View Available Presenters

Presenter’s Name: Zachary Ball

Zachary has traveled extensively to many different countries, including three study abroad programs throughout his studies thus far.  He is skilled and passionate about connecting with others on the importance of travel and global awareness.  He is committed to encouraging others from a young age to explore internationally and think outside of the box. 

Country or region to present on: Germany, New Zealand
Languages: German, Economics
Undergraduate Studies: German
Availability: MTW 8:00-12:00pm, F 8:00am-6:00pm
Contact: zpball@unca.edu

Presenter’s Name: Chelsea Beyer
Chelsea values the study abroad experience in Russia and Estonia for many reasons, including bringing greater self-confidence and problem-solving skills.  The presenter can bring a different perspective to the classroom through an interest in Eastern Europe which is not as well-covered as Western Europe.   
Country or region to present on: Estonia, Russia
Languages: Beginning Russian and Estonian, Intermediate
                       Spanish
Undergraduate Studies: International Studies, Philosophy
Availability: MW 1:00-4:00pm, TR 11:00-3:00pm, F 8am-6pm
Contact: clbeyer@unca.edu 

Presenter’s Name: M.C. Bones 

As a high school student, M.C. spent a year in Croatia through the Rotary Club. During her exchange, she gained a broader world perspective and thinks it is important to share what she has gained with others. She has a special interest in global education and international relations.

 Country or region to present on: Croatia

Languages: Croatian

Undergraduate Studies: Sociology, International Studies

Availability: MWF 2:30-6pm, TR 1-6pm

Contact: mbones@unca.edu

Presenter’s Name: Kelsey Cain
As a North Carolina Teaching Fellow and an AVID tutor, Kelsey hopes to share her experiences, artifacts, and the importance of being a global citizen to the classroom. Because she values other’s backgrounds and traditions, Kelsey wants to express to students the infinite number of perspectives and points of view in the world.

Country or region to present on: Ghana, West Africa
Languages: English
Undergraduate Studies: Psychology, K-6 Licensure
Availability: M 12:30-3:30pm, W 10:30-3:30pm, F 9am-4pm
Contact: kecain@unca.edu

Presenter’s Name: Annelise DeJong
Annelise studied abroad in Costa Rica and has traveled extensively throughout Peru and Barbados. She has a deep passion for travel and hopes to spark interest in young students about the wonderful opportunities for international experiences.

Country or region to present on: Costa Rica
Languages: English, (a little) Spanish
Undergraduate Studies: Sociology
Availability: MWF 12:30-3pm
Contact: acdejong@unca.edu 

 

Presenter’s Name: Laura Halperin

Laura recently studied abroad in Israel, Greece, and Turkey.  She is dedicated to helping produce cross-cultural dialogue and progressing cultural knowledge through the understanding of cultural norms and social context. In high school she coordinated a cross-cultural video chat between American and Jordanian students. In her free time, Laura works with the Jewish student association, Hillel, on campus and is a member of the Classical Society.

Country or region to present on: Israel, Turkey, Greece

Languages: English

Undergraduate Studies: Political Science

Availability: MWF 2-6pm; T, TR 8-10am, 4-6pm

Contact: lhalperi@unca.edu  

 
Presenter’s Name: Meredith Houck

 Meredith’s love of travel is reflected in her photography and has influenced her interests in economic development, international research, and dance in Southeast Asia.  She feels forever changed by her international experiences and is a Global Ambassador because she wants everyone with the slightest desire to study abroad to realize it is quite feasible and entirely worth it.

 Country or region to present on: Thailand, China, Chile       

 Languages: English, Spanish, (a little) Thai

 Undergraduate Studies: Economics, Mathematics

 Availability: MW 1:45-6pm; T 12:20-3pm; TR 10:50am-3:50pm; F 10am-12:30pm, 1:45-6pm

 Contact: mlhouck@unca.edu

Presenter’s Name: Naru Kwon
Naru is a native born South Korean who brings an open mind and flexibility to each international experience. She enjoys traveling and sports and hopes to educate others about Korea and Korean culture.

Country or region to present on: South Korea
Languages: Korean, English
Undergraduate Studies: English
Availability: MWF 10:00am-1:00pm, TR 8am-11am and 1:00pm-6:00pm
Contact: nkwon@unca.edu

Presenter’s Name: Jonathan Ledford
Jonathan enjoyed his exchange semester in Hong Kong for gaining a greater appreciation for Chinese culture, urban living, and ethnic differences as well as similarities.  As a teaching fellow, he is well-acquainted with teaching strategies and has had experience with tutoring different age groups.  He encourages children to engage with different places and people to hopefully lead to a more tolerant and informed society.
Country or region to present on: Hong Kong, Southern China,
           United Kingdom
Languages: English, basic Portuguese
Undergraduate Studies: History with teaching licensure
Availability: M 12-5pm, TR 4-6pm, W after 1pm, F after 12pm
Contact: jvledfor@unca.edu

 
Presenter’s Name: Nicholas Rinehart

Nicholas learned more than he thought possible through his exchange experience in Chile.  He believes that learning about and experiencing other cultures helps maturation and broadens a person’s horizons.  He was able to improve his Spanish language skills while in Chile, and is excited to share his experience with others. 

Country or region to present on: Chile, Bolivia
Languages: Spanish
Undergraduate Studies: International Studies, Spanish, Africana Studies
Availability: MT 1:00-4:00pm, R 1:00-5:00pm, F 1:00-3:00pm
Contact: nbrineha@unca.edu

Presenter’s Name: Sarah Rothman
Sarah recently spent a semester studying abroad in Japan. She has a great interest in Japanese animation, theater, history, art and general travel in her host country. While abroad Sarah gained new insight and experienced fantastic adventures she is excited about sharing with students.

Country or region to present on: Japan
Languages: English, Japanese (intermediate)
Undergraduate Studies: New Media (multimedia)
Availability: M 11:30am-2:30pm, 4:10-6pm; W 11:30am-3:30pm; F 8am-noon, 3:00-6pm
Contact: sgrothma@unca.edu

Presenter’s Name: Staci Thomas
Staci has spent 2 months studying in Peru, and a full semester studying in France.  She hopes to be able to encourage others to participate in cultural awareness and study abroad opportunities, and not be held back because of finances.  She is eager to promote her experience and tie it into various subjects in an academic setting. 
Country or region to present on: Peru, France
Languages: French
Undergraduate Studies: Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology,
           French
Availability: MW 12-2pm, TR 12:30-3:00pm, F 8:00-11:00am
Contact: sthomas@unca.edu