Perreault Fellows, sitting, left to right: Lillian Henderson, Kiana Summers, Rachel Miller; Standing: Paul Perreault

Lillian is currently a junior at Penn State, double majoring in Mandarin and Global and International Studies in the College of the Liberal Arts. She became interested in applying for the Perreault Fellowship because of the international internship aspect, which is something she knew she wanted to pursue. She says that, “So far I have been beyond impressed with the workshops, seminars, retreats, and various meetings offered to fellows that have furthered my understanding of what it means to be a global leader.” She knows that these experiences will extend beyond her career goals, and help her to grow her current passions, gain a more authentic sense of purpose, and contribute to real change outside her community. She added, “I have been gifted with a unique leadership position that will undeniably expand my worldview- and I do not intend to waste it! In the future, she hopes to complete her international internship with a foundation that works on various projects such as women and youth empowerment and sustainable agriculture. If she had any advice fpr future applicants, it would be to not hold themselves back from at least trying to apply. “It is a once in a lifetime opportunity with so many benefits that go beyond what to add on a resume.”

Genesis is currently a junior at Penn State Abington, majoring in PSSBA, Psychological and Social Sciences. She became interested in the program after receiving an email advertising the program, and read that it gave students the opportunity to intern abroad, which has always been one of her dreams. She hopes to intern with a company that gives back to the community and helping local residents. Being a psych major, I want to gain more hands on experience and being able to achieve that abroad would be so rewarding. As a psych major, she wants to gain more hands on experience and being able to achieve that abroad would be so rewarding. She says that one of the most beneficial parts of the program so far has been the ability to develop her networking skills. She plans to intern in Barcelona, Spain teaching children or as a social media representative for a non-profit organization focusing on women’s rights. For anyone thinking of applying to the program, she says “Do not rush the process and have fun trying to figure out where you really want to go and what you want to become a part of because at the end of the day this fellowship was designed to benefit not only your career, but you as a person.”

YuNa Choi is a sophomore in the College of Liberal Arts, studying International Politics and Economics, with minors in French and Francophone Studies. She became interested in the program because of her wanderlust and hope to visit France without placing a financial burden on her parents. She knew that having an international experience would allow her to grow as a leader and improve communication skills and understanding for each other. The Perreault Fellows Program is allowing her to go to France and improve her proficiency in the language. She will have an internship related to social service through a NGO or other international organization. To anyone who is thinking about applying for the fellowship, she says: just apply! “Reminding yourself of what a tremendous opportunity this is and how you yourself as an individual can grow is what will push you toward success.”

Rachel Miller is a Junior in the Smeal College of Business, majoring in marketing and minoring in psychology. She was an avid volunteer both before Penn State and during, and is committed to helping others. She says that being able to turn this into a career on a global aspect is a dream come true. She was intrigued by the uniqueness of the Perreault Fellows Program. She says, “It is unique in the way that it not only helps fund an internship abroad but prepares you for success, through the guidance and experiences provided. As someone whose career goal is to help others, this Fellowship outlined an incredible opportunity to learn about many aspects of health and human well-being on a global scale. I am extremely grateful to be apart of this program.” The Perreault Fellows Program has helped her to achieve her global aspirations through unique workshops, seminars, and experiences, and will continue to do so through her internship experience this summer with a non-profit in Rome, Italy. Attending these workshops and events has given her insight into global issues and topics she knows will be applicable to her internship this summer and her future career. She has also gained insight and knowledge from the other Fellows in her cohort. To those interested in applying for the program, she highly recommends applying for the Perreault Fellowship. She says, “The application and interview process encouraged me to think about my career goals and aspirations. I have had the opportunity to attend a luncheon and meet with Paul Perreault, the other Fellows, and our advisors. During this, I learned more about Paul and his journey to becoming a successful global leader. This reaffirmed my desire to intern abroad with the specific intent of focusing on health and human well-being.”