Meet The IE Ambassadors
Mission: To bring about an awareness and participating in the globalization of UT Dallas’ community through peer-to-peer student experiences by fostering participation in study abroad through UTD’s Office of International Education events and departmental study abroad efforts.
Amulya Beeramankala
“I participated in”: Semester Exchange Program at Aalto University Business School in Helsinki, Finland – Spring 2025 🇫🇮
“My major is”: Finance
“Ask me about”: Semester Exchange Programs, FCAF, IEF Scholarship, Application, Adjusting to Life Abroad, Travel
“Studying abroad in Finland has been an unforgettable and the most rewarding experience of my life. From traveling and connecting with others to embracing new cultures, the lasting memories I’ve made have left a profound impact on my life. I was able to appreciate the different aspects of life, grow as an individual, and create lifelong friendships.”
Eden Souare
“I participated in”: Affiliated Summer Program at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea – Summer 2025 🇰🇷
“My major is”: Cognitive Science, Concentrations in AI and Human-Computer Interaction
“Ask me about”: Gilman Scholarship, IEF Scholarship, Studying Abroad in South Korea
“Studying abroad in South Korea was an unforgettable experience. It broadened my perspective on the world, gave me the chance to reflect and grow, and allowed me to make lifelong friends from around the world. I also took interesting courses that fit into my degree plan and had the opportunity to intern in a research lab. I hope other students at UTD learn more about study abroad programs and take full advantage of this incredible opportunity!”
Emily Shankar
“I participated in”: Semester Exchange Program at Vienna University of Economics and Business in Vienna, Austria – Fall 2024 🇦🇹
“My major is”: Healthcare Management
“Ask me about”: IEF Scholarship, DMHP Scholarship, Applications, FCAF, Studying Abroad in Europe.
“Studying abroad taught me the value of taking risks and stepping outside my comfort zone. Even when you’re scared, trying something new can reveal strengths you didn’t know you had—and help you grow in confidence and self-understanding.””
Giana Abraham
“I participated in”: A History of Medicine (London & Scotland), Molecular Evolution (Galapagos Islands, Ecuador), Lethal Crimes and Public Policy in the European Union (Lugano, Switzerland), and Governance and Service (Lisbon, Portugal) – FLSA May 2024 & Summer 2025 🇬🇧🏴🇪🇨🇨🇭🇵🇹
“My major is”: Neuroscience/ Psychology major & Political Science minor
“Ask me about”: Faculty-led programs, Application process, General Travel Advice!
“From snorkeling with sharks in the Galápagos to tubing down snowy slopes in the Swiss Alps, this summer was a journey across geographical and personal extremes. These experiences didn’t just introduce me to new places but rather shifted the way I understand culture and what it means to feel at home far from home. I’m eternally grateful to UTD for expanding my horizons beyond the classroom and into the world!“
Jerry Gonzalez
“I participated in”: Freud’s Footsteps: Psychology, History, & Culture in Vienna, Austria – FLSA Summer 2024 🇦🇹
“My major is”: Neuroscience
“Ask me about”: Faculty-Led Programs, IEF Scholarship, Adjusting to Life Abroad
“My experience abroad was genuinely unforgettable. I had an amazing time meeting new people, seeing new places, trying new foods, and having new experiences. Having to learn to live on my own while taking classes and exploring the city was an adventure like no other that I can say with certainty I would love to relive again and again. Studying abroad is truly an experience that gives you memories for a lifetime.“
Jatziry Martinez
“I participated in”: Semester Exchange program at University of Comillas in Madrid, Spain -Fall 2024 🇪🇸
“My major is”: Global Business
“Ask me about”: Exchange Programs, FCAF, Scholarships
“Studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, taught me that I can overcome my fears and challenges, and that the obstacles can truly bring out the best in a person. Beyond academics and business knowledge, I learned to embrace a different culture and approach differences with a new perspective. I realized that fear is not something to avoid, but rather an opportunity to achieve great things and prove to myself that I am strong and capable. Academically, I experienced a different educational system, with new methods of teaching and learning that ultimately strengthened my skills and adaptability. Overall, I would 100 percent recommend studying abroad it is not only an opportunity to grow academically and professionally, but also a life-changing experience that creates unforgettable memories.”
Maureen Liu
“I participated in”: Semester Exchange Program at City University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong – Spring 2025 🇭🇰
“My major is”: Computer Information Systems and Technology
“Ask me about”: Exchange Programs, Application Process, Scholarships, FCAF, Transferring Credit, Tips on Handling Foreign Currency.
“Studying abroad truly transformed me. During my exchange in Hong Kong, I not only gained a deeper understanding of the world but also discovered more about myself. Traveling to new places and navigating unfamiliar countries taught me independence and resilience. The experience shifted my perspective, showing me how little the things we often worry about really matter. My exchange is an experience I will always treasure!”
Vimudha Gogada
“I participated in”: The History of Medicine in England & Scotland – FLSA 2025 🇬🇧🏴
“My major is”: Neuroscience
“Ask me about”: Exchange Programs, Applications, FCAF, IEF Scholarship
“Studying abroad was an experience I’m glad I didn’t miss out on, because I was able to truly immerse myself and really see how medicine was so intertwined with history; it helped me gain a new perspective on how medicine could be approached. I made so many connections on my trip, and it’s provided me with so many valuable friendships and memories I’ll forever treasure in my heart.”
Zainab Ferozpurwala
“I participated in”: DIS in Stockholm, Sweden – Affiliated Summer 2025 🇸🇪
“My major is”: Literature
“Ask me about”: Affiliated Partner Study Abroad Programs, Scholarships, Concerns About Adjusting To a New Country
“My time abroad was incredible! Travelling solo and getting to explore a new country, make friends with new people, and experience things that aren’t available in the US was a great opportunity. I learned a lot in class, but I also learned a lot about myself and the world!”
