Annie Laster
Major: Industrial Engineering
Program(s): GRIP - Mexico City Summer 2023 | Chile - PUC Santiago Exchange Program Spring 2024
Email: annielaster@gatech.edu
Neal Nankani
Major: Industrial Engineering & Physics
Program(s): ISYE Summer in Asia Summer 2026
Email: nnankani3@gatech.edu
Studying abroad in Asia was one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at Georgia Tech. During the summer, I studied at the National University of Singapore and Hanyang University in Seoul, spent time in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and traveled to eight different countries across Asia. What I valued most was the opportunity to experience new cultures, meet people from all over the world, and learn from perspectives different from my own. Whether it was working with local students in Singapore, exploring a new city, or simply having conversations with people I met while traveling, every experience helped broaden the way I look at the world. As a dual degree student in Industrial Engineering and Physics, I also learned that studying abroad can fit into a demanding academic path and still be one of the most meaningful parts of your college experience. As a peer advisor, I hope to help other students feel confident taking that first step abroad and making the most of the experience. Please feel free to reach out with any questions about studying abroad in Asia, traveling during the program, or balancing study abroad with academics!
Nela Vintrlikova
Major: Business Administration - Strategy and Innovation
Program(s): Georgia Tech Europe: Summer 2024 | IE University Exchange in Madrid: Spring 2026
Email: nvintrlikova3@gatech.edu
Hi! I’m Nela Vintrlikova. I was born in the Czech Republic and grew up in Georgia. I loved my first study abroad experience so much that I knew I wanted to do it again! For me, the most amazing part of studying abroad is getting to truly experience a different culture; not just as a tourist, but by living there, meeting local people, trying new foods, learning different traditions, and experiencing everyday life. Both of my experiences gave me a new perspective on the world while creating some of my favorite memories and friendships. As a peer advisor, I hope to encourage other students to step outside their comfort zones, immerse themselves in a new culture, and make the most of their own experience abroad!
Laman Vakilova
As an international student from Baku, Azerbaijan, pursuing my education in the United States, I was thrilled to explore Europe and obtain another perspective on the field of my studies and passion: art and architecture. During my time abroad, I got to explore 14 cities across Greece and Italy, meet amazing people, and gain lifelong memories and knowledge. The study abroad experience impacted me not only professionally or academically but also personally. It has been one of the brightest experiences I had at Georgia Tech. Please feel free to reach out! I am happy to answer questions and share my experience.
Nicole Ouyang
Major: Computational Media
Program: Berlin Summer Program Summer 2026
Email: nouyang9@gatech.edu
Hi! I’m Nicole Ouyang from Alpharetta, GA. I spent the summer after freshman year abroad in Berlin and had an incredible experience. I got the opportunity to travel to over 10 countries, make amazing new friends, and fully immerse myself in the culture and traditions of my host country. I learned and grew so much during my experience abroad, and I couldn’t recommend it more!
Annie Peng
Major: Neuroscience and Applied Languages & Intercultural Studies (Spanish), Health and Medical Sciences (Minor)
Program(s):Scotland Summer Program Summer 2026 | LBAT: Argentina, and LBAT (“Dos Mundos” Program) Spain Summer 2025
Email: apeng63@gatech.edu
I knew as soon as I entered college that I wanted to immerse myself in different cultures and study abroad, both to increase my Spanish language skills and also my global competencies. I’ve been able to balance being Pre-Med and double majoring, while also being able to travel the world, take classes, and participate in unique programs that have each formed part of my worldview. I now have the opportunity as a Student Assistant with the Office of International Education to work behind the scenes and see the work that is done to send students abroad as well! I’d be happy to answer any of your questions!
Noel (John) D'Souza
Hey everyone! I'm Noel (John) D'Souza, a 2nd year CS major from Dubuque, Iowa. Last summer I studied abroad in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. It was, without a doubt, the most fun I've ever had. Getting to see so many jaw dropping landmarks, trying incredible food, and meeting all kinds of people made it a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. It was a wonderful experience, but it still came with challenges. As a peer advisor, I will help you work through those challenges to make your experience abroad as smooth as possible. Feel free to message me about any questions you have!
John Huynh
Hey! I’m John Huynh from Lilburn, GA, and I spent my summer after sophomore year abroad in China. Since high school, I have been studying Mandarin Chinese, with occasional classes in college as well. I have always wanted to travel to China to better understand the culture and nation while getting a more true-to-life learning experience with Mandarin. The experience was one I will never forget. I got to spend over two months with many of my closest friends, some of whom I had been studying Chinese with since high school. Despite my years of studying the language and culture, experiencing modern-day China firsthand was completely eye-opening. I loved getting to live a lifestyle that I could never live in America, hone my Mandarin skills through socializing with locals and strangers, and creating new bonds with GT students and professors I had never met before. I would love to share my experiences, adventures, and personal lessons from this trip with anyone interested. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Shelby Lovejoy
Hi! My name is Shelby Lovejoy from Dallas, TX. I’ve had the opportunity to spend my freshman fall, freshman summer, sophomore spring, and now my junior spring abroad with different OIE programs. Thanks to these opportunities, I have had so many amazing experiences across the world and I find so much value in international education for both work and life. I love to meet new people, invest in deep relationships, explore cultures, and, of course, try new foods all around the world! I am always happy to answer questions or talk about study abroad opportunities, so please feel free to reach out!
Laura Gomez-Rey
Major: Civil Engineering
Program(s): Barcelona Fall Program Summer 2024 | National Taiwan University Exchange Spring 2026
Email: lgomezrey3@gatech.edu
Hi! I'm Laura Gomez-Rey from Miami, Florida. I spent my sophomore fall semester abroad in Barcelona, Spain, and my junior spring semester as an exchange student at National Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan! Studying abroad has been one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience, allowing me to immerse myself in new cultures, travel to incredible places, and build friendships with people from all around the world. Living in two completely different parts of the world has pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and academically. As a peer advisor, I hope to encourage other students to take that leap and experience everything studying abroad has to offer. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Emilia Mills
Major: Economics and International Affairs
Program(s): Europe Union and Global Affairs Summer 2025 | Italy - Bocconi Milano Business Exchange Academic Year 2025
Email: emills33@gatech.edu
Hi there! My name is Emi Mills, and I’m a third-year EIA major from Roswell, GA. I went on the EU & Transatlantic Studies program the summer after my freshman year and then spent my entire sophomore year on exchange at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. I love meeting new people and being immersed in different cultures, which was something I was lucky enough to experience on both of my programs. I loved the cities I was in, but I also loved traveling to so many other places and creating memories that will last forever. I’d love to answer any questions you have about the process, from figuring out which programs you’re interested in, to the final steps before you go abroad. Feel free to reach out, and I look forward to hearing from you!
