We are excited to welcome our new team of ambassadors! All of these students have participated in at least one Summer Abroad course. Over the fall and winter semesters, you will be meeting them across the three U of T campuses answering questions about Summer Abroad. They are eager to share their own experiences and advise students on all the international learning opportunities available through Summer Abroad in 2026!
Arielle
Program of Study & Year: Double Majoring in Political Science and History, 2nd Year
Campus: UTSG
Summer Abroad Program + Course: Siena, Italy (CRI389)
"My favourite memory was being able to go on field trips to Rome, Florence, Pisa, and Siena with a tight-knit group of friends I made in my class. Being immersed in Italian atmosphere and surrounded by the smell of fresh pizza and pasta around every corridor was truly a memorable experience. I will miss the 4 weeks I spent in such a historically rich and culturally vibrant location! Italy is definitely a go-to spot for beautiful architecture, quaint museums, bustling city nightlife, and an opportunity for you to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience like no other."
Carolina
Program of Study & Year: Architecture with a Minor in Global Leadership, 4th Year
Campus: UTSG
Summer Abroad Program + Course: Paris, France (FAH391)
"Hi everyone! I’m Carolina, and this summer I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Paris and the south of France with my Art History class. To be honest, it’s impossible to pick just one highlight from the trip, but the first two weeks in Paris definitely hold a special place in my heart! Walking through the city, exploring its architecture, and seeing masterpieces up close instead of only on lecture slides was surreal. Another highlight was visiting the Louvre and the Cabinet de Médailles with its curators who gave us a behind-the-scenes look at their work. And on our very last night, my class ended the trip by watching the Eiffel Tower light show at 1 a.m. It was so beautiful and fun that I felt like I was in a movie!"
Hugo
Program of Study & Year: Double Majoring in CrimSL and Sociology, 3rd Year
Campus: UTSG
Summer Abroad Program + Course: Oxford, England (CRI389)
"Hi! I am Hugo, and I am doing a double major in CrimSL and Sociology. I had a lovely time in England for my Summer Abroad course, where I had the chance to live in Oxford for one month. A highlight of my trip was watching my favourite football team, Arsenal! I also enjoyed walking by the River Thames and viewing the London landmarks, like the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and the Shard, on our class field trip."
Ivanna
Program of Study & Year: Mathematics Major + Minors in Statistics and French Studies, 3rd Year
Campus: UTSG
Summer Abroad Program + Course: Tours, France (FSL322H/FSL420H)
"Hi everyone! I’m Ivanna Vaitkus, a third-year student at the University of Toronto’s St. George campus studying Mathematics and Statistics with a minor in French Studies. This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Tours, France, where I took FSL322 and FSL420. One of my most cherished memories was sharing coffee with my French professor from the Institut on the very last day of classes. It felt so meaningful to connect with her one-on-one and reflect on everything I had learned! I also loved spending the Bastille Day weekend in Paris, wandering the streets, cruising along the Seine, and watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night. Those moments truly captured the magic of my time in France and will stay with me forever!"
Karissa
Program of Study & Year: Political Science and International Development Studies, 3rd Year
Campus: UTSC
Summer Abroad Program + Course: Singapore (JPA331Y0)
"My favourite memory from Summer Abroad was seeing the Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay. Seeing such gorgeous landmarks in real life was something i’ll never forget! I also loved trying all the different cuisines that Singapore has to offer!"
Lucy
Program of Study & Year: Rotman Commerce Finance & Economics with Data Science Focus + Statistics Major + Math Minor, 4th Year
Campus: UTSG
Summer Abroad Program + Course: Seoul, South Korea (MGT395)
“What highlighted the memories from my summer abroad in South Korea was the mix of adventure and connections—whether it was late-night walks across bustling city streets or hiking up mountains with classmates, every moment felt both exciting and meaningful. Beyond coursework, this program gave me the chance to explore a new culture, try new experiences, build lasting friendships, and see the world from a fresh perspective. I also want to give a huge shout out to Ewha Women’s University for hosting us! They were very welcoming and huge on making our dorms feel like home. Even now that I’m back, the month abroad still feels unreal and I can’t wait for the next journey!"
Naz
Program of Study & Year: Double Majoring in Cinema and Italian Studies + Minor in Italian Communication and Culture
Campus: UTSG
Summer Abroad Program + Course: Siena, Italy (ITA358 - 2024)
"Going on daily trips to Florence and small Tuscan towns with my friends will always be a core memory from my time in Italy."
Sarah
Program of Study & Year: International Relations and Contemporary Asian Studies, 3rd Year
Campus: UTSG
Summer Abroad Program + Course: Beijing, China (SOC393)
"Hi everyone! My name is Sarah, and this summer I had the privilege of participating in the SOC393 course in Beijing, China. One of my favourite memories was eating a dou sha bing (red bean pancake) with soy milk every morning at the campus cafeteria. It was the perfect simple-yet-satisfying ritual to start off my busy days in Beijing. This little routine is so memorable to me that even now, back in Canada, the taste of fresh soy milk transports me back to my summer abroad."