University of Florida Homepage

Eight UF Students Named as Fellows of ’24 Global Interns Program

Fellows are meeting every other week during the semester with Dr. Onursal Erol, the program’s advisor, to participate in discussions and activities that will guide them toward securing a globally-focused internship.

Eight outstanding undergraduate students at the University of Florida earned spots in The Bob Graham Center for Public Service’s inaugural Global Interns Fellowship program.

The 2024 cohort includes a range of dedicated, innovative, and highly successful students with diverse backgrounds and regions of study that include Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

Fellows pictured include (from left): Michael Aldridge, Beata Oseibonsu, Daniela Gray, Dr. Erol, Noelle Matthias, Emily Szydlowski, and Olivia Szabo.

Michael Aldridge

Michael Aldridge is a member of the GIF cohort.Michael Aldridge is a sophomore majoring in international studies with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. He is proficient in Spanish. Michael has experience volunteering at the Second Harvest of the Big Bend, a local food bank, and is Director of Finance at Gators for Gainesville, a community service organization. Michael is looking for opportunities working in the legal sector, research, and community outreach.

Hire this Intern | View Michael on Linkedin

Daniela Gray

Daniela Gray is a member of the GIF cohort.Daniela Gray is a sophomore majoring in dual languages, Spanish, and international studies with a focus on the Middle East. She enjoys getting involved as an intern with the English Language Center, works as a Study Abroad Peer Advisor, and is a volunteer English teacher with the Latina Women’s League. Daniela speaks Spanish, Arabic, and French, and hopes to gain experience working with languages and culture. Her areas of interest include the Middle East and Latin America.

Hire this Intern | View Daniela on Linkedin

Noelle Matthias

Noelle Matthias is a member of the GIF cohort.Noelle Matthias is a junior international studies major with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. She is Vice President of Model United Nations at UF and has studied sustainable development and NGO’s through the UF in Belize study abroad program. Noelle is proficient in Spanish and is looking for opportunities in the legal and agricultural sectors, policy, nonprofits, and migration.

Hire this Intern | View Noelle on Linkedin

Beata Oseibonsu

Beata Oseibonsu is a member of the GIF cohortBeata is a sophomore majoring in international studies with a focus on Africa. She works as a student assistant with the UF International Center and is proficient in Akan. Beata is looking for opportunities in event management, public arts, international education, digital media, government, and international development.

Hire this Intern | View Beata on Linkedin

Valentina Pestana

Valentina Pestana is a member of the GIF cohort.Valentina Pestana is a junior majoring in geography and international studies with a focus on Europe. She is proficient in Spanish, Russian, and Portuguese, and participated in an intensive Russian language study program in Kyrgyzstan in 2023 through the U.S. Department of State. Valentina is interested in diplomacy, foreign affairs, the State Department, East Europe, GIS, geography, and transportation.

Hire this Intern | View Valentina on Linkedin

Megan Sorensen

megan sorensen is a global intern fellowMegan Sorensen is a junior international studies major with a focus on Europe. She is President of the UF Global Business Society and a volunteer with the Women for Afghan Women organization. Megan speaks Spanish and French and is interested in gaining experience in law practice and government agencies.

Hire this Intern | View Megan on Linkedin

Olivia Szabo

Olivia Szabo is a member of the GIF cohort.Olivia Szabo is a senior majoring in international studies with a focus on Asia. She is proficient in Japanese and is a former intern with Kidzania, an international chain of family educational entertainment centers, at the Hyogo, Japan location. Olivia is interested in gaining further experience in business, languages, and Japanese language.

Hire this Intern | View Olivia on Linkedin

Emily Szydlowski

Emily Szydlowski is a member of the GIF cohort.Emily Szydlowski is a junior majoring in international studies with a focus on Asia. She speaks Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, and Polish! Emily works as a mentor for international students and has gained experience studying abroad in Japan. She is looking for hands-on opportunities with social work, cross-cultural education, societal change, and the ability to apply her Chinese or Japanese language skills.

Hire this Intern | View Emily on Linkedin


The Global Interns Fellowship program will be offered to International Studies majors again in Spring 2025. Read more about the International Studies major at the Bob Graham Center for Public Service.