Meet the 2012-2013 International Peer Advisors!

 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 Imelda Aguilera. I am a Senior 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.  Additionally I went to Ireland to complete my internship.  I worked working for Chambers Ireland for two months.   Both of these traveling experiences gave me the opportunity to do what I love most; meet new people from all over the globe and learn about different cultures, as well make lasting friendships.  Both were great experiences and I recommend studying to everyone, even if it is for a short amount of time.  Being an International Peer Adivsor enables me to share with my other peers what you do not learn in a classroom.  It does not matter where you go as long as you go.  It is an experience that will change your life and give you a new perspective of the world. 

My name is Catherine Palmer and I am a senior duel majoring in Psychology and Spanish. This past Spring semester I spent 4 months studying abroad in Granada, Spain. Although I have always been fascinated with the Spanish language and culture, my study abroad trip doubled my love for it as well as sparked my interest for world travel. I’m so excited to be a part of the International Peer Advisor team because my study abroad experience truly changed my life. Exploring a new culture and gaining a new perspective of the world allowed me to grow as a person. Studying abroad is the best decision I’ve ever made which is why I’m so passionate about sharing and informing North Georgia students about the many opportunities the CGE has to offer!

Hello! My name is Kristin Hiler. I’m a Senior majoring in English with a concentration in writing and publishing and double minoring in Spanish and Biology. Being an International Peer Advisor gives me the chance to help others wanting to get the most out of their college experience by studying abroad. Studying in Madrid, Spain was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only did I get the chance to better my Spanish and learn a different culture, but I also made so many new friends from all over Georgia. Studying abroad gives you so much more than school credit; It gives you experience and memories that will last forever and that is priceless.

 ¡Hola! My name is Madison Savage and I’m a Junior majoring in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Biology and Spanish. Studying abroad was something I always wanted to do. When I heard about the Madrid, Spain program I knew this was my chance! Traveling to a different country opened my eyes to the world around me. I experienced Spanish culture on a completely different level. I learned more than I ever could through a textbook. I also made lifelong memories and friendships and I grew as a person. I became an International Peer Advisor because I want students to know that the opportunity to study abroad it as their fingertips and it is truly a life changing experience. I encourage everyone to study abroad! The world is your canvas!

Hello! My name is Scott Keener. I am a Junior majoring in International Affairs with a Regional Emphasis in Latin America and a minor in Business Administration.  I studied abroad to Chile in the Summer of 2012.  Studying abroad helped me put my perception of the world in a more global perspective and it helped me gain cultural and linguistic skills. I wanted to become an IPA because I enjoy helping people and I want to spread the idea that going abroad while in school is a very real opportunity. It is rewarding for me to help people with a great experience such as studying abroad to a region of the world that interests them.

Picture Coming Soon!

My name is Brad Alford and I am a senior majoring in International Affairs with a Middle Eastern Concentration and minoring in Arabic. In the summer of 2011 I went to Rabat, Morocco for 8 weeks in order to study Arabic. In addition to this I spent 3 months in Rome, Italy interning for the NATO Defense College. Changing my major to International Affairs and deciding to study Arabic has opened up so many doors for me as a student. One of the best decisions I have made was studying abroad and deciding to study Arabic. I hope that I can help other people get the most out of their college careers by studying or interning abroad. Signing up to be an International Peer Advisor has allowed me the opportunity to tell my story in hopes that other people will take the chance to something challenging and exciting during their college career.