International Programs Ambassadors
An IP ambassador is a current Seaver student who has recently returned from a Pepperdine International Program. An ambassador's main function is to act as a student representative of IP, sharing their experience and knowledge of current programs. Ambassadors meet with interested students and groups, and they act as guides throughout the International Program pre-departure process and will begin re-entry programs.
Feel free to contact each ambassador to request an appointment, or stop by the IP Office during their office hours!
2026-2027 International Programs Ambassador Team
Lead and Summer Ambassador: Abby Rader
Office Hours: TBD
Abby Rader is a senior double majoring in International Studies and Hispanic Studies, as well as a proud member of Pepperdine's Global Fellows Program. She spent the 2023–2024 academic year abroad, studying in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the fall and Washington, D.C., in the spring. In Argentina, she fell in love with the language and culture, spending weekends hiking through the mountains of Patagonia, drinking endless cafecitos, and wandering the vendor-lined streets of San Telmo. In D.C., she interned with the International Rescue Committee, an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of refugees. She loves DC so much she decided to stay for the summer and interned at International Justice Mission, where she was able to help empower victims of violence and human trafficking to tell their personal narratives. Altogether, her experiences abroad affirmed and deepened her passion for pursuing justice for the marginalized, and ignited a desire to continue to immerse herself in other cultures. Next summer, Abby is headed to Madrid for our Upper Division Spanish program, and she can't wait to keep building on the language and connections she's made along the way.
Buenos Aires Ambassador: Owen Wilkinson
Office Hours: TBD
Owen Wilkinson is a junior majoring in IMC. He spent the entire 2025-2026 academic year in Buenos Aires, Argentina, travelling throughout the continent, eating amazing food, and meeting incredible people. He found a love for Argentina instantly due to his homestay host family, who gave him the opportunity to experience the vibrant Argentine culture on a daily basis. By the end of the year, he could securely consider his homestay Madre family. He filled his time by exploring different areas of Argentina, such as the southern Patagonian mountains to the otherworldly landscapes of the north, along with 4 different countries in South America. His trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was a particularly incredible trip for him and his friends. Owen’s memories from his time in Argentina will be with him for a lifetime, and he can’t wait to share them with you!
Florence Ambassador: Nicky Garofalo
Office Hours: TBD
Nicky is a Junior Integrated Marketing Communications student with a passion for dance, wellness, and travel. Stepping away from his career as an NFL Cheerleader for the Los Angeles Rams, Nicky spent his Sophomore academic year studying abroad in Florence, Italy; an experience that quickly became one of the most meaningful chapters of not only his college experience, but his life. During his year abroad, Nicky connected with his Italian heritage while falling in love with Florence’s culture, history, food, and sense of community. He was also one of the Student Government Representatives in the Villa, helping plan and prepare events and activities in collaboration with program faculty. Some of his favorite memories came from the everyday moments exploring the city, spending time at the Villa, and building friendships within the extremely close-knit Florence program. His time abroad also strengthened his love for travel and experiencing new cultures, while teaching him independence and confidence along the way, inspiring him to explore possibilities of moving abroad in the future. Nicky is incredibly grateful for his time in Florence and the faculty, staff, and students who made the program so uniquely special. He knows that preparing to spend a year abroad can come with plenty of questions, from travel and packing to academics and adjusting to life in another country, and he is excited to help future Florence students feel prepared and make the most of everything the program has to offer.
Heidelberg Ambassador: Zane Worth
Office Hours: TBD
Zane is a junior studying Integrated Marketing Communications at Pepperdine. During the 2025-2026 academic year, he was able to study abroad in Heidelberg, Germany, and be truly immersed in German culture! He loved exploring the city of Heidelberg, meeting locals, and trying different restaurants and exploring shops on the Hauptstraße. He walked to the famous Heidelberg Castle every single day that he was in the city, and was able to make friends with Heidelberg University students and be a regular at his favorite cafés. Because of Germany's central location in Europe, he was able to travel to 13 countries fairly easily, with his favorites being Ireland, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy. However, his favorite memories from abroad were events hosted at the student home in Heidelberg, Moore Haus. From movie nights to karaoke parties to just talking in the piano room until past midnight, he knows that those were the moments where the Heidelberg students went from peers to friends to family. The staff were the most welcoming and friendly professors and teachers he has ever met, and he cannot wait to visit them again in the future. He is extremely excited to always talk about anything Heidelberg-related, and would love to share the amazing stories from abroad and give countless Heidelberg food recommendations!
Switzerland Ambassador: Andrew Sceville
andrew.sceville@pepperdine.edu
Office Hours: TBD
Drew is a junior studying Economics and Religion and plans to attend law school after he graduates. He was abroad for the full 2025-2026 school year in Switzerland, an experience that shaped his passion for travel and cultural exchange. As someone who enjoys the outdoors, Drew was able to experience the Alps to the fullest, whether it was backpacking during the fall semester or skiing in the spring. One of his highlights was the close-knit community that was fostered by students and staff during his time there, whether it be from the weekly social events to the educational field trips, each moment he truly cherished. Drew looks forward to representing the Switzerland program and can't wait to share his passion for the Switzerland program with you.
London Ambassador: Ava Adams
Office Hours: TBD
Ava Adams is a junior International Studies major who participated in the 2025-2026 Academic Year and both 2026 Summer Programmes in London. She spent her weekdays exploring London's idyllic parks and diverse boroughs and biking along the vibrant historic streets and the River Thames. On weekends, Ava ventured outside the city to enjoy the English countryside, coastal paths, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Ava especially loved the day-trip opportunities to immerse herself in England’s layered history: a royal palace, an ancient university city, a seaside village, or a centuries-old cathedral, all just a train ride away. Although she had several memorable trips outside the country, including the Educational Field Trips to Scotland and Greece, Ava truly found a home and community in the London House and in England, building relationships with peers and faculty that will last far beyond her academic semesters. Pepperdine’s London Programme was one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences of her life, and she is already planning her return, either for a UK backpacking trip, a summer stay in London, or graduate school in England. Ava is incredibly excited to share her experiences and to meet students who may one day also call London their favorite city!
Washington DC Ambassador: Jessie Andrews
Office Hours: TBD
Jessie Andrews is a junior majoring in Economics and minoring in Entrepreneurship at Pepperdine University! She spent the Fall 2025 semester in the Washington, D.C. program and loved it so much that she decided to return through Pepperdine for the Summer 2026 term. Her time in D.C. was deeply impactful, she plans on moving there after graduation and pursuing a career in public policy. During both terms, Jessie interned on Capitol Hill, working first in a congressional office and second in a senate office. This sparked her passion for public service, contributing to a major professional breakthrough. Outside of the office, she enjoyed experimenting with different coffee shops around the city, strolling in picturesque neighborhoods like Georgetown or Alexandria, exploring the East Coast, and riding around on Lime scooters with her friends. Jessie’s experience in Washington, D.C. was so meaningful because she met her best friends, gained invaluable professional skills, and was truly given the opportunity to grow into herself. The D.C. program is unique because of the internship experience, however, Jessie’s biggest takeaway is that this program is so much more than an internship. From late night Captain Cookie runs with friends to exploring Croatia and Bosnia in the fall IST, she made incredible memories that will last a lifetime. She cannot wait to share her love for the D.C. Program and help students prepare for their time abroad!
Kyoto Ambassador: Claire Taylor
Office Hours: TBD
Claire is a senior Communication major on the pre-law track who loves traveling, meeting new people, and saying yes to new experiences. At Pepperdine, she serves as President of Kappa Alpha Theta, is involved in Phi Alpha Delta, and studies conflict resolution through the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. Outside of school, you can usually find her scuba diving, looking for new music, or planning her next trip. Studying abroad has been a huge part of Claire’s time at Pepperdine. She spent a summer in London, a full year in Florence, and a summer in Kyoto, with Japan becoming the 43rd country she has visited! After spending so much of her college experience abroad, she has learned that the best parts are usually the things you don’t plan, the people you meet, and getting to call somewhere completely new home for a little while. Her summer in Kyoto was no exception. She loved experiencing everyday life in Japan and exploring as much as she could. As the Kyoto Program Ambassador, Claire is excited to share what she learned and help future students heading to Japan, whether for a summer or semester, make Kyoto feel like home.