Juniors and Seniors

Evan Childress

Junior
French Track (Currently abroad in France)
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.”

Olivia Christensen

Senior
Italian Track (Currently abroad in Italy)
Concentration: Entrepreneurship

“I chose NC State because I fell in love with North Carolina during a family vacation. Afterwards, I discovered that their universities were top ranked in the country. My goal was to go to a university that offers excellent programs that fit my interests. I knew that NC State was the perfect fit and after finding out about the IBDD program during orientation, I was even more excited. Every time someone asks me what I like most about my school, I answer that it has top-notch study abroad experiences and an array of opportunities. Being able to study abroad for 2 whole years compared to a summer or a semester is beyond my wildest dreams. I am so excited to be at the chance to live in Italy and fully embrace the culture and become fluent in Italian.”

Emily Haddock

Senior
Spanish Track (Currently abroad in Spain)
Concentration: Marketing

“My name is Emily Haddock and I am from New Bern, NC. I graduated from The Epiphany School of Global Studies and have studied Spanish for nine years. I was raised cheering on the Wolfpack; my dad graduated from State and my twin brother goes here as well. However, I chose NC State and the Poole College of Management because of the IBDD program. I chose NCSU’s IBDD program because I’ve always wanted to live abroad. I am most excited about the opportunity to become fluent in another language while fully immersing myself in the culture of another country. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience and I can’t wait to take full advantage of all of the opportunities I’m given during my two years abroad.”

Sam Jaouiche

Junior
German Track (Currently Abroad in Germany)
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.”

Jana Koslowski

Senior
German Track (Currently abroad at NC State)
Concentration: Finance

“I chose the IBDD Program because it is an amazing opportunity to study in two different countries and to spend two years in each of them. I also really like that I gain practical experience in both countries by doing two internships. I love the studying system of the United States and that there is such a variety of classes to take. The campus life in general is really special. The program helps me to broaden my horizon and to adapt quickly to new situations. I also get to know the business world of two different countries which will be very valuable for future jobs.”

Advice: “Just be open-minded for this great opportunity and try to make the most of it!”

Ainoa Lopez

Senior
Spanish Track (Currently abroad at NC State)
Concentration: Finance

“I thought the IBDD Program was the best opportunity I had to study abroad while being in an awesome campus with lots of activities and learning about another culture. I just saw myself living here and enjoying my years as a student, and I can confirm that I have never been happier! I have really enjoyed all the opportunities the campus has to offer, both in terms of sporting events, social events and the common areas where you can meet your new friends. And, off campus, there are also many things to see and enjoy, it is an ideal place where you can do anything you want to do! Thanks to the NC State’s advisors, it is easy to get help at all times for whatever you need. We are prepared in such a way that our greatest advantage are our roots and knowledge.”

Advice: “The first 2 years seem like forever, but once you are here they fly by thanks to the IBDD community and all those who welcome you, creating a new family.”

Sofia Marin

Senior
Spanish Track (Currently Abroad in Spain)
Concentration: Finance

“I chose the IBDD Program because I wanted to go to college in the US and in Spain. I’m looking forward the most to the life in the big city of Madrid where there is always something fun to do. The IBDD Program will prepare me for the professional world by giving me the opportunity to study and work in 2 countries and it will allow me to meet and collaborate in group projects with people of different cultures.”

Advice: “Don’t give up when you feel overwhelmed with classes.”

Sean Malone

Senior
Spanish Track (Currently abroad in Spain)
Concentration: Finance

“The IBDD Program gives me the opportunity to learn Spanish, live abroad, and pursue an international business career. I am looking forward to meeting people from all over the world while living in one of the best cities in the world. Through the program I will develop a level of independence, discipline, and confidence that very few can compete with. My experiences will make me stand out in the job search.”

Advice: “Start getting practice in your foreign language as early as possible. Watch movies, read, and talk with native speakers.”

Elisa Piazzoli

Senior
Italian Track (Currently abroad at NC State)
Concentration: Supply Chain and Operations Management

“I chose the IBDD Program because it offers multiple different paths/concentrations within the business major. I really enjoy the sense of community here at NC State, even if the campus is huge (and considering I am used to very small schools) it still feels like I belong. This program truly pushed me out of my comfort zone in terms of putting myself out there and accepting different challenges. The IBDD Program has taught me that to really grow I need to take on new challenges every day and learn to be confident in myself, even during difficult moments when things may not be going as planned.”

Advice: “Do not let fear stop you from taking amazing opportunities but also be prepared.”

Vidisha Purandare

Senior
Spanish Track (Currently abroad in Spain)
Concentration: Marketing

“Hi! My name is Vidisha Purandare and I am from Cary, NC. I studied Spanish for three years in high school, so I decided to choose the Spanish track of the IBDD program. The IBDD program was a big reason why I chose NC State. I have wanted to study abroad for as long as I remember, and I know that I want to work and live abroad in the future, so I thought this program was the perfect way to gain an intense immersive foreign experience that would properly prepare me for my future. I also thought this program was a great way to set myself apart from others and show how truly passionate I am about International Business and creating a global community. In addition, I chose NC State because I loved the campus and the Wolfpack culture, which makes this big school feel like a family!”

Alicia Rios

Senior
Spanish Track (Currently abroad at NC State)
Concentration: Finance

“I chose NC State’s IBDD Program due to the great amount of opportunities it offers both personally and professionally. I was also encouraged by the large number of international students from other countries, where I could be part of an international community. I am looking forward to getting to know new cities and states. I am also encouraged to meet people from different cultures, as that is one of the best parts of this experience! The IBDD program will help me relate to people with different backgrounds. It also offers the opportunity to study in two different countries and get two degrees and internships, so it will give me the best of both worlds. But it will definitely give me people who will always be in my life.”

Advice: “Try to find your passion and from there, choose a path that is full of opportunities that will help you grow. Also, inform yourselves about all the possibilities before making a decision, in order to have a smoother and easier path.”

Kathryn Silknitter

Junior
French Track (Currently abroad in France)
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.”