International Programs - Pepperdine University

Dr. Cox, the Dean of International Programs recently returned from visiting our Buenos Aires Program during their orientation. Here are some of his reflections about his time in BA:

“It was an honor for me to participate in the BA orientation this fall. The highlight was being able to accompany the new BA students on Step Forward service outing to the Adulam orphanage outside Buenos Aires, to spend time with the orphans, and helping with clean up projects on the grounds. I also got to accompany the group on tours of Plaza de Mayo and La Boca as well as attended this year’s first House Church. I so enjoyed the student’s joyful excitement at being in BA and adapting to life with their homestays, at the Pepperdine Casa, and in this beautiful city.”

REMINDER: The priority deadly to submit your application to study abroad is only 12 days away!

“Hi! My name is Lizzie Melo, I am a third year psychology major and I am proud to be the Florence Ambassador! I studied abroad in Florence, Italy for the academic year. I truly fell in love with Florence. From the people, to the food, to the history, there wasn’t anything I didn’t love. One of my favorite memories from my time abroad was from my very first night. The night we all arrived, our whole program took a walk to the Duomo and it was so memorable and special. None of us knew where we were going, we all were just learning the language, everyone was tired from their flights, but we all did this together. Seeing the Duomo together for the first time at night was so magical.
If you have any questions about going abroad please feel free to reach out! ”

TONIGHT!!! Head down to Alumni Park at 6PM for THE RETURN!! If you’re a new student interested in studying abroad or you returned from an international program come on down for free food trucks and fun!

“My name is Jonas Bubach, and I am the Washington, DC, ambassador for this year. I am a junior studying political science and economics. Last fall I studied abroad in Heidelberg, Germany; this spring I studied in DC as part of the DC+ Experience. In DC I interned for a think tank where I gained real-life experience writing and publishing an op ed and building my professional network.

One of my favorite DC memories was the Easter Sunrise Service in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Watching the sun rise over the Capital Building and the Washington Monument with friends in the program was both breathtaking and spectacular.

If you have any questions about the DC Program, internship opportunities, or any other questions IP questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!! ”

“🇩🇪 Hi everyone! My name is Henry Adams and I am this year’s Heidelberg program ambassador. I am a junior journliasm major who spent the previous academic year in Heidelberg, Germany with an incredibly supportive community. I enjoyed living in our century-old four-story mansion, Moore Haus, and taking a short stroll to the Heidelberg Castle to go play ultimate frisbee or spikeball. I appreciated the ease and affordability of traveling by train around Europe, visiting 40 cities across 17 countries on weekends thanks to Heidelberg’s central location in Europe. But after returning from the greatest cities the continent has to offer, I was increasingly overjoyed to call the cozy city of Heidelberg my second home.

One of my favorite memories was taking a sleeper train all the way up to Stockholm, Sweden for a week-long travel break, where I got to engage with my Swedish heritage by enjoying a delicious plate of Swedish meatballs alongside friends. After spending a couple days eating cardamom pastries for breakfast, ice skating, and visiting the northern city’s museums, we made our way down to Copenhagen, where we visited the colorful canal district of Nyhavn and enjoyed street food along the way. Traveling anywhere, especially on our longer breaks, was prime time for bonding with friends while we adventured in new places.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me regarding any questions or if you’re just curious about what our Heidelberg program is like! I hope that you’ll consider applying to Pepperdine’s oldest abroad program. - 🇩🇪”

“Hello Everyone! My name is Belle Li, and I am so excited to be this year’s Buenos Aires ambassador! I am majoring in Sustainability, minoring in Hispanic Studies, planning to attend law school after I graduate. I am in love with my experience abroad, especially because of the culture and events of the different cities in Argentina. I miss strolling through the ferias (streets filled with pop-up shops) with my friends every single weekend admiring and buying the lovely handmade goods. Through travels and silly random hangouts, our program created core memories together, bonding us in such a unique way. 🇦🇷

I would love to connect with you for anything BA! Feel free to reach out ”

“My name is Mike Palumbo and I am the Switzerland Ambassador for this year. I am a junior majoring in Business Administration, and I spent the past academic year abroad living at Château D’Hauteville in Switzerland. The best thing about living abroad in Switzerland was the location, nestled in between the Swiss Alps and Lac Leman. Just a short train ride from the Chateau were the cities of Lausanne and Geneva, which made exploring Switzerland (and neighboring countries!) very easy.

My favorite memory abroad was seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, and spending time on a Safari in the Masai Mara during our Spring EFT to Kenya. If you are interested in learning more about the Switzerland program, find me in the IP office, send me an email, or message me ! 🇨🇭”

Lets put the STUDY back in study abroad! Applications to study abroad next summer and academic year are now open! Click the link in our bio to learn more about our academic advising as you navigate the application process.

Summer may be coming to a close but the adventures have only just begun!

🚨Student Spotlight Alert🚨
This week’s IP Student Spotlight is Mackenzie Krause! Mackenzie recently completed the summer London Internship program. This is what she had to say about her experience:

“I had an amazing experience being a part of the London Internship Program! What I enjoyed most about London was getting to experience afternoon tea and trying fish and chips! I also loved to learn the differences between British and American work life with my PR internship! I was able to meet so many new people and I got to travel around the UK, France, Switzerland, and Belgium. My favorite city I visited while in this program was Edinburgh. My favorite memory was probably watching the French version of “The Voice” with my friends Myers and Angela while we were staying in Annecy! I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world!”

Experiencing local cuisine is an excellent way to learn about a new culture while studying abroad!🍓🍉🍊

🚨Student Spotlight Alert🚨
This week’s IP Student Spotlight is Nicolette Garcia! Nicolette studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Florence and London. This is what she had to say about her time abroad:

“I have been so blessed to be able to study abroad these past three summers in London, Florence, and Buenos Aires. These programs have allowed me to discover parts of myself I never knew and fulfill my childhood dream of traveling the world. I’ll never forget the memories I’ve made in the cities I’ve called home. Calling my mom with tears of joy on my first Sunday in London. Taking my family to Edinburgh. Watching Serena play at Wimbledon. Working with Elizabeth and Dr. Vabulas as an IPRA. Planning a spontaneous trip to Portugal with my best friend. Dancing in Piazzale Michelangelo. Horseback riding in Hyde Park and Salta. Stargazing in Jujuy. Sharing stories with my homestay family. Singing in Teatro Colon. Watching the sunset from Palacio Barolo. Dog sledding at the end of the world and so many more. Capturing these moments on camera has been incredibly special for me, as each photo transports me back to the vibrant countries I have explored. I am forever grateful for the relationships I’ve gained and the unforgettable experiences that have shaped who I am today. Thank you Pepperdine IP for the adventure of a lifetime.”

We love soaking up the sun! What’s your favorite way to enjoy the summer weather? ☀️

🚨Student Spotlight Alert🚨
This week’s IP Student Spotlight is Joshua Lintner who studied abroad in Heidelberg this last academic year.

“Studying abroad in Germany was an experience that I’ll look back on for the rest of my life. I made countless memories and friends, and am so thankful that I had this opportunity. My favorite thing to do in Heidelberg would definitely be going and getting Döner Kebab and watching the sunset from the old bridge. One of my favorite memories is traveling to Morocco and being invited to a baptism party complete with traditional clothing, music, and dancing with the locals. One thing I learned abroad is to live your life to the fullest. Many of my days abroad were filled with frivolous adventure and hard work. By the end of the 7 months abroad I was exhausted, but can look back, overjoyed that I made so many memories that will last a lifetime. 🇩🇪”

This week’s IP Student Spotlight is Luke Penny who recetnly returned from spending the last academic year at our Switzerland Program. When reflecting on his experience, this is what he had to say about his time abroad: “My time abroad was so fulfilling as I journeyed around the world with many wonderful people. My favorite trips included Iceland, Kenya, and Amsterdam. I had tons of fun traveling, though what I miss most is all the amazing friends I made in the program. My favorite thing to do in Switzerland is traveling to Interlaken where you can paraglide, rent bikes, and go on a via ferrata.”

This week’s IP student spolight is Bella Bonfante. Bella studied abroad in Florence this past spring semester. This is what she had to say about her time abroad:

“Studying abroad was the best decision I have ever made. The memories, family, and love I have gained from Florence is something I will forever be grateful for. Abroad helped me become more independent in myself, and grew me as a person physically and mentally. From visiting 13 different countries on weekends, to spending my last night watching the sunset on Piazzale Michelangelo, I will never forget this incredible and life changing experience. If you’re reading this… go abroad!!!”- .bonfante

Embrace discomfort with IP!

This week’s IP student spotlight is Matthew Estrada! This is what he had to say about his time in London:

Hey guys my name is Matthew and I recently just finished studying abroad in London for the full year. One of my favorite memories abroad is road tripping with my friends across three different Eastern European countries in two days. My favorite thing to do in London is to walk across Tower Bridge to see the amazing views of the city. One of the most important things I gained from studying abroad is developing a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others due to interacting with so many different people from my travels.The Pepperdine London Program was one the best experiences of my life. Rush London!

It’s safe to say that we’re big fans of Japan!

This week’s Student Spotlight is Soleil Velasco. This is what she has to say about her time studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina this last spring:

Studying in Buenos Aires was one of the best decisions I’ve made at Pepperdine. I am so grateful for all the memories and experiences I made in the program. Some of my favorite memories include seeing the beautiful scenic trails and penguins on our EFT and attending Lollapalooza to see some of my favorite artists live. My most memorable travel spot was definitely Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to see Cristo Redentor on Easter. I will forever miss and thank the extraordinary professors and faculty of Casa Holden, my loving homestay, and my Blanca Cafe visits for the opportunity to immerse myself in the Argentine culture. Something I learned abroad (aside from Spanish) is to cherish your time with the people and the place. Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to go on an adventure! But also, be mindful and stay safe. My time abroad has made me fall in love with the world even more and has helped me recognize the importance of service and community. This is your sign to ! 🇦🇷🌟💃🌎

“Collecting passport stamps is our favorite passtime. What is your next travel destination?

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There’s nothing like summer in the city!

Summer Program Packing List:
1) Passport
2) Sunnies

Summer has arrived and so have our students! Wishing our students safe travels as they continue to arrive at their destinations.

Summer is here and the countdown to summer programs is on! Everyone at IP wishes our students safe travels to thier programs!

Summer is loading... Pepperdine IP wishes you a summer full of adventure and new experiences!

Happy Thursday! ☀️ Today’s student spotlight is Charlie Robinson who spent this last academic year in our DC program taking classes while interning! Here is what she had to say about her time in DC: 🗽

“One of my favorite parts of going abroad in Washington DC was participating in the internship program. I was lucky enough to intern for a Congressman in the House of Representatives, which gave me incredible firsthand experience in participating in the legislative process. When I wasn’t working, I was usually grabbing coffee at my favorite coffee shop, 'For Five' which is right next to the Pepperdine building in DC! Living in the city and interning allowed me to grow so much in my knowledge of legislation and the way our country passes bills and resolutions. I absolutely loved exploring DC and walking through the National mall whenever I had the chance too! Another highlight of our time was our visit to the Dominican Republic. It was warm, beautiful, and absolutely unforgettable! I wouldn’t trade my time in Washington for anything and I’m so grateful I got to be a part of the program!” -Charlie

Farmers markets are where the local community comes together to showcase their food and culture, making it a perfect place for travelers to connect and learn! 🌱