Meet the New Study Abroad Peer Advisors
At the University of Arizona, students have the opportunity to embark on the journey of a lifetime through one of our many study abroad programs. Students who study abroad develop lifelong skills that are applicable both inside and outside the classroom. They gain invaluable insight and are equipped to meet the world’s challenges as creative problem solvers in their future career.
This summer, UArizona Study Abroad has the pleasure of welcoming two new students to the Peer Advising team, Madison Frees and Nikky Torres. As peer advisors, they assist fellow students in selecting the study abroad program which best fits their individual needs and goals.
Drawing from first-hand experience abroad, Peer Advisors Madison and Nikky serve as a friendly, first point of contact for future #WildcatsAbroad, providing an overview of the process and answering students’ initial questions. Madison and Nikky are motivated by their own passion for travel and experiential learning, a key component in helping to inspire others to experience the world through study abroad.
Some of the benefits students receive from interacting with Study Abroad Peer Advisors include:
-
Gaining valuable perspective from a fellow UArizona student who has experienced study abroad first-hand.
-
Learning about the application process and available scholarships and funding resources for studying abroad in an informal environment, either by appointment or during drop-in advising sessions.
-
Receiving step-by-step guidance on everything from program selection to packing your bags, and asking critical questions along the way!
Meet Peer Advisor Madison Frees
Madison Frees studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, with Arizona Abroad in Spring 2021. She is a Senior at the University of Arizona and began peer advising for Study Abroad this summer. Madison was happy to share her insights on the value of study abroad.
My Major: I am majoring in Marketing with a minor in Global Business Program!
My Study Abroad Takeaways: The biggest benefits of studying abroad were being able to experience a new environment, develop as an individual, and create memories of a lifetime while furthering my education. I found a new appreciation for adventure, traveling and the world.
Favorite Part of Being a Peer Advisor: My favorite part about being a peer advisor is helping students begin their study abroad process and researching programs that fit their personal, professional, and academic goals. My experience abroad holds a special place in my heart, and it is so rewarding to be able to help other students with their incredible experience and make their study abroad dreams come true!
Advice for Students Hoping to Study Abroad: My best advice for students is to start planning early, challenge yourself, and have the time of your life!
Future Career Aspirations: Madison envisions more experiences abroad in her future. She hopes to use her Marketing degree and Global Business Program minor toward a career in digital marketing while traveling for work and experiencing more of the world.
Meet Peer Advisor Nikky Torres
Nikky Torres is a Junior at the University of Arizona. She began peer advising for Study Abroad after returning from Rome, Italy, where she studied on the UA Rome program. We asked Nikky to share with us some of her tips for making the most out of an experience abroad!
My Major: I am majoring in Nursing with a minor in Business Administration.
My Study Abroad Takeaways: I am thankful for the opportunity to study abroad because it allowed me to explore Europe and get out of my comfort zone. The beautiful sights and delicious food make it an experience to never forget.
Favorite Part About Being a Peer Advisor: I love working as a peer advisor so that I can help other students see how special and beneficial studying abroad can be!
Advice for Students Hoping to Study Abroad: My one piece of advice for anyone thinking of studying abroad is to take advantage of all the amazing opportunities that are available while abroad. It's a life changing experience and you will be more than satisfied with time abroad if you are able to make the most of it.
Future Career Aspirations: Nikky hopes to spend some time as a travel nurse along the way to achieving her goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.
Arizona Global extends a warm welcome to both of these worldly Wildcats! We look forward to watching them develop as creative collaborators in their Peer Advising roles, with the ability to help students feel informed and confident about their study abroad plans.
If you would like to learn more about their academic experiences abroad or connect with Madison or Nikky to start planning your study abroad, be sure to attend a Virtual Drop-In Advising Session or an upcoming Study Abroad 101.
Visit studyabroad.arizona.edu/calendar to join one of the regularly-scheduled Zoom meetings for Study Abroad Drop-In Advising - no appointment needed! These sessions take place three times a week:
-
Tuesdays, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
-
Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
-
Thursdays (beginning July 8th), 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Need some inspiration and information to start your journey? Join the #WildcatsAbroad community on Instagram or email the Study Abroad Peer Advisors to get connected!