Global Education Mentor Program at SUNY Plattsburgh

Global Education Mentor Program (GEM)

Meet the GEMs

Global Education Mentors are study away alumni who have a special volunteer role with the Global Education Office (GEO). GEMs are available to speak to prospective students and can provide a unique perspective on specific programs and locations, as well as the overall study away experience. Students are welcome to contact a GEM who represents a program or location that is of interest.

How to Become a Global Education Mentor

Interested study away alumni should contact Study Abroad and Exchanges in Kehoe 210 or email geo@plattsburgh.edu for additional information.

Meet Our GEM's:

Juli Burnett

• Major: History
• Study abroad program: Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
• Favorite part of study abroad program: "The full immersion of being in Korean culture and learning the language. I also had the opportunity to travel to multiple countries in South East Asia that I would not have had the opportunity to otherwise.."
• Advice to students considering a study abroad program: "If it is a country where English is not the primary language, learn the language! Even if it is not a requirement, take language courses exchanges because it will not only be a valuable asset with interacting with the local population. Meet as many people from other countries as you can.
• Contact information: burnettj28@gmail.com

Jesse Paul Chandler

• Major: Elementary Education
• Study abroad program: Akita International University, Ahita, Japan
• Favorite part of study abroad program: "Every piece of the experience worked out perfectly. The small, personal atmosphere on campus and the overall hospitality I received everywhere I went was surreal, but in the most comforting way. The university life itself was incredible, but my own excursions are what really completed the experience."
• Advice to students considering a study abroad program: "Keep an open mind to any cultural differences or opportunities. Volunteer as much as possible and try to get to know the local culture. In addition make as many local friends and connections as soon as possible.  And be ready for anything wild that may come your way and spend your time exactly as you want to."
• Contact information: jchan002@plattsburgh.edu

Katie Davis

• Major: BA/MST French Education
• Study abroad program: University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
• Favorite part of study abroad program: "My host family taught me so much about the language & the culture. I also enjoyed: the travel opportunities I had, the food and wine, and all the people, both French and those from other countries I met!"
• Advice to students considering a study abroad program: "Research more than one country. You may find a country/program that fits you better.  Don’t be intimidated by programs in countries where the target language isn’t English – lots of programs have different languages levels."
• Contact information: kdavi004@plattsbugh.edu

Erica DePinto

• Major: TV Production/Broadcast Journalism and Radio/Audio/Digital Media Production
• Study abroad program: Florence University of the Arts, Florence, Italy
• Favorite part of study abroad program: "My apartment was fabulous. My classes were so amazing. I loved learning about food and wine. It’s really the heart and soul of Italy and the professors were passionate about it. It really made me want to learn."
• Advice to students considering a study abroad program: "Research the programs! There are a lot of schools out there with tons of class options."
• Contact information: edepi001@gmail.com

Aissatou Diallo

• Major: International Business and Management Information Systems
• Study abroad program: la Sorbonne, Paris, France
• Favorite part of study abroad program: "My favorite part of my study abroad program was meeting new people and travelling to other places outside of Paris. Not only have I seen the nice and elegant parts, but I have also seen the inferior parts. In the classroom setting, I was capable of meeting new students who were also internationals from Asia, America and Latin America. There were really helpful in speaking the French language with me. Finally travelling outside of Paris to Belgium and Champagne has increased my knowledge of how European countries interact and operate."
• Advice to students considering a study abroad program: "I would advise students to do cultural research on the country they are going to, understand the academic policies in that same country, and understand the norms in America are definitely not the same overseas. These three factors will help them prepare for their trip and their upcoming experience."
• Contact information: adialoo1@plattsburgh.edu

Maria Dominquez

• Major: Music, Theatre
• Study abroad program: Lorenzo Me’ Mezichi, Florence, Italy
• Favorite part of study abroad program: "Flexibility. The Lorenzo De Mezichi School is located throughout Florence. I lived in one of the schools arranged apartments and was placed in a location, which was close to the center of Florence, Italy; I was able to enjoy travel wherever I wanted throughout Florence and Italy."
• Advice to students considering a study abroad program: "Pick a school/program that has what you want to study. Taking classes that I loved only made my experience better."
• Contact information: marioL07592@gmail.com

Jacqueline Graf

• Major: Nutrition
• Study abroad program: Service Learning Program in HIV/AIDS Nutrition and Sustainable Agriculture Integrated, Tanzania
• Favorite part of study abroad program: "Visiting Zanzibar, Climbing Kilimanjaro and camping in rural Maasai Villages."
• Advice to students considering a study abroad program: "Be prepared for the application process and pay attention to deadlines. It’s a lengthy process so give yourself enough time."
• Contact information: jgraf001@plattsburgh.edu

Chelsey Lehmann

• Major: Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management and Business
• Study abroad program: International College of Management in Sydney, Australia
• Other travel destinations: Cairns, Australia and Canada
• Favorite part of study abroad program: "I loved being able to meet all different people from around the world.  Because I studied at an international college, only sixty percent of the people were Australian, so although I was able to immerse myself in the local Australian culture, I was also able to meet and befriend people from countries all over Europe and Asia."
• Advice to students considering a study abroad program: "When going overseas it is so important to embrace the culture of the local community, as well as that of others you encounter.  By keeping an open mind, it will allow you to try new things and have experiences that you would never be able to have anywhere else."
• Contact information: clehm001@plattsburgh.edu

Lily McWhirter

• Major: Spanish
• Study abroad program: Estudios Hispanicos, Barcelona, Spain
• Favorite part of study abroad program: "The amazing people that I met and the incredible experience I had.."
• Advice to students considering a study abroad program: "Without a doubt, you should definitely go. It will be the most amazing experience of your life."
• Contact information: lmcwh001@plattsburgh.edu

Jessica Podesva

• Major: Communication Studies & English
• Study abroad program: Survey of International Organizations, Fribourg, Switzerland
• Favorite part of study abroad program: "My favorite part of study abroad program was going on all of the field visits. Through my program I was able to visit and speak with representatives from prominent organizations such as the United Nations, Council of Europe, European Union, international labor organizations, world trade organizations, and several others. Paragliding off of a mountain in Interlaken was pretty awesome too."
• Advice to students considering a study abroad program: "Network, network, network! Make a point to ask questions; don’t be afraid to engage in conversations with the speakers you meet during your coursework. Travel whenever you have the opportunity and have fun!"
• Contact information: jpode002@mail.plattsburgh.edu

N'Dea Roberts

• Major: Business Administration
• Study abroad program: La Sorbonne, Paris, France
• Favorite part of study abroad program: "I really enjoyed being in Paris and learning about its culture. Also, being able to travel to Belgium and Champagne was fascinating. Lastly, trying escargot (snails) for the first time, was really brave of me."
• Advice to students considering a study abroad program: "Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity; don't pass it up. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. It is a great experience and you will not regret it.."
• Contact information: ndearoberts@gmail.com

Meghan Ryan

• Major: Spanish Education
• Study abroad program: University of Cantabria, Cantabria, Spain
• Favorite part of study abroad program: "I lived in a small city in Spain and therefore got to experience first-hand Spanish culture and traditions. My level of Spanish also improved a lot more because I was in a city where no one spoke my language."
• Advice to students considering a study abroad program: "A study abroad program will not only open your mind to different cultures and traditions but also opens up job opportunities in the future."
• Contact information: megamo1217@msn.com

Sarah Vincent

• Major: Education-5 year program in Early Childhood and Childhood with Special Education 
• Study abroad program: Australia/Fiji Summer Tour
• Other travel destinations: Japan and Canada
• Favorite part of study abroad program: "I loved traveling throughout the two different countries and being able to have numerous experiences that I couldn't ever dream about. I met so many amazing people as well, not only other participants in my program but, also people who are living in the country."
• Advice to students considering a study abroad program: "There are many obstacles that you will face to before and after you study abroad but, the experience is one that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. In so many different ways it is eye-opening, and I know for me in many ways life-changing. I would recommend that everyone at least once travel outside of the country or their comfort zone."
• Contact information: svinc001@plattsburgh.edu

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?

If you would like more information about study abroad and exchange opportunities at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact us at:

Global Education Office
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Phone: (518) 564-3287
Toll-Free Phone: (800) 388-6784
Fax: (518) 564-3292
Email: geo@plattsburgh.edu

Location: We are on the second floor of the Kehoe Administration Building on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus.