Come Meet our international Peer Advisors!

 Returnee Applications

 An International Peer Advisor (IPA) is a student who has volunteered to provide guidance to prospective North Georgia study abroad students. IPA's use their previous study abroad experiences to advise their peers through the study abroad application process. Their purpose is to assist in answering preliminary study abroad questions while offering a student perspective. In this way our has office has gained a student perspective that complements our office expertise. In order to participate in the IPA program the study abroad alum has to complete an application and training program.  They are also expected to maintain good academic standing and a 2.5 GPA.Please come meet our IPA's in 104/108 Price Memorial Hall.

   My name is Abby Breaux and I am a Senior majoring in Art Marketing with a concentration in Photography.  I studied abroad for the school year 2010-2011 in Plymouth, England. My study abroad interest sparked from my love of travel. I lived in Paris, France for 3 years with my parents and we traveled all around Europe. I have now been to 15 European Countries.  I enjoyed living in France with my parents so much that I decided I wanted to do it again. Studying abroad through the Center for Global Engagement made that happen for me. I experienced a new culture, made life long friends, became a better photographer, traveled, all the while receiving credit from North Georgia.

  My name is Ashley Long and I am a Senior majoring in International Affairs-Asian Concentration. My love for the eastern arena of the world began very early on, thus making my six months studying abroad in China that much more delightful. I participated in the Tsinghua Exchange located in Beijing, China during Spring 2011 and continued my excursion teaching English to underprivileged children in Kumming, China that summer.  Since childhood, I have had a fascination with travel and being in places in which I was unfamiliar.  Choosing to be an IA major and engaging in study abroad seemed like a natural decision.  It made me realize that I very well could lead a global lifestyle in the future.  Being independent, becoming self sufficient in more capacities than one, meeting new people, gaining first-hand experience with vastly different cultures, and earning respect from others and much more are great benefits to studying abroad. If at any time you as a student become interested in study abroad, yet need a bit of encouragement in making the decision to do so, please come talk to me. Study abroad holds a very special place in my heart and I am excited at the prospect of helping you come to know this feeling as well!

  My name in Benjamin Hoerber. I am a Senior duel majoring in International Affairs with a focus in East Asia and Chinese.  I studied abroad for the Spring semester of 2011 in Beijing and had my internship that summer in the province of Yunnan. I love to travel, especially place that are exotic and different, I choose China because of the rising political and economic significance of the country.  During my stay I grew attached to the culture and the people, and realized the commonality of people regardless of culture differences.  Also during my stay in Beijing I realized that China in many ways was becoming a melting pot of foreigners. I met many people who were also studying abroad and had a large interest in China.  We formed a global community of students, we all had different majors and our nationalities varied from Colombian, Australian, European, and Malaysian.  This global community has inspired me to learn more and do more in global affairs and help build a better global community.  One easy way I can help is by helping our school by being a International Peer Advisor.

  My name is Imelda Aguilera. I am a Junior majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in Europe. My minor is in French. At a young age my family moved to the United States from Mexico.  I believe that is what sparked my interest in other cultures and languages. Ever since I can remember I have wanted to travel.  I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain for the summer 2011.  It gave me the opportunity to do what I love most; meet new people and learn about its culture, as well make lasting friendships.  It was a great experience and I recommend it to everyone even if it is for a short amount of time.  It does not matter where you go as long as you go.  It is an experience that will change your life.

  Zdrasti! My name is Jennifer Taylor and I am a senior. I am a History major with an International Affairs minor with a concentration in Europe. Last year, I spent the Spring Semester studying abroad in Bulgaria. Although Bulgaria is almost nothing like Georgia, I quickly fell in love with the people, culture, and much of the landscape.  I had the opportunity to meet students from all around the world.  I made friends that will last a lifetime and traveled to several other countries. While having the time of my life, I also earned credit for upper level classes in my major.  I cannot express to you how amazing study abroad was and how much I learned during my time overseas.  I am especially glad that I studied in a country that I knew little about previously. I feel that this experience helped me to better understand European Union politics and the European mindset. I would be happy to share more of my experiences with you and answer any questions you may have about studying abroad.      

  My name is Nicholas Rosi.  I am a Senior majoring in Political Science with a minor in Leadership.  I studied abroad in Turkey in the summer 2011.  I am a member of the Corps of Cadets here at North Georgia College and State University.  I have always been interested in traveling abroad, and learning new things, so studying abroad is a natural mix.  I became an International Peer Advisor in order to help people who wanted to study abroad but felt it was out of their reach either socially or economically.  I believe studying abroad can help us better understand our lives at home. 

  My name is Sofia Bork and I'm a Senior majoring in English, with a concentration in Writing and Publication.  My minor is Spanish and I enjoy practicing the language whenever I can.  Studying abroad in Madrid, Spain this past summer gave me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the culture and practice the language on a daily basis. Because of this, my foreign language skills improved significantly, and I am now planning on returning and teaching English in Spain next fall. A few of my favorite hobbies include hiking, reading, running outside, gardening and cooking. I enjoy meeting new people and learning from them.

    My name is Sydney King and I am a senior majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in East Asia. I studied abroad during the 2010 fall semester at Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea. Traveling by myself confirmed my dream of living outside the US for some time after I graduate. While in South Korea I had a German roommate and most of my friends were not from the US, I loved being one of the only Americans.  I enjoyed having conversations about the differences and similarities in my culture compared to others; this is a way that my friends and I could open up because there were so many similarities that went along with the differences.  While I was away, Seoul really did become a second home.  The Korean culture was wonderful to be immersed in from August to December. I am so glad I got to spend a semester abroad and I would love to help the students at NGCSU to be able to do the same. Is there a cooler way to earn college credit?

  My name is Wes Barron. I am a Junior majoring in International Affairs with a Middle Eastern concentration.  I studied abroad in Istanbul, Turkey during the summer of 2011.  Traveling is my money pit; there is nothing more fulfilling is this world than getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing what the world has to offer.  When I heard North Georgia was offering a program for Turkey, I jumped on it (having been there before).  During my stay in Istanbul, I was able to spend more time around the culture and people than I previously had. I was able to reunite with my Turkish friends and even secure my internship for the following summer. I would strongly urge anyone that is thinking about studying abroad to stop thinking and just do it! Being an International Peer Advisor for North Georgia will allow me to assist you in being able to take the leap and see the world.  Trust me, it will be one of the biggest and best decision you will ever make.