Study Abroad Ambassador Program
The Study Abroad Ambassadors are a team of student volunteers who have studied abroad and share a passion for global education, cultural immersion, and traveling. They are great resources for not only their host country and institution, but study abroad in general.
Contact an Ambassador!
Ambassador contact information is provided on this page with their bios.
Feel free to ask them any questions you have about their experience abroad, the classes they took, what kind of housing they lived in, and more!
Interested in Becoming an Ambassador?
Contact the Study Abroad Team at StudyAbroad@IllinoisState.edu to express your interest and get more details.
Why become an Ambassador?
- Public speaking opportunities
- Professional development
- Resume booster
- Supervisor reference (based on experience and performance)
- Volunteer hours
- Holistic reflection on experience abroad
- Close partnership with study abroad advising team
Who is eligible?
- Currently enrolled Illinois State University undergraduate student
- Successful participation in an ISU-sponsored study abroad program
- Daytime availability for classroom presentations and University events
- Evening and weekend availability (only for events as needed and with notice)
What is the time commitment?
- Serve for at least one full academic year (approx. 1-10 hours/week)
- Attend a mandatory training session at start of year
- Attend one meeting per month with team and supervisor
- Conduct classroom presentations throughout the semester
- Participate in University events as needed (Festival ISU, open houses, etc.)
- Complete projects as needed for the Study Abroad Team
Meet Your Study Abroad Ambassador Team
Anna Hippe
Major: French and Francophone Studies
Minor: European Studies
Studied In: Angers, France
Program: Université Catholique de l'Ouest (CIDEF)
Hi! My name is Anna Hippe, and I am a Senior French Teacher Education major with a minor in European Studies! I was able to study abroad the fall of my junior year in Angers, France with their international French language program. Through this experience, I was immersed in 21 hours of coursework while staying with a French host family which allowed me to grow in my French language and cultural knowledge greatly. I grew in so many ways through this opportunity and had the chance to travel around and learn more about places I had never even heard of before!”
Anna's Pro Tip:
Get to know the locals and explore your host city!
Casey Bohn
Major: Business Management: Human Resources & Organizational Leadership
Minor: French
Studied In: Aix-en-Provence, France
Program: CEA Summer Internship
Hi, my name is Casey. I am a senior pursuing a double major in Spanish and International Business. I love travel, learning languages, and spending time with my family and friends. I completed two study abroad programs. My first was in Madrid studying Spanish Language and Literature. For my second, I completed an HR internship in Panama City where I got to work in recruitment for companies across Central America and the Caribbean.
Casey's Pro Tip:
Make time to meet the locals as they are so helpful in learning about the city and some of the best relationships you will have while abroad!
Rylee Butler
Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Minor: Children’s Studies
Studied In: Canterbury, England
Program: Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU)
Hi! My name is Rylee Butler, and I’m a Communication Sciences and Disorders major with a Children’s Studies minor. I studied abroad in Canterbury, England, and it quickly became one of my favorite experiences at ISU. I loved exploring new places, meeting people from all over the world, and stepping outside of my comfort zone. I’m excited to be a Study Abroad Ambassador so I can share my experience, encourage other students to take the leap, and help them discover how studying abroad can become one of the most memorable parts of their college experience!
Rylee's Pro Tip:
Say yes to new experiences!!!
Sofia Cupuro
Major: Marketing
Studied In: Florence, Italy
Program: Istituto Lorenzo de' Medici (LdM)
Hi! My name is Sofia Cupuro and I am a marketing major on campus and a part of AMA (American Marketing Association) and DSP (Delta Sigma Pi). In my free time I love to go hiking, golfing, and try out new coffee shops! My time abroad was truly one of my favorite experiences and has transformed me as a person in many different ways. I would love to talk about my experience with you and I am always open to answer any questions or to just talk!
Sofia's Pro Tip:
Capture your time abroad! Take lots of photos and videos so you'll have memories that you can look back on later!