strickler office of international programs
Smeal Study Abroad Alumni
Smeal business students participate in a wide variety of study abroad programs and internships in countries all over the world. Whether you’re exploring semester abroad programs or looking for a short-term experience or international internship, Penn State has opportunities abroad that fit a variety of interests and career goals.
Hear about the value and benefits of study abroad from your fellow Smeal students!
Current Smeal Global Representatives
Smeal Global Reps are current business students who have returned from Penn State study abroad and/or international internship programs and have a deep appreciation for their cross-cultural experiences. If YOU are interested in study abroad, we invite you to reach out to these Reps to learn more about their programs!
Maymester, Summer, & Summer Internship Programs
Maia Kubick
Brno, Czech Republic
Program: Business in Central Europe Summer (Smeal Faculty-Led Program)
Major: Management Information Systems
Minor: International Business
Email: mgk5277@psu.edu
Maia spent 6 weeks in Central Europe studying business and globalization (Summer 2023). She took one course with a Smeal professor and travelled to Budapest, Krakow, Vienna, and quaint towns in the Czech Republic!
Mia Folk
Brno, Czech Republic
Program: Business in Central Europe Summer (Smeal Faculty-Led Program)
Major: Supply Chain & Information Systems
Minor: International Business
Email: avf5652@psu.edu
“Hi, my name is Amelia Folk, and I spent 7 weeks in Brno, Czech Republic with weekend trips to Krakow, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague. We had the opportunity to take two classes, one at Masaryk University and one with Smeal Professor, Peter Mhando. A highlight of the experience was the friendships that I was able to make and keep coming back to Penn State.”
Jonny Yahner
Brno, Czech Republic
Program: Business in Central Europe Summer (Smeal Faculty-Led Program)
Major: Corporate Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Minor: International Business, Military Studies
Email: jty5084@psu.edu
Through his study abroad experience, Jonny enjoyed chatting with locals and developed his communication skills. “While I’ve always been fairly comfortable talking to people, my time abroad, where I interacted with business leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials, and even everyday individuals—often in situations where we didn’t share the same native language. These experiences pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone, enhancing my confidence in professional settings.” He’s already planning a return trip to Brno!
McKenna Schrenk
Florence, Italy
Program: The World of Business & Italian Culture, SCM Track (Smeal Faculty-Led Program)
Major: Supply Chain & Information Systems
Minors: International Business, Information Systems Management
Email: mcs6357@psu.edu
McKenna travelled to Florence, Italy for 6 weeks (Summer 2023) with PSU students! In a course with a Supply Chain professor, students explored Renaissance era and modern supply chains in Italy. A highlight of the program was learning how marble was sourced at the Carrara quarries to become Michelangelo’s David!
Malena Nassif
London, England
Program: London Maymester (Smeal Faculty-Led Program)
Major: Management
Minor: International Business
Email: mjn5746@psu.edu
Malena travelled to London with a group of PSU students to explore Europe and the global economy (Summer 2023). “We were able to speak with an employee directly from the Delegation of the EU to the UK, learned about sustainability through the London Wetlands, and visited Canary Wharf and the Lloyd’s of London, where we could see COVID’s impact business norms throughout the UK”.
Skylar Mascarinas
Singapore, Singapore
Program: Singapore Maymester (Smeal Faculty-Led Program)
Major: Finance
Minor: Politics & Public Policy, Legal Environment of Business
Email: sem6472@psu.edu
Jacob Busch
Tokyo, Japan
Program: CRCC Asia Tokyo Internship (Summer)
Full-Time Internship: Venture capital firm
Major: Finance
Minors: Japanese, Corporate Communications, READ Certificate
Email: jwb6474@psu.edu
Jacob spent a summer interning in Tokyo at a venture capital firm (Summer 2023). He attended meetings with 40 Japanese firms and learned about business etiquette in Japan. Here he is pictured climbing Mt. Fuji!
Ramya Chaganti
London, England
Program: IES London Internship (Summer)
Full-Time Internship: Revenue Operations Intern for Signal AI
Major: Management Information Systems
Minors: Security Risk Analysis
Email: rpc5693@psu.edu
This past summer, Ramya worked for an AI company where she learned about cutting-edge technology and databases used by Fortune 500 companies. “My internship provided valuable insights into international business practices, and I was able to meet some amazing friends, making the experience both professionally and personally rewarding!”
Fall & Spring Semester Programs
Carly Fein
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Program: IES Amsterdam, Business & ECON
Major: Supply Chain & Information Systems
Minor: International Business
Email: cdf5334@psu.edu
Carly spent a semester in Amsterdam taking some courses with other American study abroad students and some courses at a Dutch university with local and international students. In her business course at Vrije Universiteit, she was the only American student. “Combining my current business knowledge with the culture and info from my Dutch peers allowed me to get out of my comfort zone personally and academically”.
Puja Patel
Copenhagen, Denmark (Summer)
Melbourne, Australia (Semester)
Programs: DIS Summer in Scandinavia (Summer) & Melbourne: University of Melbourne (Fall)
Major: Marketing
Email: pvp5501@psu.edu
Puja studied abroad twice! First before her Sophomore year, taking a 3-week summer course in Denmark. She learned about digital media in marketing. Then as a Smeal Junior, Puja spent a full semester at the University of Melbourne taking 3 courses with local and international students! “I would definitely recommend this program. Doing an exchange in a country where you know the language is one of the best ways to immerse yourself fully.”
Saroj Bhandari
Brno, Czech Republic
Program: CzechMates: Brno
Major: Finance
Minor: International Business
Email: spb6228@psu.edu
“My favorite part of my study abroad experience was the incredible opportunity to meet and befriend a diverse group of international students. Connecting with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives not only enriched my time abroad but also broadened my understanding of the world. Additionally, I enjoyed the chance to travel extensively throughout Europe, exploring 16 different cities during my semester abroad. Each destination added a new layer to my adventure, making my study abroad experience a truly transformative experience.”
Victoria Liang
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Program: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Major: Finance
Minor: International Business, History
Email: vfl5085@psu.edu
“Doing a semester exchange program in Hong Kong was truly life-changing—from trying local foods to participating in cultural events in one of Asia’s busiest cities, I was always learning something new. I took classes with both local and other international students which allowed me to expand my worldview and enhance my international business acumen. This experience was incredible, and I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to study abroad if they can!”
Rosalind Kane
Perugia, Italy
Program: Perugia, Umbra Institute
Major: Marketing
Minor: International Business
Email: rpk5502@psu.edu
During her Fall semester in Perugia, Rosalind learned about the wine industry, Italian food, and improved her Italian language skills while living in the heart of Italy. “The location is so special due to the how friendly and how tight the community is. In Perugia, you will use the Italian language every day and both the university and the locals help and encourage you to speak to others. Although there might be some more resources in other larger cities, this is an intimate experience that truly makes you feel like an Italian local.”
Erin Payne
Siena, Italy
Program: IES Siena, Business & ECON of Italian Food and Wine
Major: Supply Chain & Information Systems
Minor: International Business
Email: eep5297@psu.edu
“Hi, I’m Erin Payne! I studied abroad in Siena, Italy, where I had the chance to immerse myself in Italian culture while taking business elective courses that aligned with my academic interests. I lived with an Italian student companion which gave me a unique perspective on daily life and helped me build lasting cross-cultural connections. I’m excited to be a Smeal Global Rep and share my experiences to help others make the most of their own study abroad journeys!”
Jacob Novick
Rome, Italy
Program: IES Rome
Major: Supply Chain & Information Systems
Minor: International Business
Email: jqn5358@psu.edu
Jacob spent a Fall semester in Rome where he learned about ancient Rome, Roman architecture, and improved his language skills through an advanced Italian language course. Che bello!
Valeria Sierra
Madrid, Spain
Program: IES Madrid, Language & Area Studies
Major: Management
Minor: International Business
Email: vss5165@psu.edu
As a native Spanish speaker, Valeria chose to study abroad in Spain and take 5 courses taught in Spanish. Her favorite course with IES focused on art history and students met throughout the semester at the Prado Museum. “I have never been an art lover, but I’m really proud to say that now I enjoy going to museums because I understand the culture and stories behind them.”
Grace Ransom
Vienna, Austria
Program: IES Vienna, Business, ECON & Int’l Rel. Part-Time Internship: HR management co.
Major: Finance
Minor: International Business
Email: gar5393@psu.edu
While in Vienna, Grace studied International Business of Central Europe, Art History, and improved her German skills. She also visited many local businesses to learn about marketing in Viennese companies, and was a part-time intern for an HR management start-up called Bonrepublic. “The internship was a highlight of the experience! I’m very proud of myself for making an impact at Bonrepublic and learned that I would love to work abroad in the future.”
Lauren Albert
Vienna, Austria
Program: IES Vienna, Business, ECON & Int’l Rel. Part-Time Internship: B.A.M. Ticketing GmbH
Major: Supply Chain Management
Minor: International Business
Email: lea5300@psu.edu
While in Vienna, Lauren took courses on Art in Vienna, International Business in Central Europe, and beginner German language. She was also a part-time marketing intern for a ticketing software company and developed content to promote music festivals. “My internship with a startup marketing company sharpened my skills in content creation, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication. It made me more versatile and prepared for a globalized workplace!”
Education Abroad Peer Advisers
Organized by Penn State Global
Education Abroad Peer Advisers are PSU students from various colleges and majors who have studied abroad and are trained to answer questions about study abroad.
You can meet with a Peer Adviser during their Drop In Advising hours, or make an appointment through Starfish: https://sites.google.com/psu.edu/explore-education-abroad/meet-our-peer-advisers
Have your returned from abroad and can’t stop talking about it?
Share your photos, stories, and encourage other Smeal business students to pursue Penn State study abroad and international internship programs!
Global Rep Alumni… Where are they now?
Hear from Owen Ritchey, a Smeal Alumni who studied abroad in Singapore for a semester, interned abroad in South Korea, and then ended up working for an esports company in Seoul, South Korea post-graduation!
Owen shares what it’s like to work for T1 Entertainment Sports and how his study abroad experience as a Smeal business student allowed him to gain the skills to prepare him to work for an international company!
Owen Ritchey
Singapore & Seoul, South Korea
As a PSU student, Owen was the President of the esports club. He dedicated a semester to study abroad in Singapore, then travelled to Seoul, South Korea for a summer internship at an esports company.
Upon graduation, Owen moved to South Korea to work for T1 Entertainment Sports as a business development representative!
2023 Smeal graduate, currently works for T1 Entertainment & Sports in the United States
Grace Yatcilla
Prague, Czech Republic
Hear Grace talk about why she chose a study abroad destination that was “off the beaten path”! Grace took unique courses abroad, learned Czech language, and met local students at a Czech school.
2023 Smeal Graduate, went to work for Ericsson in Dallas, TX
Diego Lavegas
Milan, Italy
As an international student from Venezuela with Italian heritage, Diego chose to study in Milan for the Fall 2022 semester! He took a course with local Italians at Bocconi University and made international friends. Hear how study abroad made an impact on Diego’s future goals!
2023 Smeal Graduate, went to work for Wells Fargo in New York, NY
Carlton Jarmon
Multi Study Abroader
Carlton’s study abroad journey is unlike many! From semester, summer, and short-term embedded programs, Carlton has seen it all! Hear Carlton discuss the value of study abroad and what keeps him coming back to international education!
Soon to be Smeal graduate
Michael Hurley
Vienna, Austria
While studying abroad in Vienna, Michael gained international work experience through an internship with a finance start-up. Hear about Michael’s professional experience and why you should consider an international internship!
2023 Smeal Graduate, went to work for PepsiCo in Dallas, TX
Michelle Giannini
Seville, Spain
As a Spanish Minor, Michelle’s goals for study abroad focused on her language development. She chose to take all of her courses in Spanish and live with a host family. Get some tips from Michelle about how you can increase your language skills through study abroad!
2023 Smeal graduate, went to work for PwC in New York, NY
Smeal Study Abroad Gallery
Smeal students share their photos from abroad and the special moments they experienced on their programs.
