UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When Penn State Perreault Fellows Marianna Di Balsamo, Charis Liu and Imani Young-Butler reflected on their internships in Barcelona this summer, they said they appreciated the program provided them with hands-on experience and the opportunity to get involved in Spanish culture.
"Part of the preparation for the summer Perreault Fellows Program were workshops and diversity and equality-based classes and training," said Liu, who is a third-year student in the College of the Liberal Arts. "That's important. Considering everything that's been going on, I feel that's something going into this summer I was more tuned to, and something I will definitely carry out in my career."
The program is accepting applications for the 2023-24 cohort until Sept. 10.
About the Program
The Perreault Fellows Program, an international internship program, started in 2019 when Paul and Beverly Perreault, of Park City, Utah, committed $1.08 million to establish the Perreault Fellows Program and Scholarship through an endowment. The couple designated a portion of their gift to name the director’s suite in Penn State’s Student Veteran Center.
The program is entering its fifth year, with 20 students involved in the program’s three cohorts. Eight or nine students are expected to join the 2023-24 cohort. Perreault Fellow alumni have gone on to complete graduate studies in criminal justice, work in higher education administration or conduct data analysis research with the U.S. Department of State.
The two-year, co-curricular program encourages personal and professional excellence across different disciplines. It includes an internship abroad during the summer between cohorts’ third and fourth years at Penn State. Open to students in all majors and at all Penn State campuses, the program is purposefully broad to allow students to select an international internship that fits their goals and interests. Penn State Global staff assist students in finding an internship placement and preparing for international travel.
“It’s exciting to work with talented, involved and well-rounded students from many backgrounds and walks of life,” said Chris Nischalke, international internship and research adviser, who administers the program. “The internship and programming provide valuable opportunities for students to step outside their comfort zones, learn about themselves and gain experience as they prepare for meaningful careers.”
The three-and-a-half-semester program facilitates group mentoring sessions and seminars — including one on ethical research and leadership with the Rock Ethics Institute and another with the Global Careers Institutes focused on connecting students with alumni in globally focused fields. The fellows engage in community service projects throughout the program.