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Isabela Giraldo ‘25, has embraced multiple international opportunities during her time at Lehigh University. She studied abroad in Copenhagen last spring, and worked in Uganda the previous summer through the Iacocca International Internship Program (IIIP).

While in Uganda, she interned for Pathways Development Initiative, a non-governmental organization focused on enhancing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in rural regions of the country. The internship’s emphasis on cultural immersion deepened her appreciation for global perspectives.

“Working in an international setting and interacting with colleagues from different backgrounds taught me the importance of embracing diversity and cultivating inclusive environments,” said Giraldo, a interdisciplinary major in health, medicine and society at the Lehigh College of Arts & Sciences.

Giraldo attended the annual Go Abroad Fair on Sep. 5, held at Lehigh’s Alumni Memorial Walkway. The fair allows for Lehigh students to learn about international opportunities to study, intern and research with programs across the globe, much like those Giraldo experienced.

A multitude of study abroad directors set up tables with pamphlets of information and merchandise on the front lawn to engage with students about all of Lehigh's abroad programs. 

Katie Radande, Director of Study Abroad at Lehigh and Interim Director of IIIP, said the Go Abroad Fair is about promoting the variety of unique programs available and getting students the chance to talk directly with staff that spearheads each one. 

Radande, who has worked in the Lehigh’s Sudy Abroad office for more than 17 years, said “our participation in abroad programs has been increasing significantly.” During the 2022-23 academic year, Lehigh had 759 student abroad experiences in over 40 countries.

As more students venture out, the Study Abroad office launched new programs offering Lehigh students the chance to explore additional destinations, including Japan and Greece, Radande said.

Regina Ruiz ‘27, attended the Go Abroad Fair because she wanted to learn about opportunities to study or intern in Europe during her junior year. 

“Right now, Europe is where I would want to study, specifically Spain because I am fluent in Spanish so I think it would be nice to collaborate with people in my main language on a different continent,” Ruiz said.

Tara Chelvam ‘28, attended the fair as a first year student, eagerly set on studying abroad one day. She has always wanted to spend time immersed in an international country, while also completing work or volunteering. She feels it would give her a greater depth of knowledge and ability to adapt to different cultures and places.

“I was raised in San Francisco, CA but am also a citizen of Singapore,” said Chelvam, a population health major in the Lehigh College of Health. “This has made me very intrigued by the idea of possibly studying abroad in Singapore to be connected to my own heritage more.”

Giraldo said despite the geographic and cultural differences between Copenhagen and Uganda, studying in both places helped her further develop her skills and experiences, with assistance from Lehigh’s study abroad office and IIIP.

“Studying in Copenhagen granted me the opportunity to explore new perspectives and cultures through my coursework, as well as personal travel,” she said. “Although my time in Copenhagen and Uganda differed greatly, I consider both invaluable experiences.”

When asked if she had any advice for students interested in these programs, Giraldo enthusiastically responded: “Apply!”. 

“I would encourage any student that is interested to apply to the Iacocca International Internship Program as well as study abroad,” Giraldo said. 

Radande said students can visit Lehigh’s Study Abroad office with questions about possible abroad experiences, or to discuss any potential hesitations or barriers. She stressed that studying abroad is an option available for all colleges, majors, and class years.