Meet the STAMP Executive Board Before Sept. 12's Study Abroad Fair

Gain a new perspective, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and create memories that will last a lifetime - all while earning academic credit. The Study Abroad Fair is your gateway to turning these possibilities into reality. This event is the perfect opportunity to explore the wide array of programs Arcadia has to offer including Preview, Semester Abroad, Summer Abroad, Global Field Studies, and more.

But the Study Abroad Fair is more than just an introduction to destinations - it's your chance to connect with students who have already taken this journey. Meet our Study Abroad Mentors (STAMPS), who have lived the experience and are excited to share their stories. By learning from their firsthand experiences, you'll discover how you, too, can embark on a life-changing adventure abroad.

So join us on Thursday, September 12th from 3-5 p.m. on the Walk of Pride (rain location Commons First & Second Floors). And in the meantime, get to know a few STAMPs below!

Meet the STAMP Executive Board:

Armando Vardaro

Tell us a little about yourself

I am Armando Vardaro. I am a senior Media and Communication major with a concentration in Public Relations. I am from Hewlett, New York, and am part of STAMP, serving as the Social Media Coordinator. I am also a part of the Arcadia Men's Soccer Team and The Hidden Opponent.

Did you do a Preview? Tell us about it!

I went to Ireland for Preview! It was an amazing experience being able to see Europe with my best friends and also see what Saint Patrick's Day was like in Ireland was unbelievable.

Where did you study abroad? (and why did you choose it)?

I went to Florence, Italy, to study abroad. I wanted to go to Italy because I am culturally Italian and I have been there before but never been to Florence. I am forever grateful for that city and for being able to travel around Europe for 4 months.

What is your favorite memory from your study abroad experience?

Watching my favorite soccer team live in person. Flying to Liverpool, England, and getting to watch Liverpool at Anfield was a bucket list thing forever and I honestly shed a tear at the stadium.

Why did you choose to be a Study Abroad Mentor? What are you looking forward to at the Study Abroad Fair?

STAMP gave me a lot when I was nervous before I studied abroad and I just wanted to be able to give back to an organization that helped me.

What advice would you give to students who are considering studying abroad while at Arcadia?

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you should just do it. I understand the nerves, I had them as well. However, looking back on it now it was the best decision I ever made.

Gauri Chopra

Tell us a little about yourself

I am Gauri Chopra. I'm a sophomore Political Science major on a Pre-Law track. I am from Royersford, PA, and am one of the Mentorship and FYSAE Coordinators on the executive board.

Where did you study abroad? (and why did you choose it)?

I studied abroad in London during my first year! I chose London because it was one of the top places I wanted to see and also because it was one of the easiest places to travel from.

What is your favorite memory from your study abroad experience?

Choosing my favorite memory is difficult, but I would say going up the Eiffel Tower and doing a gondola boat tour in Venice were definitely the top 2!

Why did you choose to be a Study Abroad Mentor? What are you looking forward to at the Study Abroad Fair?

Studying abroad was one of the best experiences I could have ever had, especially in my first year. I want everyone to experience studying abroad, and I want to help those interested have the best time possible!

What advice would you give to students who are considering studying abroad while at Arcadia?

Just do it. It may be scary leaving everyone you know for a little bit, but the life experience you gain from it is totally worth it. Arcadia is the easiest place to study abroad, so take advantage of every opportunity!

Grace Caldwell

Tell us a little about yourself

I am Grace Caldwell. I am a senior Biology major on the pre-PA track and will be going to PA school this coming May. I am from Bucks County, PA. I am on the softball team at Arcadia and I am the Events and Communications Coordinator on the executive board of STAMP.

Did you do a Preview? Tell us about it!

Yes! I went to London for Preview. I took a class all about the scandals of the British Royal Family, which was a topic I was already interested in. The trip was amazing. We got taken around to all of the popular and unpopular spots to learn about the city. After our professors took us around we got to go explore ourselves. I made lifelong friends on this trip as we navigated the city.

Where did you study abroad? (and why did you choose it)?

I studied abroad at Bond University in Gold Coast Australia. Bond University had a lot of the biology courses I needed to take to stay on track for graduation and my post-grad goals. After that, I started to research the Gold Coast and Australia in general and fell in love with nature. The culture and outdoorsy lifestyle was so positive and made for the best way to live.

What is your favorite memory from your study abroad experience?

My favorite memory is hard to choose, but I would say either skydiving, snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, or weekend trips to Byron Bay. All of these experiences were so surreal. I was honestly taken aback by how amazing it was and how grateful they made me feel for the time I had abroad.

Why did you choose to be a Study Abroad Mentor? What are you looking forward to at the Study Abroad Fair?

I really enjoyed my time abroad and I wanted to make sure others could do the same. As a biology major and a student-athlete. I almost thought I couldn't do it. But it truly can work out with good planning. I am excited to show athletes that they can go abroad. Many are afraid to go in case of missing any sports workouts or practices. But in perspective, you have so much more that you can do in college.

What advice would you give to students who are considering studying abroad while at Arcadia?

I would say that it will be the most rewarding, challenging, and best experience of your life. Life felt like a movie while I was abroad and no day was the same. There is so much more in the world than we can even comprehend and being able to see it firsthand is a gift.

Samantha Silverglade

Tell us a little about yourself

I'm a Psychology major from New Jersey. STAMP as well as an Arcadia Alumni Ambassador

Where did you study abroad? (and why did you choose it)?

I've done semesters abroad in FYSAE London, Stirling Scotland (University of Stirling), and Gold Coast Australia (Griffith University). I chose to go abroad for FYSAE because I have always wanted to travel, but never had the opportunity to while growing up. I chose Scotland and Australia because they are two places I have always wanted to visit!

What is your favorite memory from your study abroad experience?

My favorite memory from Scotland was when one of my friends (that I made in Scotland) had a scavenger hunt birthday party on the Stirling campus. He was very into hiking and nature things so half the time we were running up and down Dumyat Mountain and it was one of the most tiring but fun days I had.

One of my favorite memories from Australia was the last full day I had there. I started the morning off skydiving in Byron Bay with two friends I made while there, and one friend from Arcadia. After skydiving a big group of us spent the day on a jetty boat, grilling food, spotting dolphins, and swimming in the water. The day ended with a bar crawl and everyone we were friends with came. It was our big send-off and easily a day I'll never forget

Why did you choose to be a Study Abroad Mentor? What are you looking forward to at the Study Abroad Fair?

I choose to be a Study Abroad Mentor because I want to encourage students to take a leap and choose to go abroad! It's definitely a scary thought at first but it is so unbelievably worth it and I know every student who has gone abroad would say the same thing; it is one of the best things you will do in your college career.

What advice would you give to students who are considering studying abroad while at Arcadia?

Do it!!! It can definitely be a daunting thought, but there are other students who were once in a similar situation as you who did it and want to go again. Take advantage of the opportunities Arcadia provides and I promise it won't be something you regret.

Ashley Knueppel '12, '20MA is the Assistant Director of Civic & Global Engagement at Arcadia.