Meet the Fellows

2023/2024 Fellows

Sophia Diplacido

I am currently a third-year student at Penn State Erie studying Psychology and Marketing. I am passionate about empowering the people around me and helping them reach their full potential. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in applied psychology to use my psychology background to create practical solutions for an organization or community. 


In the Spring semester of 2023, I studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France. In my time abroad, I fell in love with learning about new cultures and felt inspired to continue incorporating global citizenship into my studies and future career. I applied for the Perreault Fellowship because I felt it would really help combine my passion for engaging with people while further developing my multi-cultural perspective. 


My advice for future applicants is to be brave and vulnerable with your application. I really contemplated whether or not to apply for the Perrault Fellowship because I didn't feel entirely qualified to work in an international setting, but I'm so glad that I took the chance. Have faith in yourself and put forth your best application, you never know what could happen! I am so grateful for the opportunities the Perreault Fellowship has given me and look forward to sharing these experiences with those around me.

Loren Nicole Foster

Hello, my name is Loren Nicole Foster. I am a rising senior at Penn State UP studying General Biology with a minor in Global Health. After graduating, I would like to complete a Master’s in Global or Public Health. Afterwards, I would like to either attend medical school or work for the United Nations’ World Health Organization. 


The Perreault Fellows Program caught my attention as it is the perfect platform for exploration in the medical/healthcare fields. It allows its fellows to explore beyond what is in the U.S. and for them to experience a new culture. I hope that after the completion of the program, I become a much more well-rounded and conscientious individual.


Within my minor’s instruction, we have learned how diverse the world’s health issues and conceptions can be. Consequently, the best way to learn from others is to be emerged in their culture and lifestyle. Through this learning curve, I aim to acquire the social, cultural, and cognitive skills needed to become a global citizen and leader. Therefore, making me a good candidate to work alongside organizations that aim to help and elevate the world’s healthcare systems.

Marlitza Francisque

Hi! I am currently a third year at Penn State pursing a degree in biomedical engineering. I hope to attend graduate school and get my PhD in biomedical engineering. In the future I hope to work in industry working in biomaterials or conduct research in the field of tissue engineering. 


When I first learned about the Perrault Fellowship, I was immediately drawn to the concept. As a student studying in the field of medicine and engineering, I can only hope that my work and designs will help people around the world. To do this, I believe that I need global experience to gain a better understanding of who I should keep in mind when conducting research and creating new techniques. It is important that I can help a wide range of people and participating in a global internship offered by the Perrault Fellowship will help me accomplish this. I am excited to participate in this journey and honored to be a part of the Perrault Fellowship. 

Teagan Mayr

I am currently a third-year student majoring in Political Science and Broadcast Journalism with minors in Civic and Community Engagement and Public Policy Leadership Across Sectors. My goal is to work in political campaign management and attend graduate school!


I applied to the Perreault Fellowship program because I have always had a passion for service, from my work in nonprofits and as the incoming president of Students United Against Poverty, I love to help people. Combined with my love to travel this program was a perfect fit for me. As a student coming from a low-income background, I would never have had the opportunity to study abroad without the assistance of the Perreault Fellowship program. I can't wait to see what I learn while I am abroad this summer and to bring those lessons back to every community that I serve.

Amy Najarro Bojorquez

Amy Najarro Bojorquez was born and raised in Peru. She is fluent in Spanish and English. Amy lived with her family, including three younger siblings, in Connecticut and graduated from Greenwich High School as part of the ESL program. She is in her third year as a Life Science major at Penn State Berks. Amy is doing research with Dr. Mysliwiec and Dr. Felker about antibiotic-resistant bacteria within the Blue Marsh Watershed located in Berks County. Her goal after graduation is to get an MD- PhD. Her career choice is to serve as both a physician and a researcher to help patients by treating them directly and researching new treatments, drugs, and preventive medicine options. 

Juan Serrano

Hola! mi nombre es Juan. I am originally from Colombia, I am a third-year student at Penn State Harrisburg pursuing a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology with a focus on science. I plan to continue my education and become a Doctor Physical Therapist. Because I have realized that the care for patients is not only during their illness but also before and after, to prevent and recover their health. This position is important because I have seen the benefits mentally and physically in patients of having a caring, honest, and good doctor who can understand their needs and help them to be themselves again, as an independent individual. 


I decided to apply to the Perrault Fellowship program because I want to expand my cultural intelligence and deeper understanding of how different cultural backgrounds can affect an individual's experience in life, especially in the medical field. I am excited and grateful for having this opportunity because I would be able to learn new methods, strategies, and things that can help me become a better person and a better doctor in the future. I am thrilled to see how this experience will shape me and see all the memories and connections I will gain from this opportunity to implement them in my life. When I applied to this program  I would have never thought I was going to get in; however, I did and this shows that sometimes we need to take that extra step or take that risk because the rewards from it can be amazing, so do not give up easily and always look for opportunities where you can grow as an individual and can help others to grow as a community. 

Daniel Widjaja

Hello! I'm Daniel, a junior at Penn State pursuing biomedical engineering with a focus on biomaterials. Originally from Jakarta, Indonesia, I made the exciting move to Penn State for my freshman year and have been thriving ever since. On campus, you'll find me actively engaged in various organizations including BMES, Penn State MASH, and the Delta Phi fraternity.


When I'm not immersed in academics or participating in extracurriculars, you can often find me pursuing my diverse interests. Whether it's hitting the gym, playing the piano, spending quality time with friends, casting a line for fishing, or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, I'm always up for a new adventure.


Beyond my hobbies, I have a deep passion for travel and exploring different cultures. I believe in the power of experiencing new perspectives and embracing diversity. In line with my aspirations for professional growth and global exploration, I'm eagerly looking forward to the Perrault Fellowship program.


Excited to connect and share experiences with fellow adventurers!

2022/2023 Fellows

Marianna Di Balsamo

I am currently a third-year student at Penn State pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Pre-medicine with a minor in Spanish. My goal is to pursue a career in medicine as a cardiologist and as someone who has witnessed the incredible impact that doctors and medicine can have on patients and their loved ones, I strive to be a positive impact on my future patients’ lives and ensure that I do my job to the absolute best of my ability. 

 

I applied to the Perreault Fellows program because I have always had a love for traveling and the opportunity to be able to travel while being a part of an internship in a field that I love is something that I am incredibly thankful for.  Being able to go abroad and work in health care will allow me to gain the knowledge of another culture and different perspectives, which I will take with me throughout the rest of my time here at Penn State and beyond. I am thrilled to be able to gain this hands-on experience in medicine while using my minor in Spanish as well. This is a once in a lifetime experience that I would have never been able to have without the Perreault Fellows program, and I am excited to see what I will learn throughout being a Perreault Fellow. 

Charis Cheuk-Ling Liu

My name is Charis and I am currently a second year studying International Politics and Comparative Literature at Penn State. I am hoping to continue my studies of International Politics in grad school and to eventually work in either diplomacy or the Foreign Service.

 

I decided to apply to the Perreault Fellowship upon learning about their inter-disciplinary approach and objective of serving others. I thought that such a mission would serve as a great opportunity to gain new global perspectives and experiences and ultimately supplement my own studies and future career. As someone who believes in the ideals of furthering social justice and cross- cultural collaboration, particularly on a global scale, I am more than excited to see what this summer will bring. I would definitely encourage anyone to apply to Perreault as they provide an avenue of indispensable resources and the opportunity to broaden one’s cultural knowledge and experiences.

Aidee Santos Acosta

Hello, my name is Aidee Santos Acosta. I am a junior at Penn State Berks and my major is Genetics and Developmental Biology. In the future, I hope to attend medical school and become a doctor.


I decided to join the Perreault Fellows Program because of the many opportunities and the support they provide to the student. My goal in being part of this amazing program is to grow as a person and come out of my shelf. I think traveling to another country and learning about its culture makes you a more conscious and open-minded human being.


I come from an immigrant household and English is my second language. Often minorities feel discouraged to try new opportunities due to the language barrier or cultural differences. I want to serve as a motivator for those with a similar background as me. It is possible to be successful and trying new opportunities can be a positive experience.

Gretchen Rooney Adan

I am extremely honored to be chosen to participate in the Perreault Fellows Program. I am a third-year adult learner majoring in Agriculture Business Management. My background has always been in agriculture production, conservation, policy, and risk management. I enjoy bringing people together to solve complex issues and returning positive results. I have a growth mindset and find the Perreault Fellows participation another opportunity to grow.


I have returned to academics to expand my everyday and professional view. As a recipient of the Perreault Fellows Program, I will be able to expand my worldview while spending time abroad. I am excited to experience business culture in another country. Comparing cultural and professional norms should provide an expansive opportunity for my future. This is an amazing opportunity and I hope to make a positive difference with my contribution while abroad.

Christina Laura Beaubrun

Sak pa se (What’s up)? I am a junior studying biochemistry and molecular biology at the Eberly College of Science, and I am proud of my Haitian ancestry. I desire to reform healthcare in my homeland one day and the Perrault Fellows Program provides resources and training to make this a reality. Arthritis, lupus, and a multitude of other autoimmune diseases disproportionately plague the Haitian people yet there are very few efforts to study and eradicate this issue. Being a Perrault Fellow puts me in a privileged space to discuss the integration of global reparations and healthcare. The program has notably pointed out that the two are not mutually exclusive.


During my time as a fellow, I hope to inspire those around me to look beyond their immediate circumstance and strive to create change in the world. As students at The Pennsylvania State University, we have every opportunity to stand on the shoulders of giants, and every effort we put forth is meaningful and may someday bear fruit. I am thrilled to be a Perrault fellow and even more so to spearhead actions toward health equity.

Zachary J Chludzinski

My name is Zack and I’m currently in my 3rd year at Penn State pursuing a dual major in Business and Marketing and Management while also minoring in Information Systems Technology. I plan to attend Law School after graduation and hope to use my degree to make the world a better place however I can.


I was drawn to the Perrault Fellows Program for many reasons. One reason is my passion for traveling, specifically international travel, and the experiences that come with it. I haven’t had the opportunity to travel outside the United States and the Perrault Fellows enables me to do so while also working at an internship in my field of interest. In addition, the Perrault Fellows Program’s focus on the betterment of the human condition aligns with my goals in life. I was spurred to apply to the program after reading the Alumni spotlight and seeing one past fellow’s post about how you should apply even if it’s the last day. Ironically, I did just that and couldn’t be happier that I did. I am so thankful for this opportunity and look forward to my future as a Perrault Fellow and all the knowledge, experience, and memories I will gain along the way. If you’re reading this, I have one word for you, apply!

Imani S Young-Butler

I always felt as if Psychology was a field to which I naturally gravitated so much so that during my senior year of high school, I was enrolled in a college course studying Psychology at my local community college. Trying to navigate which focus of Psychology I would specialize in was always up for debate being as though the field is so broad and offers plenty of opportunities. It was not until my mother was incarcerated in a state penitentiary that I shifted my focus to forensic psychology and restorative justice. Through this, I extensively studied the behaviors, psyches, and patterns of those who are or have been involved within the criminal justice system.


Recently, I have developed a parallel interest in behavioral health and am currently obtaining my credential as a Registered Behavioral Technician. Studying and practicing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has helped me developmentally and continues to motivate my interests.  It would be an understatement to say that beginning my college career in the initial stages of the pandemic was easy and predictable. The ability to adapt and accept were two skills I was grateful to have and helped propel me through these unprecedented times.


As a third-year undergraduate student, I am so happy to be able to participate and be a part of opportunities like The Perrault Fellows Program. I am looking forward to working with such an amazing group of people that truly aim to understand and support a cause of learning that is so significant to me.

2021/2022 Fellows

Rasheedat Ekiyoyo

My name is Rasheedat Ekiyoyo and I’m a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering with an interest in biomechanics. What excites me most about the Perrault Fellows Program is my proximity to a network of mentors and resources that can aid in my development as a future researcher and scholar. I am also most excited to undergo research opportunities outside of the United States and form friendships with my cohort members!


I would recommend to eligible students to apply to this program because the whole process will help you get to know yourself better. I believe whether you have a clear idea of your future, if you have a passion to explore more, then you will be able to have such a rewarding opportunity.  


I am thrilled to share my experience with others while interning abroad and give back my learning experience to the community. I believe this would help me to plan my personal and career goals as well. 

Conor Kelley

My name is Conor Kelley and I am double majoring in Global and International Studies (GLIS) and Community, Environment, and Development (CED) and am currently a Sophomore. I am also minoring in Arabic and have had an interest in the Middle East and hope to work there in the future! With the amazing opportunity to be a Perreault Fellow I have the ability to study abroad while also being able to develop my professional career. What has excited me the most is getting the chance to learn from others and their experiences. 

Christopher Sarpong

I am a junior studying Biological Science in the Eberly College of Science. As someone who has seen the world from many different perspectives, the Perreault Fellows program offered me a great opportunity to utilize these different views to positively impact the lives of others. Being a fellow allows me to further develop my ethical leadership skills which is key to making me a more well-rounded person.


As a pre medicine student, I am particularly interested in any opportunities that deal with health and helping people in general. I find immense joy in assisting others and I hope that I can go a place where I am able to do just that.


My advice for future applicants is to be authentic in your application. Speak about things that you are truly passionate about and experiences that have helped shape you as a person. Doing this will really help to strengthen your application. I certainly encourage anyone who is interested to apply. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only see the world, but to also expand your global perspective.

Phoebe Nabua

My name is Phoebe Nabua, and I am a junior majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Bioethics and Medical Humanities. Some other things about me are that I hope to go to medical school after I graduate and become either a pediatric or forensic psychiatrist. Mental health is extremely important to me and through the Perreault Fellows program, I am most excited about attending a Psychology internship abroad in the summer. Through this experience, I will not only be able to validate my passion as an aspiring physician but also gain another perspective in healthcare from my peers.


My advice for future applicants is to start early in the process. This includes writing the essay prompts weeks ahead of time, to gain some feedback and in asking for your letter of recommendation. Also, if you have doubts on applying, you should just take that leap of faith as you never know what will happen. Regardless of all the anxiety throughout the application process, life is full of surprises, and I am excited to impact my community as a Perreault Fellow.

Chryztina Harding -Graham

My name is Chryztina Harding-Graham and I am currently a third-year student here at Pennsylvania State University majoring in English with a concentration in Literary Studies and a minor in philosophy. I was drawn to the Perreault Fellows program as it gives you the opportunity to not only further develop your own skills in the workforce and in life but also highlights the importance of giving back to the community while giving you the platform and tools to do so.  Through this program, I hope to gain further knowledge in my desired career path in law and government, while also developing my communication and adaptability skills in a whole new environment.


I encourage anyone, whether you know what it is you want to do in life yet or not, to look into the Perreault Fellows program as a stepping stone to finding your own path and to learn while doing it. It is a great opportunity that I am extremely grateful for and excited to see what it holds for my future.

Prachi A. Soni

My name is Prachi Soni, and I am junior at Penn State University majoring in political science and global & international studies. I applied to the Perreault Fellows program because of several unique aspects that the program offers.

 

The leadership conferences and Rock Ethics Institute seminars provides life-long mentorship and skills to utilize in the classroom and in the workplace. The study abroad internship aspect gives fellows the opportunity to immediately apply what they learn academically, in a professional international setting and expand their global perspective. The last aspect is the community service project- one of the main reasons I applied. Since 2018, I have started multiple service organizations in my community. These services continue today and range from weekly clothing drives, weekly food donations and supplies, etc. I am now in the processes of creating the Sai Sahara Foundation in India. This program will fund underprivileged women in a variety of ways such as, providing micro-entrepreneurial loans as well as educational workshops, scholarships for school, self-defense workshops, and much more.

 

I am so grateful to the Perreault family for giving Penn State students, like me, the opportunity to study abroad.

Edann Ofray

I am currently majoring in Immunology and Infectious Disease with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. As a student who has taken a step away from their collegiate career and returned, I understand the doubt that may exist in one’s abilities to succeed. However, overtime I have learned that it is not the fall that defines you but instead it is your plan to rise, that makes all the difference. I yearn to be the best resource for my community and that is why I am elated to be part of the Perreault Fellowship Program. Being a fellow allows me to develop and strengthen the qualities I currently possess, as well as those I have yet to discover.


Having a multicultural background, I understand the impact that a lack of resources can have on a community, especially within the topic of public health. Often enough, these communities find difficulty in communicating their need for aid. As an advocate for preventative health, the research and experience obtained from this program will aid in my growth as not only a student, but also as a person. 


I encourage future applicants from all backgrounds, to step outside of their comfort zone and embrace their abilities to make a difference. This is a great program to discover yourself—and the world, to develop confidence, leadership skills, and new relationships that will last a lifetime. 

2020/2021 Fellows

Sarah Kwon

My major is Psychology with a focus on the life sciences. I applied for the Perreault Fellows program to gain more knowledge and experience focused on health and human well-being while interning abroad. I enjoy helping others, and I thought this program would be helpful to improve my personal skills to help others in the future. With this amazing opportunity, I plan to explore more culturally diverse and grow as a global leader. This helps me to expand my views in various ways as well as explore career plans. I also expect to improve my social and communication skills as well as understanding others.  


I would recommend to eligible students to apply to this program because the whole process will help you better get to know yourself. I believe whether you have a clear idea of your future, if you have a passion to explore more, then you will be able to have such a rewarding opportunity.  


I am thrilled to share my experience with others while interning abroad and give back my learning experience to the community. I believe this would help me to plan my personal and career goals as well. 

Rebekah Long

I study Marketing and Management with Human Resource Management minor. I believe the Perreault Fellowship Program to be a resource and an opportunity for personal development and I admire all the components this program offers to students. Being a marketing major, I find it is important to continue to learn how to effectively communicate with another. I was attracted to this program because it provides students the opportunity to learn about ethics and cross-cultural leadership but also to apply our learning to an internship abroad experience as well.   


I am focusing on the fundamental areas of individuals’ lives based off the physiological and safety needs described in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in Psychology. I hope to use my passion in marketing to spread awareness and promote the company/organization I intern with and work alongside.  


I believe that a lot of what our successes are in life are driven with passion. If you have passion in your major and career field and a passion to use that related to the health and welfare of others, I would consider anyone to apply for this program.     


I am looking forward to the mentorship and development resources this program provides through the Rock Ethics Institute and the internship abroad component. 

Jordin Mertz

I am a Political Science major, and Economics minor student. I applied to the Perreault fellowship because I wanted to learn more about the experiences of those that have a different cultural background than me.  I don’t really have much exposer to life outside the United States, and as a political science major I think that making a personal connection with individuals from around the world is the only way to truly recognize their struggle and their experience.  Through this fellowship I hope to gain the experience necessary for global leadership, and I know this program can help me achieve that. With the fellowship grant I am hoping to be able to get an internship abroad this summer.  I would love to go to Europe and work within either government or a non-governmental organization to bring about positive political change.  Despite the global pandemic potentially prohibiting my travel abroad, I am still confident that through this grant I will be afforded an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, in a way that I would not have had opportunity to otherwise. 


I would highly urge anyone interested in a future involving global health and development to apply for this program.  The atmosphere of being surrounded by likeminded individuals paired with an excellent array of experiences is designed to set up any student for success.  Even if you are unsure of what career path suits you, or if your major fits the theme of global health, I would encourage anyone to apply because this program can be a great learning experience, both personally and professionally. 


I am most excited for is getting an internship.  Whether I end up traveling abroad or going remote due to the pandemic, I think getting real work experience with an institution outside of the United States will be a wonderful experience.  During the internship is when I will be able to apply all that I’ve learned about ethics and leadership, so I’m excited to materialize what I’ve learned through this program. 

Nick Banerjee

I study Psychology and Labor and Human Resources in the College of the Liberal Arts. I applied for the program because it encourages us to utilize our Penn State education, along with the financial resources generously provided by the Perreaults, to help others in local and global communities. The professional development experiences will also teach me skills to stand out in competitive job markets and graduate admissions processes.   


I hope to set up a self-funded research position at a university or business that studies topics related to industrial/organizational psychology, organizational behavior, or labor. It would allow me to make advances in these fields to improve others’ work experiences. I am also considering internships in human resources or consulting to similarly support others’ work lives in an applied context.  


My advice to future applicants: have a clear and consistent theme that connects your interests and experiences with the opportunities provided by the program; they should work together to show your desire and potential to help other people.   


Given the limitations on social interaction due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am especially excited to work with others outside of the Penn State community. Even if the experiences are virtual, cross-cultural interaction exposes people to unique perspectives. If I can travel, the architecture, food, history, and natural landscapes of my destination will be fascinating 

Elizabeth Powderly

I study General Biology, with minor in Information Systems and Statistical Analysis. I applied to the Perreault Fellowship Program because it is an incredible opportunity to develop ethical leadership skills, multi-cultural awareness, and engage with other fellows in a program that allows us to grow both academically and professionally. I plan on working in a health administration clinic abroad to better understand barriers to equitable health and how cross-cultural communication is essential for future healthcare workers. 


I would advise anyone interested in the Perreault Fellowship to start your application early and think creatively on how a work experience abroad could be useful for your professional goals. There are so many ways that your major can be used in interdisciplinary fields so think big! 


I am most excited about using what I have learned through my seminars and programs in a cumulative experience abroad, and the opportunity to develop professionally. 

Jessica Raskauskas

I am junior studying Criminology and Women’s Studies majors with an English minor. I applied for the Perreault Fellowship Program to be able to take the passion and knowledge that I have and put them to use internationally. I also want to expand my knowledge beyond my Western view so that I can understand the intricate ways that social injustices function around the world, in hopes of one day being able to help find ways to remedy them. With my Fellowship grant, I’m cautiously excited to experience life abroad and to immerse myself in the lifestyles of other people with upbringings so different from my own. I hope to be able to work either with the law or with social services to advance women in communities abroad and to help these communities work toward gender equality.  


My advice for anyone planning to apply for the program in the future is to not wait until the last minute! The questions on the application are not questions that you should be trying to answer at 9 pm the night the application is due, they ask you to think about things so much bigger than yourself and your experiences, and they deserve as much time as you can give them. 


I am most excited to form friendships with the individuals in my cohort, to experience life abroad, and to expand my knowledge beyond even my own expectations!

Ayes Keskin

I am studying biology with a concentration in neuroscience here at Penn State. I applied for the Perreault Fellowship Program because I’ve always wanted to gain global experiences. Even though Penn State offers many programs to fulfill this desire, none of them appealed to me as much as the Perreault Fellowship Program. I was drawn to this program because it is not just going abroad for a few months; it is much more. I love the fact that learning about global leadership and having an opportunity to reflect is a key component of this program.  


With my Fellowship grant, I hope to do an internship in Brno, Czech Republic. I also plan to take some lessons to learn Czech! 


My advice to anyone planning to apply for the program in the future is to deeply reflect on their past experiences. Reflection was such a big part of my application process and I was able to understand exactly what I wanted from participating in this program.  


I am most excited to meet Czech people and form connections with people from a culture I am not familiar with. 

2019/2020 Fellows

Lillian Henderson

Lillian is currently a junior at Penn State, double majoring in Mandarin and Global and International Studies in the College of the Liberal Arts. She became interested in applying for the Perreault Fellowship because of the international internship aspect, which is something she knew she wanted to pursue. She says that, “So far I have been beyond impressed with the workshops, seminars, retreats, and various meetings offered to fellows that have furthered my understanding of what it means to be a global leader.” She knows that these experiences will extend beyond her career goals, and help her to grow her current passions, gain a more authentic sense of purpose, and contribute to real change outside her community. She added, “I have been gifted with a unique leadership position that will undeniably expand my worldview- and I do not intend to waste it! In the future, she hopes to complete her international internship with a foundation that works on various projects such as women and youth empowerment and sustainable agriculture. If she had any advice for future applicants, it would be to not hold themselves back from at least trying to apply. “It is a once in a lifetime opportunity with so many benefits that go beyond what to add on a resume.”

Genesis Berrios-Torres

Genesis is currently a junior at Penn State Abington, majoring in PSSBA, Psychological and Social Sciences. She became interested in the program after receiving an email advertising the program, and read that it gave students the opportunity to intern abroad, which has always been one of her dreams. She hopes to intern with a company that gives back to the community and helping local residents. Being a psych major, I want to gain more hands on experience and being able to achieve that abroad would be so rewarding. As a psych major, she wants to gain more hands on experience and being able to achieve that abroad would be so rewarding. She says that one of the most beneficial parts of the program so far has been the ability to develop her networking skills. She plans to intern in Barcelona, Spain teaching children or as a social media representative for a non-profit organization focusing on women’s rights. For anyone thinking of applying to the program, she says “Do not rush the process and have fun trying to figure out where you really want to go and what you want to become a part of because at the end of the day this fellowship was designed to benefit not only your career, but you as a person.”

Yuna Choi

Yuna Choi is a sophomore in the College of Liberal Arts, studying International Politics and Economics, with minors in French and Francophone Studies. She became interested in the program because of her wanderlust and hope to visit France without placing a financial burden on her parents. She knew that having an international experience would allow her to grow as a leader and improve communication skills and understanding for each other. The Perreault Fellows Program is allowing her to go to France and improve her proficiency in the language. She will have an internship related to social service through a NGO or other international organization. To anyone who is thinking about applying for the fellowship, she says: just apply! “Reminding yourself of what a tremendous opportunity this is and how you yourself as an individual can grow is what will push you toward success.”

Rachel Miller

Rachel Miller is a Junior in the Smeal College of Business, majoring in marketing and minoring in psychology. She was an avid volunteer both before Penn State and during, and is committed to helping others. She says that being able to turn this into a career on a global aspect is a dream come true. She was intrigued by the uniqueness of the Perreault Fellows Program. She says, “It is unique in the way that it not only helps fund an internship abroad but prepares you for success, through the guidance and experiences provided. As someone whose career goal is to help others, this Fellowship outlined an incredible opportunity to learn about many aspects of health and human well-being on a global scale. I am extremely grateful to be apart of this program.” The Perreault Fellows Program has helped her to achieve her global aspirations through unique workshops, seminars, and experiences, and will continue to do so through her internship experience this summer with a non-profit in Rome, Italy. Attending these workshops and events has given her insight into global issues and topics she knows will be applicable to her internship this summer and her future career. She has also gained insight and knowledge from the other Fellows in her cohort. To those interested in applying for the program, she highly recommends applying for the Perreault Fellowship. She says, “The application and interview process encouraged me to think about my career goals and aspirations. I have had the opportunity to attend a luncheon and meet with Paul Perreault, the other Fellows, and our advisors. During this, I learned more about Paul and his journey to becoming a successful global leader. This reaffirmed my desire to intern abroad with the specific intent of focusing on health and human well-being.”

Kiana Summers

“Whether or not you have an idea of your future, the Perreault Fellows Program gives you the platform to explore your interests. Even if you’re hesitant, I recommend applying, even if it’s the day of, because it could be one of the most amazing opportunities in your life.” -Kiana Summers, 2020 Perreault Fellow, Science with the Biological Science and Health Professions option

Any Questions?

Contact:

Christopher Nischalke, Education Abroad and Perreault Fellows Adviser

     Telephone: 1-(814)-865-5195

     Email: cmn5262@psu.edu