TREC Ambassadors

Theatre Arts and Media Communications Major; Spanish Minor

Attending the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and taking SPAN 381/382, “Art, Politics & Culture in Contemporary Spain: Barcelona,” was a transformative academic experience. It was my first time abroad, and while initially intimidating, I felt fortunate to have the support of Program Director Monica Cantero-Exojo. While in Barcelona, I explored cultural landmarks like the Museu Picasso, Sagrada Familia, and Sant Pau Hospital. The city’s fashion identity, which I experienced firsthand at the IDEP Barcelona fashion show at Palo Alto, particularly fascinated me and showcased innovative student work in design, fashion, and photography. The show offered a powerful display of personal identity and history through clothing and accessories. Additionally, I visited Sitges, Plaça de Sonia Rescalvo Zafra, and had the privilege of being in Spain for the celebration of Sant Joan, immersing myself in local traditions and festivities.

Economics Major; Computer Science, Writing Communications, and Statistics Minors

The Social Impact nycTREC allowed me to work with a non-profit organization which helped me gain a deeper understanding and hands-on experience of the non-profit sector both domestically and abroad. The Wall Street nycTREC allowed me to learn about many aspects of the financial markets from the regulatory side, to general management and investment, to even the data and software side. Throughout both programs, I was able to foster connections with industry professionals who carry illustrious and authentic careers which overall helped expand my networks.

Spanish and Political Science Majors; Law Justice & Society Minor

The shortTREC to Barcelona has left an impact on both my personal and academic life. Not only did my Spanish dialect grow dramatically, but I also adapted more fluency when speaking in the language. Being able to take classes and then go scouting the Spanish city gave me the opportunity to embody an entirely different culture, all while having my best friends by my side! This being my first time traveling outside of the United States, I felt safe and capable of exploring a foreign city knowing my professors and classmates were nearby. Here I learned new things about myself, such as my new interest in archeological history! Similarly, the semester at the United Nations showed me real world experience in a political, professional culture, where I was able to network with professionals in a variety of different interest areas.

Theatre Arts Major; Arts Administration Minor

I will never forget the time I spent in London and how thankful I am for this program. Throughout my time abroad, I was able to learn so much, both in topics I already loved, and in new exciting areas. I was able to see more than 30 performances in theaters across London, each one of which let me question my views on theater. Half of those performances were part of my British Political Drama class trips! I also had my love for literature revitalized with the British Literature: London class. My Art and Architecture in London class allowed me to explore and experience life in London in a new way which I ended up absolutely adoring. Overall, this experience led to new experiences and ideas, friendships, and the most beautiful memories! This was truly one of the most fun and rewarding experiences I’ve had at Drew and in my life!

My time in the Theatre nycTREC has been a blur of excitement, and exploration. I have gotten the chance to work with professional theatre makers, connect with my peers, and form an ensemble. We’re learning how to let go of our preconceived notions of performance and create theater in a completely unfamiliar way. This journey has challenged me in the best ways and helped me to not only boost my skills, but also helped make me feel much more confident about my own ability, and the limitless possibilities for my career.

English Literature Major

I really enjoyed my time in London and I made so many wonderful memories. I took three courses and had an internship. The internship was incredible, taught me so much and gave me experience needed to reach my career goals. I loved having the time to explore London, especially as I worked on my project on Jane Austen’s legacy in London and in Britain in general. I took the theatre course and I saw so many interesting plays. Along with the plays and exploring London on the way, I and my classmates went on some memorable field trips with our resident director, Jim Bazewicz. A few of them were Hampton Court Palace, Highgate Cemetery, and Brighton. This TREC on the whole was amazing and I will continue to remember it for years to come.

I loved how our activities were a creative look at environmental psychology (such as street photography and interviewing locals) but not limited to just that. We also snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, explored the Daintree Forest by starlight, and chilled with kangaroos! It was great that you did not have to be a Psychology Major to participate. Although focused on STEM, I recognize the necessity to incorporate psychology and other fields. As an aspiring environmental engineer I saw the potential of this TREC to provide insight into my future career.

I would highly recommend joining a TREC program and would advise anyone to take advantage of the scholarships and not be afraid to ask questions.

I had an amazing time in Spain and the other countries I was lucky enough to travel to. I had unforgettable experiences with people who I now will hold close to my heart. Studying abroad has not only showed me the beauty of other cultures, but showed me new sides of myself I didn’t know I had to discover to move forward! I recommend for everyone to apply for the study abroad experience even if it’s a tiny idea in their mind. You will only wish you did it sooner!

Psychology Major; Neuroscience Minor

All around I think the entire trip was just amazing, especially with having Professor Cousens as our leader. My highlights had to have either been surfing in Bondi Beach and seeing whales breaching in the distance or snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef with classmates. Something I took away from the program was that no matter where you come from everyone is accepted anywhere in Australia, there is a sense of belonging.

Philosophy and International Relations Majors; Environmental Studies Minor

During my time in South Africa, I experienced a whole new world with different people, food, music, sounds, architecture, and culture over all. As an International Relations and Philosophy student, traveling with a group of mostly Public Health students was incredibly insightful, especially for the research I developed during the trip on the securitization of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the country. Finally, I felt extremely comfortable in all the places we visited and events we attended, and I could not be more grateful for the amazing connections I made there. Even though I went without any close friends, I am very attached to some people that traveled with me and became so important in my life!

Both Social Impact and United Nations nycTRECs were incredibly important for me to find my place in the international non-profit organizations world inside the field of International Relations. During Social Impact, I LOVED working with the Smallholder Farmers Alliance, an NGO operating in Haiti for social development through agroforestry. Also, learning the different “socially impactful” activities different types of organizations can be engaged with was especially insightful for me to decide the area I want to work in. Similarly, the UN nycTREC opened my eyes to how diplomacy can have many different faces in the IGO sector. It also connected me with resources related to the UN for causes that I believe in.

Today, after doing an Economic Empowerment internship at the International Rescue Committee NYC and a Development internship at Dare Humanity, both humanitarian aid nonprofit organizations, I am working with Philanthropy Administration at the Prospect Hill Foundation. I say with certainty that I was only able to get these internships (and even know that I was interested in these areas) because of the two nycTRECS I was part of.

Studio Art Major; Teaching and Italian Minors

My time away in South Africa was a life changing experience. I learned about how the healthcare system works in South Africa by delving into HIV treatment plans and research presentations, visiting hospitals and healthcare facilities, and exploring museums and cultural sites. I also experienced cultural excursions, such as Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, a safari trip, and more! Even if you are not a STEM major, this trip opens your eyes to how different countries’ healthcare systems function while also letting you immerse yourself in a new culture and learn new things. It also allowed me to make new friends and step outside of my comfort zone! South Africa is an experience I will forever remember and cherish!