IBDD Freshmen and Sophomores

Chloe Burleson

Freshman
Spanish Track

“I chose NC State and the IBDD program because of the opportunity to study what I love abroad while learning more about other languages, people, and cultures. I am looking forward to exploring outside of the US and meeting awesome people! I believe this program will help me achieve my career goals by presenting me with the opportunity to connect with like-minded people across the globe.”

Advice: “This program will connect you with friends that become family, an impressive education, and the experience of a lifetime.”

Kirsten Jensen

Freshman
French Track

“I have always valued different cultures and loved the idea of traveling. After taking four years of French during high school I knew this program would be an excellent opportunity for me; I am very drawn to its uniqueness and how immersive it is. I am looking forward to meeting new people and getting the opportunity for a one of a kind experience academically and culturally.”

Advice: “Try to take all four years of your language of choice during high school. Also, take as many AP/Community College transfer credits as possible that can transfer to NCSU; it will lighten your college course load since this is a double major program!”

Sarah Stevens

Freshman
Spanish Track

“I was driven to join the IBDD Program because of the countless benefits and global knowledge that I will receive. In my time abroad I am looking forward to being able to travel and experience a wide variety of new cultures. I anticipate that this program will help me achieve my career goals by retaining a better understanding and global knowledge of the workforce.”

Advice: “I would give the advice that you need to be ready to work hard in order to obtain the amazing opportunities that will result with this program.”

Katlyn Swierczynski

Freshman
French Track
Concentration: Supply Chain Management

“I chose to pursue NC State’s IBDD Program because it gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion for French while training me to be successful in the global market. This program allows me to connect with the culture of France on a level completely different from any other semester study abroad experience! I am really looking forward to the different style of university at NEOMA and am excited to embrace how different my classes and university life will be! I am also looking forward to traveling across Europe and visiting my friends in other IBDD language tracks! IBDD will not only prepare me to be a successful leader in the world of international business, but also give me the crucially important skills to be culturally aware and prepared for any situation.”

Advice: “Don’t hesitate to reach out to our amazing director Mr. Sandruck, he is so helpful!”

Elyza Tran

Freshman
Italian Track

“A goal of mine during my collegiate experience was to travel and study abroad. I was also hoping to intern at some point in my college career. After learning that the IBDD Program enabled me to travel abroad and intern, I knew that I could fulfill my dreams. I’m mostly looking forward to immersing myself in the culture of Italy through music, fashion, and food. I hope to take what I’ve learned at NC State and apply it to my time at an Italian school.”

Advice: “I advise prospective students of the IBDD Program to keep an open mind and learn more about the program. Reach out to current students, mentors, and alumni to ask questions and learn about their experience. It may seem intimidating at first, but through guidance and learning, IBDD program is truly an amazing opportunity.”

Kimberly Vasquez-Marin

Freshman
Spanish Track

“NC State offered an opportunity of doing two things I enjoy into one program, learning a language and traveling to a new country. I knew it was perfect for me that I would be able to do it all in four years. I am looking forward to new friendships and being immersed in a new culture by learning and growing through my time there. I hope to sight-see different places, try new food, and be active in the community.”

Advice: “Step out of your comfort zone and find a balance. It may seem overwhelming to take so many credit hours a semester, but being daring and finding the right balance can make the journey a bit easier. There are so many opportunities and having fun is one of them.”

Katherine Beekman

Sophomore
Chinese Track
Concentration: Finance

“My name is Katherine and I’m from Charlotte, NC where I graduated from Marvin Ridge High School. I chose the IBDD Program because of the unique opportunity to use my Chinese language skills beyond the classroom and combine it with my career ambitions. I’ve been studying Chinese nearly all my life, and the IBDD program appealed to me because, it not only gives me the chance to study abroad, but to be immersed in the Chinese culture. This program is so unique and provides the amazing opportunity to travel and study in different languages. If you have a passion for learning about different cultures, I implore you to consider it!”

Evan Childress

Sophomore
French Track
Concentration: Finance

“My name is Evan Childress and I am from Roswell, Georgia. I graduated from Roswell High School where I studied French and am now in the French track in IBDD. I joined the IBDD program because of the unique opportunity to fully immerse myself in the French culture. I am mostly looking forward to the food and the connections I will make with people. The IBDD program will allow me to network in a different way than most people and provides a strong foundation for the professional world.”

Brooke Elliott

Sophomore
French Track
Concentration: Marketing

“My name is Brooke and I’m from Huntersville, NC where I graduated from William Amos Hough High School. I picked NCSU because I wanted to be at a medium sized school that has a lot to offer for my career choice. I began researching what the IBDD program was about and came in to talk to an advisor on how it worked and what it was. I quickly knew this is where I wanted to be, because with the IBDD program I am stepping into one of my dreams which is to live in France for 2 years.”

Sam Jaouiche

Sophomore
German Track
Concentration: Finance

“Hi my name is Sam and I graduated from Waccamaw High School in Pawley’s Island, SC. After studying abroad in Germany during my junior year of high school, I fell in love with it and knew I wanted to spend part of my college experience there. I was also always interested in business, so I decided to combine my two passions. NC State’s IBDD program was one of the only business programs I found that would allow me to actually go to school in Germany rather than simply study abroad for a semester or two.”

Ross Ogburn

Sophomore
Spanish Track
Concentration: Finance

“Hi! My name’s Ross and I’m from Winston-Salem, NC where I graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School. I chose IBDD because I wanted to interact and collaborate with other students from different backgrounds and cultures than me. By immersing myself with students from various backgrounds I can better my understanding of the world in general. I have always wanted to study abroad and be surrounded by a different culture in order to acculturate into a new environment. With an expanding global market, obtaining a dual degree and knowing a second language are very impressive aspects for future job resumes.”

Kathryn Silknitter

Sophomore
French Track
Concentration: Marketing

“Hi! My name is Kathryn Silknitter and I’m in the IBDD French track. I’m from Greensboro, NC and graduated from Grimsley High School where I studied French for four years. I chose the IBDD program because of the amazing opportunity. Getting the chance to study abroad for two years where I’ll get to develop my language and create new relationships is something not many people get to experience and something I’m very excited for. The IBDD program will prepare me for the business world by creating new connections and skills necessary in order to succeed.”