Study Abroad

Course Abroad Catalog Study Abroad Classroom Visit Request Form

Contact Information
Zongxiang Mei
International Education Coordinator
Global Engagement at Central
Henry Barnard Hall
418
(860) 832-2043
zongxiang.mei@ccsu.edu
Seth Voytek
Global Engagement at Central
Henry Barnard Hall
418
860.832.2044
s.voytek@ccsu.edu

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Short-Term Faculty-Led Course Abroad Advising
Summer, Semester, Year Programs & Unsure Advising

Global Engagement Ambassador Program

Overview

The Global Engagement Ambassador program offers a scholarship for students participating in semester-long study abroad programs through Central's Study Abroad and Exchange programs. Participants will have the opportunity to highlight their global journeys through engaging photo and video content. This is a great chance to inspire others, reflect on your time abroad, and become part of a growing community of global learners.

Each video in the series offers personal look into a student's study abroad experience, beginning with a brief introduction to their host university and country. From there, students share their most memorable experience abroad that left a lasting impact. They also reflect on the top three things they gained from their time overseas, such as personal growth, academic insights, or cross-cultural skills. To help future study abroad participants, each video concludes with three practical pieces of advice. These tips can cover a range of topics, including cultural adjustment, the application and visa process, course registration, time management, cooking, or packing.

This format is designed to both inspire and inform prospective students about a relatable and realistic view of what studying abroad can be like.

  • Maria Caceres

    Girl standing infront of Basil Street in UK

    Major: Journalism
    Host University: University of Hertfordshire
    Country: United Kingdom

    Highlight:
    "What I gained from this experience was my self-identity, independence and what I want to do with my life."

  • Jiho Park

    Headshot of Jiho Park

    Exchange Student

    Major: Sociology
    Home University: Kyung Hee University
    Country: South Korea

    Highlight:
    "Advice I would give to future students is First, make the best se of the school's facilities such as the gym and campus programs, second ask for help without hesitating if you need it. There are many systems on campus you can use. Lastly travel a lot."

  • Nicole Christopher

    Nichole standing in front of lake in Italy

    Major: Biomolecular Sciences
    Host University: Lorenzo De' Medici
    Country: Italy

    Highlight:
    "Studying abroad at LDM has given me a lot of opportunities to do extracurricular activities. Every week, they send out a form with multiple activities that you can sign up for."

  • Sofia Mezzano

    Headshot of Sofia Mezzano

    Exchange Student

    Major: English Pedagogy
    Home University: Diego Portales University
    Country: Chile

    Highlight: 
    “I did a lot of different things during my study abroad so it’s difficult for me to choose just one thing because all the moments I lived and that I met here will live in memory forever.”

  • Grace Martel

    Grace Standing in front of stone wall, with Scottish flag behind

    Major: Hospitality and Tourism
    Host University: Queen Margaret University 
    Country: Scotland

    Highlight: 
    “QMU has many things to offer. There's an on-campus gym and many different student-run clubs, organizations, and sports teams. The Student Union and Accommodation Services does a great job hosting events throughout the semester.”

  • Julia Bauer

    Julia Standing in Central Park in front of lake

    Exchange Student

    Major: Management
    Home University: DHBW Mosbach 
    Country: Germany

    Highlight: 
    “During my semester here at Central, I also was part of the Wind Ensemble, and we performed a few concerts. Apart from that, I joined the Line Dancing Club. So, it's always a lot of fun. It's every Wednesday and I meet great people there. We also did Cha-Cha, Tango, Country Tuesday, Polka and my highlight there was that we visited the Boston Tea Party, which is like a dance convention where you dance West Coast Swing and Lindy Hop.”

  • Benjamin Araya

    Ben with a dog

    Exchange Student

    Major: Computer Science
    Home University: Diego Portales University 
    Country: Chile

    Highlight: 
    “I would encourage students to take advantage of all the campus has to offer and all the surrounding areas as there is so much to do. You can find charming towns and cities that have a lot to offer.”

  • Nudrat Rana

    Nudrat on hiking trail

    Major: Biomolecular Science Major
    Host University: Jeonbuk National University 
    Country: South Korea

    Highlight: 
    “My most memorable moment is when my roommate and I decided to explore the town of Jeonbuk alone the first day we met. Neither of us knew Korean, but through the help of the student staff we managed to have a night out, resulting in a lasting bond between us.”

  • Eszter Orban-Kis

    Headshot of Eszter

    Exchange Student

    Major: English Language and Literature
    Home University: Partium Christian University
    Country: Romania

    Highlight: 
    “The second advice is to don’t be afraid to reach out to others. It’s normal to feel unsure in a new environment but asking for help or starting a conversation with someone can make very big difference and you can make a friend for life.”

  • Karissa Wiggins

    Headshot of Karissa

    Major: Robotics/Mechatronic Engineering Technology and Computer Science
    Host University: Kyung Hee University 
    Country: South Korea

    Highlight: 
    “A memorable moment, I think, would be when my K-pop class took a field trip to a music studio. It was a music studio owned by the DPR team. It was cool to be able to see how music production and music engineering work in person because that is something I'm interested in.”

  • Ryan Capella

    Ryan in front of Italian fields

    Major: Mechanical Engineering
    Host University: Lorenzo De' Medici
    Country: Italy 

    Highlight: 
    “Living in another country just exposes you to how the whole other side of the world lives. It's just really cool from the food, the buildings, the art. It's just everyone is different, and each culture is so beautiful. I also gained so many memories from my trip.”

  • Anna Kamenjarin

    Anna On walking path with dog

    Exchange Student

    Major: Civil Engineering 
    Home University: DHBW Mosbach
    Country: Germany

    Highlight: 
    “Numerous cities are only a few hours aware, and most CT public transportation is free with our student pass. The USA is versatile and shows things you surely have never seen before.”

  • Camryn Lefrancois

    Camryn in front of Italian Lake

    Major: Business Management
    Host University: Lorenzo De' Medici 
    Country: Italy 

    Highlight: 
    “One of my most memorable moments was seeing the Duomo for the first time. I just remember all my doubts about leaving home for so long went away and I felt like I belonged here.”

  • Olivia Duran

    Olivia in front of tree

    Major: Psychology 
    Host University: Lorenzo De' Medici
    Country: Italy 

    Highlight: 
    “Studying abroad has helped me grow so much as a person as I feel like I have gained greater cultural perspective on the world as I talk to people from different countries every single day, and I get to hear about people's different ways of life.”

  • Ashley Pichardo Sanchez

    Headshot of Ashley

    Major: Computer Science
    Host University: University of Salamanca
    Country: Spain 

    Highlight: 
    “Studying abroad has improved my communication skills. Beforehand, I found that, you know, starting conversations with strangers was super difficult but now I’ve kind of got the hang of it and I’m able to.”

 

Hyhunho Study Abroad

Major: Business Administration
Host University: Central Connecticut State University
Country: United States

Highlight: 
“You’ll learn and feel so many new things as you adjust, but it’s easy to forget them over time. This is why keeping track of what you learn and the memories you make is so meaningful, especially when learning cultural differences alongside the language becomes such a valuable experience.”

 

Adrian Study Abroad

Major: Finance
Host University: University of Salamanca
Country: Spain

Highlight: 
“Go out especially on weekends, go meet people, go try the new food that you might not have experienced before.”

 

Kazuro Study Abroad

Major: Exercise Science
Host University: University of Salamanca
Country: Spain

Highlight: 
“A piece of advice I would give is to put yourself out there and, you know, go to events, go to the gym. That's where I met a lot of people at the local gym in my dorm. That was a great way to make friends for me through class and honestly through going out because they love to party in Spain.”

 

Zakaria Study Abroad

Major: Journalism
Host University: Central Connecticut State University
Country: United States

Highlight: 
“Connecticut has a lot of cool places as well as New Britain. I managed to go to an Italian festival which I had like different foods and showed like the Italian culture I got to experience a lot of cool vendors. We got to experience the little things like Target, Dairy Queen, all these fast-food places and New Haven is the pizza capital of Connecticut. The pizza was amazing there.”

 

Yago Study Abroad

Major: International Business
Host University: Central Connecticut State University
Country: United States

Highlight: 
“When you come here, you're not going to have no problem making friends, adjusting to the university. The people here are willing to help you a lot and they are very friendly. They are friendly with everybody. You're an international student. That is seen as cool. You are different.”

 

Yourim Study Abroad

Major: Language and Literature
Host University: Central Connecticut State University
Country: United States

Highlight: 
"Traveling during the semester showed me how big the world is and how much you can learn just by stepping outside your comfort zone. Through all of this, I learned three things. Being alone isn't scary. Second, good people appear when you take the first step. And third, every new place teaches you something. So, if you are ever studying abroad, don't be afraid to try things alone. Go out there, explore, talk to people, and let experiences come to you."

 

 

Major: Economics
Host University: Central Connecticut State University
Country: United States

Highlight: 
“Don't be afraid to approach people, ask questions, or put yourself out there. The best moments usually happen when you do. Studying abroad is not just about attending classes, it's about the stories you write, the people you meet and the person you become along the way.”

 

Lorenzo Study Abroad

Major: Journalism 
Host University: Central Connecticut State University
Country: United States

Highlight: 
"Get involved in extracurricular activities and meet new people. I signed up for the secluded newspaper, the Recorders to cover and write stories. I've been lucky enough to cover professional sports such as the Gotham FC and seeing the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York at the start of summer. A big reason I chose to study abroad in the US is because I'm a big sports fan. The American football experience in college has been a fever dream, and I've enjoyed every second of it.” 

 

Sergio Study Abroad

Major: Electrical Engineering
Host University: Central Connecticut State University
Country: United States

Highlight: 
"Be yourself, be brave, and don't be afraid of anything.”

 

 

Major: Film and TV Production
Host University: Queen Margaret University
Country: Scotland

Highlight: 
“Make sure to get involved with some clubs and societies while you’re here. Depending on your classes, you may have a ton of free time, so it's better to stay active and get involved and do things. I would recommend traveling at least once while you're staying here.”

 

Matthew Study Abroad

Major: Finance and Accounting
Host University: University of Salamanca
Country: Spain

Highlight: 
“Travel as much as you can. It's cool to learn and like all the new cultures you experience.”

 

 

Major: Exploratory
Host University: Kyung Hee University
Country: South Korea

Highlight: 
"Book the trip. It is so worth it. Be open minded, get out of your comfort zone and try new things.”