Celebrating our Graduating Study Abroad Student Workers
The study abroad team is thrilled to celebrate our Spring and Summer 2026 graduating student workers! Each of these students has made meaningful contributions to our office and had a positive impact on students preparing to go abroad. We are so proud of all they have accomplished and can’t wait to see where their next adventures take them! Please join us in congratulating these incredible students!
Malia Henert
Malia is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in Physiology & Medical Sciences with Honors, along with minors in Biochemistry and Psychology, and the Franke Honors Civic Leadership Certificate. She studied abroad through the Franke Honors First-Year Trip to Italy and Ireland in Summer 2023, and later participated in the UA London program during Fall 2024.
“One of my favorite memories from my first study abroad was our final day in Rome, where we completed a scavenger hunt around the city and ended the day with gelato as a group. It was such a fun and meaningful way to say goodbye to people I had grown so close with. During my second program, I loved exploring the streets and Christmas markets in Vienna with friends, and I also had the opportunity to immerse myself in London’s culture while gaining professional experience through an internship at a patient advocacy charity.”
Malia joined the study abroad team as a Study Abroad Peer Advisor in Fall 2025, supporting students as they explore and prepare for their own international experiences.
“My favorite part of working with study abroad is connecting with students and helping them realize their goals of going abroad. I especially enjoy working with other pre-health students who often feel like studying abroad isn’t possible for them. I love showing them that it is achievable and can be an incredibly valuable part of their journey.”
After graduation, Malia plans to work as a medical assistant while applying to medical school.
Illiana Mclntyre
Illiana is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology with Honors, along with a minor in Human Development and Family Science. She studied abroad at UA London during Fall 2024.
“I have so many favorite memories from studying abroad, but one that really stands out is going on the London Eye. It had been cloudy all day, and we thought we wouldn’t be able to see anything, but as soon as we got on, the sun came out and the whole city seemed to glow in the sunset. It felt so magical. I also loved exploring with such amazing people from visiting museums in London to experiencing Christmas markets in Vienna.”
Illiana joined the study abroad team as a Study Abroad Peer Advisor in Fall 2025, helping students prepare for their own international experiences.
“I love being able to connect with other students and support them as they get ready for such an exciting adventure. It’s especially rewarding to see someone come in feeling nervous or unsure and leave feeling confident and ready to explore the world.”
After graduation, Illiana plans to pursue a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at Boston College, with plans to become a therapist.
Jenna Arrieta
Jenna is graduating with a double major in Marketing and Management Information Systems (MIS). She studied abroad through the UA Rome program during Fall 2023.
“One of my favorite memories from studying abroad was a trip to Milan and Lake Como with my friends. We had so many adventures, from speeding through Milan in an Uber to sprinting through train stations, and even getting stuck in Lake Como and getting completely lost trying to find our way back to the hotel. Everything that could have gone wrong did, but the people I was with made it unforgettable.”
Jenna joined the study abroad team as a Study Abroad Peer Advisor in Fall 2024, helping students explore programs and begin their own journeys abroad.
“My favorite part of working here is seeing the excitement on students’ faces when they realize studying abroad is actually possible. I love helping guide them toward programs that fit them best and watching their enthusiasm grow throughout the process. It’s incredibly rewarding, and I enjoy getting to relive my own experience through them.”
After graduation, Jenna plans to travel throughout Europe with friends before returning home to Phoenix. She hopes to enter a career in fashion, beauty, or entertainment.
Alyssa Ortega
Alyssa is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Information Science, along with a thematic minor in Geospatial Technology and Global Studies. She studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea, during the summer of 2025.
“One of my favorite study abroad memories was reconnecting with Korean exchange students I had met in high school. Getting to see them again and create new memories this time in their home country instead of mine was incredibly special. It was such a culturally enriching experience because I was able to explore parts of Korea that I might not have discovered on my own. Having that local connection made the experience even more meaningful.”
Alyssa joined the study abroad team as a Scholarship Peer Mentor in Fall 2025, helping students navigate funding opportunities and take the first steps toward studying abroad.
“My favorite part of working here is connecting with fellow first-generation students who are in the same position I was in before my program. I love helping them find and apply for scholarships that make studying abroad possible. I know how inaccessible it can feel financially, so being able to share opportunities and my own experience is really important to me. I want other students to see that studying abroad is something they can achieve too.”
After graduation, Alyssa plans to take a gap year before pursuing a master’s degree in International Education Administration at The American College of the Mediterranean.
Sarah Dillon
Sarah is graduating with a major in Marketing and a minor in Journalism. She studied abroad through the Arizona in Orvieto program in Orvieto, Italy, during Summer 2023 and later participated in the UA Barcelona program during Spring 2025.
“It’s hard to choose just one favorite memory because both of my study abroad experiences were unforgettable. In Orvieto, one moment I’ll always remember is when my friends and roommates and I got gelato and watched the sunset from a lookout point at the edge of the city during our last week. It was such a peaceful moment to reflect on the memories we had made together and the beautiful place we got to call home. I’ll also never forget all of the countries I was able to visit during my time in Barcelona, where every weekend felt like a new adventure.”
Sarah joined the study abroad team as a Marketing and Communications Intern in August 2025, working closely with the social media team to promote global programs.
“My favorite part of this position has been working with the social media team. I love collaborating on new ideas, creating graphics, and seeing the content our social media ambassadors share from programs around the world. It’s been really rewarding to promote study abroad to prospective students while also continuing to share my own experience.”
After graduation, Sarah will return to San Diego, California, to begin her career with Thermo Fisher Scientific. She hopes her career will span a variety of international environments so she can continue traveling and building global connections.