UIC Navigator Scholars – Past Cohorts

Claire Dombrowski is a sophomore majoring in biological sciences. Claire was a participant in UIC’s First Year Flames Abroad program in which she joined 12 other first-generation college students and participated in a short-term study abroad program in Costa Rica prior to starting her first semester at UIC. As a biological sciences major, Claire views studying abroad as an opportunity to learn about other cultures and round out her education since learning about other cultures is not something that is commonplace in biological sciences. For her next study abroad opportunity, Claire is considering France, Belgium, Costa Rica, or Australia.

Deirdre Gonoude is a sophomore majoring in Applied Psychology. Deirdre is interested in studying abroad to help her become a better, more independent version of herself. She is considering studying abroad in Ireland, Scotland, England, Paris, or Italy.

Carlos E. Ramirez is studying Biomedical Engineering. As a future engineer, he plans on working in other countries and using his education and experience to help others. He feels that study abroad and the opportunity to interact with people from other parts of the world will prepare him for his future global career. Carlos is most interested in exploring programs in Puerto Rico.

Melissa Pierce is studying Communications and is one of our First Generation Flames Abroad Scholars whom has already utilized her award to study abroad in Alcala de Henares, Spain.  She studied in Spain to help improve her Spanish language skills to be able to use it amongst her peers, colleagues, and friends in the U.S. She was fascinated by the long history and culture of Spain.

Saide Flores is majoring in Public Policy and minoring in Psychology. She hopes to graduate early from UIC and plans on pursing a Master’s degree afterwards. She is interested in learning more about Latinx culture and the challenges this population faces. Saide is interested in a future career focused on sharing Latinx resources. She hopes to study abroad in Mexico, Japan, or France to further her language skills.

Fabiola Contreras is an education major. As an education major, Fabiola is very interested in the teaching of English and being able to teach kids with different backgrounds. She feels that studying abroad will give her a glimpse into the culture and lives of her future students. Knowing more about her students’ background and experiences is extremely important to Fabiola. She would like to study abroad in many different locations but is considering Spain or Brazil.

Andrea Knepper is studying Electrical Engineering. Andrea has always been interested in travel, which is why she began exploring study abroad opportunities like this scholarship.  She hopes to study in Denmark, Sweden, or Switzerland because of their well-known engineering programs and accomplishments in sustainability. She hopes to get involved with a sustainability project during her time at UIC and hopes she can do that abroad. She is also very excited to extend her professional connections outside of the scope of the U.S. Andrea values making connections with people from different backgrounds and hopes to continue to do that abroad.

William Garcia is an Accounting major and International Business minor. He is interested in studying abroad in the United Kingdom, South Korea, or Japan. Abroad he hopes to have the opportunity to network with business students and professionals internationally. A goal of William’s is to improve his soft skills in communication and collaboration to utilize in his future professional career.

Maegan Resuello

Maegan is studying art history and is specifically interested in 18^th century French art history. She is hoping to study abroad in France or elsewhere in Europe and is most excited to meet new students abroad and to expand her network.

Jonathan Mejia is an Integrated Health Sciences major. He plans to become a physician and would like to be a pediatrician or surgeon. Jonathan wants to study abroad in Asia or Europe and is considering Madrid, Spain or Seoul, South Korea.

Ana Rodriguez is an Education major and has already studied abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico a program for heritage Spanish speakers. She plans to become a teacher in bilingual classes. While studying in Oaxaca Ana learned about best practices for supporting bilingual students in the classroom. She hopes to study abroad again in a location very different from her own heritage for example Brazil or Spain.

Jocelyn Becerra

Jocelyn is pursuing a degree in bioengineering with interests in mechanical engineering, human development, and supporting those with disabilities. She is interested in exploring study abroad programs in Japan, Greece, Italy, Costa Rica or Spain and is most excited about meeting new people and working to understand cultural differences.

Celeste Bonga

Celeste is majoring in kinesiology and is a track-and-field athlete.  She is open to exploring study abroad programs in many destinations but has a specific interest in France and the continent of Africa. She is most looking forward to experiencing a different culture and having the opportunity to study and live in a different environment.

Guadalupe Cuellar

Guadalupe is studying political science and economics with a minor in international studies and math. She is considering studying abroad in South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, or Spain and is most looking forward to immersing herself in the host culture and engaging with locals.

Grecia Espinoza

Grecia is studying public health. She is considering a few programs, including UIC’s Disaster Preparedness and Global Health in the Caribbean program, studying holistic medicine in India, or perhaps studying Spanish in Spain. She is most excited to meet new people from outside the U.S. and to get to know their culture by discovering new foods and hobbies.

Ivan Garay

Ivan is majoring in finance. He is interested in studying abroad in Italy. Having not traveled much outside of Illinois, he is most excited to learn in a different context. Ivan shared that studying abroad will help him in his future profession as a financial analyst by allowing him to enhance skills such as communication, adaptation, and appreciating different ideas and perspectives.

Alex Lopez

Alex is a junior English major who is interested in teaching English abroad, ideally in Japan. He is most excited about trying new foods and meeting new people. Alex shares that he wants to study abroad to step outside of his comfort zone and to broaden his horizons by experiencing new traditions.

Yadira Martinez-Victoria

Yadira is studying marketing and is interested in studying abroad in Spain. She is most excited to experience what life is like outside of the United States and is eager to learn about the education system of her host country.

Jason Mei

Jason is studying business administration. He is interested in exploring study abroad options in Europe, South America, or Africa and is most looking forward to expanding his own perspective and meeting people from different cultures.

Maegan Resuello

Maegan is studying art history and is specifically interested in 18^th century French art history. She is hoping to study abroad in France or elsewhere in Europe and is most excited to meet new students abroad and to expand her network.

Jocelyn Ruiz

Jocelyn is studying art and specifically enjoys working with acrylic paints. She has always been interested in studying abroad and is open to studying in many different countries. Jocelyn is looking forward to studying abroad to push her outside of her comfort zone and to expose her to new ideas and potential areas of interest for her academic and career goals.

Emily Villagomez

Emily is a student in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and is considering a major in anthropology or archaeology with a minor in art and entrepreneurship. She’s considering studying abroad in Spain and explained in her application that studying abroad will help her in the fields of anthropology or archaeology by giving her insights into how other cultures live while assisting her in gaining experience in connecting with people from different backgrounds.