Fellows Program

Major: Finance

Minor: Information Systems Management

About Rokia: Rokia Kone is a senior studying Finance with a minor in Management Information Systems. Originally from Maryland and raised in a Malian family, she is deeply engaged in her campus community and is passionate about supporting others, whether through her past role as a Resident Assistant or her current work as an IDEA Ambassador. In her free time, Rokia enjoys exploring new languages, immersing herself in different cultures, and traveling. With a strong interest in global business and finance, she aspires to become a consultant focused on helping minority entrepreneurs scale their businesses. This past summer, she expanded her skills through the Perreault Fellowship, gaining hands-on experience during her venture capital internship in Cape Town, South Africa. Inspired by that transformative experience, Rokia now serves as a peer adviser to support other students interested in pursuing opportunities abroad. 

Advice to Prospective Education Abroad Students: I highly encourage all students to participate in a Penn State education abroad program! I wish I had looked into the different programs sooner as there are so many opportunities that I could have taken advantage of, such as the Maymester options. My biggest advice to prospective students is to look into non-traditional locations when considering education abroad as those locations will most likely give you a much more enriched experience. Also, don’t be afraid of change and talk to students who may have participated in your program of interest to get their perspective. 

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