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Meet the Team

Who We Are & What We Do

It takes a mighty team to support program abroad advising for The University of Tennessee – a higher education institution with an undergraduate enrollment of over 25,000 per semester. This is why, in addition to our central office, there are coordinators embedded in colleges across campus who are ready to provide specialized advising to students based on college:

Don’t see your college listed? No worries! Our dedicated team of staff and student peer advisors working out of the central office in the Center for Global Engagement are here to assist and guide UT students & their support network, faculty & advisors, and #VolsAbroad alumni, as well as our partners across campus and around the world. We are a collaborative team of experienced professionals with expertise in fields across the international education spectrum and students with a passion for global engagement.

Center for Global Engagement | Programs Abroad Office 
Academic Resources Building, 1412 Circle Drive, Room 203 | Knoxville, TN 37996
O: 865-974-3177 | Web: http://programsabroad.utk.edu

Programs Abroad Roll Call

Kate Scott

Director of Programs Abroad

 

 

 

 

 

 

About me:

   

Gisela Goeritz

Financial Associate

 

About me:

“I love to support study abroad so that faculty can show students the world, which I think is very important for their personal development.”

 

 

 

Tessa Takash

Senior Program Coordinator

 

About me:

“All students should take advantage of the international experiences available at UT – whether they go abroad or engage right here on campus. These opportunities for intercultural engagement allow students to cultivate relationships with individuals unlike themselves; learn from other’s varied life experiences; and develop a sense of empathy and global responsibility.“

Jess Simmons

Program Coordinator

 

About me:

“I’m committed to making global learning accessible and meaningful, and I enjoy helping students find programs that align with their academic goals while broadening their intercultural perspectives. As an undergraduate, I participated in two study abroad programs and have continued to travel as an adult, experiences that have shaped who I am and inspired my commitment to fostering empathy and lifelong learning. I encourage UTK students to go abroad because it’s one of the best ways to grow academically and personally during their time on campus.“

Sam Benavides

Program Coordinator

 

About me:

“I have a B.A. in International Relations and a passion for global education rooted in my own study abroad experience in Granada, Spain in 2021. With a background in intercultural communication, language learning, and nonprofit work in Peru and Colombia, I support students in accessing transformative international opportunities. My work is driven by a commitment to cultural awareness, diversity, and global connection.“

Sarah Job

Program Coordinator

 

 

 

 

 

 

About me:

 

Ashley Seyrek

Program Coordinator

 

 

 

 

 

 

About me:

 

 

Global Ambassadors

 

Eliza Abston 

 

My time abroad taught me…

“My experiences studying abroad have been the best opportunities for me to grow personally and professionally during college. Stepping outside my comfort zone has made me a more independent and curious person. Some of my closest friendships were built through these study abroad opportunities. I also discovered what I want to do during my future career in a class at an Irish university. I can’t recommend studying abroad enough. It changed my life, and I can’t wait to help other students achieve their international goals “

Ana Barrera

 

My time abroad taught me…

“I can truly say that this was the best experience of my life, where I learned not only so much about myself, but the world, and how there is so much to explore and learn from. By stepping outside my comfort zone and immersing myself in this experience, I grew as a person, and I was able to experience things I did not even know were possible. I was also extremely fortunate to make lifelong friends, making the experience even more special. I hope that everyone can experience studying abroad, as it is a life changing experience!“

Naomi Chapin

 

My time abroad taught me…

“My summer in Costa Rica was one of the most important times in my life. I learned how to rely on myself and build a support system around me in a new environment. We had so much fun participating in a new community and learning about the culture from our host families, teachers, and peers. I had the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and practice of the Spanish language, along with some amazing memories traveling around the country. I had so much fun zip-lining over the rainforest and exploring beautiful beaches. I will hold on to these memories for the rest of my life.“

Bryan Dowell

 

My time abroad taught me…

“Studying abroad sparked my interest in pursuing international business as a part of my degree and enriched my education from another cultural perspective. These experiences helped me develop cultural curiosity, adaptability, and an understanding of how impactful studying abroad can be. Through the Global Ambassador Program, I hope to share my experience, help my fellow students, and make international education accessible to anyone who is interested!“

Hailey Evans

 

My time abroad taught me…

“It taught me to get outside of my comfort zone. It was my first time going abroad so there was so much unknown. I grew so much as a person while abroad. Whether it was meeting new people, trying new things, learning about different cultures, or studying the trip helped me gain self confidence in so many different aspects.”

Adriana Iemma

 

My time abroad taught me…

“Studying abroad changed me in ways I never expected. Being immersed in a different culture challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, adapt quickly and see the world from new perspectives. I became more independent, confident and open minded. I learned to navigate unfamiliar situations all while building connections with people from all over the world. Studying abroad didn’t just teach me about another country- it helped me better understand myself and everything I’m capable of. “

Emma Maaske

 

My time abroad taught me…

“Studying abroad in Florence was truly the experience of a lifetime and completely changed the way I see the world. Traveling every weekend let me experience so many different cultures, whether it was trying local foods, learning customs in new places, or finding my way in cities where I didn’t speak the language. It made me more independent, open-minded, and confident. If I could do it all over again, I absolutely would, and now I want to help others have the same life-changing experience.“

Riley McCormick

 

My time abroad taught me…

“During my time abroad, I flourished in personal growth, allowing my curiosity to roam free. I was able to learn how to adapt to many new places and make deep connections with different people and cultures. I developed new feelings of independence and confidence within myself. I passionately believe that everyone should take the life-changing opportunity of studying abroad and I cannot wait to share my experiences while helping students plan and achieve their study abroad dreams.“

Alex Norwood

 

My time abroad taught me…

“My experiences abroad showed me the beauty and diversity of the Spanish language. Stepping out of my comfort zone and forming new friendships with my cohort has been a highlight of my UT experience, and spending a semester with classmates from all over the world has changed me in ways that I still have yet to fully process. I cannot wait to help other students explore their Programs Abroad options!“

Aryanna Parlor

 

My time abroad taught me…

“Being in a country so full of gratitude and love truly changed my outlook on life. I was warmly welcomed everywhere I visited and it inspired me to take that sense of love home with me. I was able to face my own misconceptions and perspectives on the world and pushed outside of my comfort zone (in the best way possible). I felt blessed to be able to see a country so beautiful and so rich in culture. But, I also learned how to be a leader and be a team member. When abroad, you become very close to the people around you and it was heartwarming to create such long lasting connections with such amazing people!“

Shelby Russom

 

My time abroad taught me…

“My trip taught me that you never really know what’s going to happen! A couple of us in our cohort got really sick while abroad and had to learn how to navigate medications, insurance, and the rest of the trip. I learned to plan for the best but prepare for the worst and to take every day as it comes! It was such an amazing experience and I hope everyone gets to do something like it at least once in their life.“

Aadya Sharma

 

My time abroad taught me…

“I’m passionate about exploring diverse cultures, embracing new experiences, and learning from every adventure. While I haven’t studied abroad yet, I’m looking forward to my semester in Ireland in 2026! I’m also excited about the prospect and eager to share my enthusiasm and insights with students interested in international study from my experience living abroad. I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow students and helping them navigate their own life-changing journeys.“

Lamara Stuart

 

My time abroad taught me…

“My time abroad taught me much about the different kinds of gardens in the UK that are influenced by the culture of different time periods and how they reflect the society of that time. It also taught me to communicate with others, strengthened my problem solving skills, and encouraged me to branch out of my comfort zone.“

Naomi Winn

My time abroad taught me…

“My time abroad was one of the most formative times of my life! It is so easy to get caught up in our wonderful little bubble here at UT, and that makes it easy to forget how large and wonderful the rest of our world is. I gained so much independence, communication skills (especially since I was speaking my second language), and an insane amount of new experiences. I met so many wonderful people, not just from my host country, but also the states and across the world! I want everyone to have just as good, if not better, of an experience abroad!“

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