Applications open for Perreault Fellows Program

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.

Student Experiences

Charis Liu

The Perreault Fellows Program provided Liu, who is majoring in international relations, a "perfect opportunity" to study abroad, she said. She interned for a nonprofit grassroots organization, researching human rights in Barcelona, and she wrote about Nicaragua's human rights crisis's situation scope and victims' testimonies.

Liu said she will never forget her time in Spain, where she met what she called the greatest people. She said she encourages students to embrace every new opportunity.

Marianna di Balsamo

Di Balsamo is a fourth-year student majoring in premedicine and minoring in Spanish. She studied stages of diabetes and treatments and interned at a research hospital in Barcelona.

"It's interesting to be able to practice what I've already learned at school but actually see it come to life more," said Di Balsamo, who noted that her experiences abroad helped her land a job that will help prepare her for medical school. She said she wants to be a cardiologist. 

Imani Young-Butler

Fourth-year student Imani Young-Butler researched forensic psychology in her first two years at Penn State. After discovering the social aspects of psychology, she became certified as a registered behavior therapist.

This summer, she interned in an organization providing environmental sustainability education in Barcelona. Young-Butler taught clients about agricultural knowledge, including how horses can benefit agricultural work. She taught people how to properly pick tomatoes, take care of the livestock on the farm and how to prepare to ride on a horse carriage.

Young-Butler was her organization’s first international intern. She said she learned from the locals and hopefully returned the favor. 

Studying abroad forced Young-Butler to embrace uncertainties, she said. 

"I like reading over my job descriptions 10, 13 times," said Young-Butler, explaining that she likes to be prepared with an idea of what to expect. "The internship I ended up doing was a true surprise because it didn't align all the way I thought... [but] if you try your best and know you're putting your full potential forward, there is nothing you cannot accomplish."

Application

The Perreault Fellows program is accepting applications until Sept. 10.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Exceptional dedication to academic excellence and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Third-year class standing at the time of participation and enrollment in a four-year undergraduate degree program at any Penn State campus
• FAFSA on file demonstrating financial need
• Interest in pursuing a career in the field of health and/or betterment of the human condition in general

For more information, visit the Perreault Fellows Website or contact Chris Nischalke at cmn5262@psu.edu.