Talk to a Global Ambassador
Ty Buchanan
Hometown: Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota
Major: Pure Mathematics and Aerospace Engineering
Email: tbuch1999@tamu.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Zachry 410
Global Program Type/Location: Faculty led
International Education Experience: I went to France in summer 2018 to study Advanced Calculus with the math department as a way to ease my math major, then I went to Peru in summer 2019 to serve as an American ambassador and English teacher, and I will be going to Egypt in winter 2019 to study Engineering Ethics. All of my experiences were a result of my passion for pursuing and spreading knowledge throughout the world in hopes that I may unfold a beautiful future destined for humanity. With these experiences, I truly believe that traveling paves the way forward to actualizing our potential.
Antonella Acosta
Hometown: McAllen, TX
Major: Civil Engineering
Email: antonella876@tamu.edu
Office Hours: Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. in Zachry 410
Global Program Type/Location: Field trip (short term) and Italy spring semester faculty led
International Education Experience: Going abroad is the most incredible, enriching experience I've had in my life. I was able to cross geographic limits I had in my mind of just obtaining a job or studying in Texas. When in class, I was able to interact with the Mexican students at the host university and the exchange of ideas in engineering topics was amazing. Both parties were able to compare the learning and teaching methods of the same concept. This really taught me how to expand the communication methods I had and speak in more technical terms as I learned that engineering is a universal language. Every technical or touristic site we visited taught me how important communication and collaboration between people from different countries is. Through the activities done I was able to obtain presentation skills that gave me the confidence to be able to communicate an idea to a diverse group of people and taught me how to stay on technical terms. I did not just take technical aspects out of this opportunity, but life-long friendships, as well. I also had the opportunity to go on Dr. Quadrifoglio’s semester long faculty led program in Italy.
Carlos Parra
Hometown: Spring, Texas
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Email: cjparra@tamu.edu
Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. in Zachry 410
Global Program Type/Location: Faculty led
International Education Experience: During the winter of 2019, I traveled to Barcelona, Spain. At first, I decided to participate in the program because of how convenient it fit in my degree plan, but quickly discovered what an adventure it would turn out to be. The most important takeaway for me was how I developed socially throughout the program, not only with the many locals I interacted with, but also with the amazing new friends I made along the way. I was absolutely moved by all of the jaw-dropping sights and history that I experienced, and came away with larger aspirations to explore what the world has to offer.
Sarah Neidhardt
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Major: Chemical Engineering
Email: snneidhardt@tamu.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m. in Zachry 410
Global Program Type/Location: Faculty led
International Education Experience: I studied abroad in winter 2019 in Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria for Ethics in Engineering. I originally wanted to take this class abroad because I'd heard it was the most feasible for my degree plan. I had traveled internationally with my family previously, and I knew I wanted to study abroad. My biggest takeaways were the independence and responsibility from learning to adapt to new countries on my own. I also made close friends with my fellow students because we bonded through our shared experiences! I think cultural appreciation and acceptance are important for developing young adults and that every student should get the opportunity to travel abroad.
Kevin Toscano
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Email: kevin3100@tamu.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m. in Zachry 410
Program Type: Faculty led
International Education Experience: In the spring of 2020, I studied abroad in Bonn, Germany. While there, we learned about the history of medicine by traveling to neighboring countries, worked along with a German biotechnology company, and ate great food along the way, all of which I enjoyed every minute of. I have always enjoyed traveling the world and seeing different cultures, but living and learning in a city outside of the U.S. is an even better experience. Being abroad has taught me to step out of my comfort zone and to appreciate how similar yet different we all are. This journey has truly opened my eyes, and I made some amazing friends!
Jainita Chauhan
Hometown: Garland, Texas (DFW)
Major: Industrial Engineering
Office Hours: Tuesdays, 8-9:30 a.m. in Zachry 410
Global Program Type/Location: Faculty led in Peru, international conference in the U.K., and extracurricular organization in Honduras
International Education Experience: I was fortunate to be able to travel to three countries in the last six months of 2019. I first traveled to Peru in a faculty-led study abroad taking Engineering Ethics. The class was only an Augustmester, but I gained a wealth of knowledge not only in the course but about the country and culture as well. I also traveled to London, U.K. to attend the Global Grand Challenges Summit in September, 2019. The summit brought together over 900 innovators, academics, researchers, students, and entrepreneurs; it was truly an eye-opening experience because everyone came together for the purpose to address the issues that will face the world in 2050. Most recently, I traveled to Honduras with Global Engineering Brigades in December, 2019 where myself and a group of Aggies mapped and designed a water system for a rural village without access to clean, reliable water. I am so thankful for my international experiences because they have allowed me to meet a wealth of personalities and become exposed to many different cultures and traditions. I could not recommend international travel and exposure more.