The Global Gaucho

Summer 2025 News & Updates

Summer is a natural time to reflect on the past academic year and consider what’s ahead. It’s always inspiring to see students step into new cultures and experiences through the UCSB Education Abroad Program; each journey enriches not only their own perspectives but also the global mindset we cultivate here on campus. I’m looking forward to my upcoming travels abroad and the opportunity to continue supporting our globally engaged Gauchos with a fresh perspective.

As fall approaches, we’re eager to continue growing our vibrant community and expanding access to transformative international experiences. I invite you to explore the stories in this newsletter — meet a scholarship recipient, hear from returnees, and help us welcome two new UCSB EAP Ambassadors.

Cordiali saluti,

Fabio Rambelli

EAP Faculty Director

Professor of Religious Studies & East Asian Cultures

Daniela Carreon Romero ’25, Biological Sciences

Dublin, Ireland

Ernest and Leslie Zomalt International Education Fund Recipient

“I am extremely grateful to be a recipient of the EAP Ernest and Leslie Zomalt International Education Fund. It was a key factor in my decision to join a study abroad program. Honestly, the financial support made this opportunity—one that’s often out of reach for first-generation students facing financial challenges—not only possible, but a privilege.

The experiences and knowledge I gained while abroad were fundamental to my personal and academic growth. It also opened my eyes to the possibility of living abroad while continuing my education.”

Our Spring Celebration was our biggest yet, honoring the incredible accomplishments of our 2025 graduates. Joined by UCSB EAP Ambassadors, we toasted to their achievements both on campus and around the globe and wished them a fond farewell.

We are excited to announce our two new UCSB EAP Ambassadors! Alex and Rob are outstanding individuals who bring unique global experiences, deep commitment to student success, and a passion for international education. Read their bios below:

Alex (Platt) Doyle

Spain ’10-11

Alex’s EAP experience at Complutense University of Madrid introduced her to international education. She continued her studies abroad after UCSB graduation, enrolling in the Erasmus Mundus Master in Global Studies (EMGS) program where she earned a dual masters degree - MsC from The London School of Economics and Political Science and MA from Roskilde University in Denmark.

As an undergraduate at UCSB, Alex was actively involved on campus and has remained engaged as an alumna, including serving as Chair of the Department of Communication’s Alumni Council. She currently works as People Transformation Lead at Procore Technologies and lives in Santa Barbara with her husband and young family.

Rob Jacobson

Italy ’82-83

Rob studied abroad in Padua, Italy through UCSB EAP, an experience that sparked his global outlook and informed his career trajectory. Rob is a C-Suite media executive, operator, innovator, and trusted advisor to corporations and startups alike, experienced in leading and guiding businesses in industries undergoing digital disruption and in need of transformation.

He practiced law in Washington DC and Los Angeles before entering the entertainment industry. Rob worked for DirecTV as head of East Coast Programming, served as President & CEO of iN Demand Networks, and currently holds the role of Chief Content Officer of Vubiquity.

Elias Veran ’25, Global Studies

Paris, France

McNamara Scholarship Recipient

“I considered myself an independent and capable problem-solver before studying abroad, but my year in Paris started a journey of self-growth and improvement that transformed my entire outlook on life and the future. [Any] ‘negative’ experiences made me learn about myself, taught me how to adapt to any situation and eventually left me feeling confident and capable of facing any of life’s unpredictable obstacles.”

Irish Vaughan ’25, Political Science

Edinburgh, Scotland

“Looking back now, I realize I needn’t have worried. What followed was a journey that transformed complete strangers into family.”

Solene Granatur ’26, English

Barcelona, Spain

“When I first applied to study abroad at the University of Barcelona, I knew I would spend about eight months in Europe. I wanted to squeeze every drop of my free time and see the world…Over time, I developed the perfect checklist for a solo traveler. These strategies have allowed me not only to ball on a budget, but also to feel safe in cities where I don’t speak the language, don’t know the law of the land, and don’t know anyone. As a woman, that’s a rare treat that I’m glad to have experienced.”

Thank you for participating in our survey and your invaluable feedback! We will do our best to incorporate your preferences for communication and engagement opportunities.

Words of advice from UCSB EAP alumni for studying abroad: 

• It's not a trip...it's your life
• Keep a journal
• Learn basic phrases beforehand
• Brace yourself for a new perspective

The UC Santa Barbara Education Abroad Program team extends our sincere gratitude to our generous donors for their support during the 2024-25 academic year. We would also like to recognize the leadership and dedication of our EAP Ambassadors: Jim Maloney ’84 (chair), Dennis Allen ’64, Lisa Bertelsen-Kivett '90, Brad Chapin ’00, Sara Milles Gupta ’02, Darryl Heller ’88, Jan Koegler ’81, Hannah Meyers ’23, Michael O’Connell, Sudi Staub, Elliot Taylor ’17, Marie Williams ’89, and Leslie Zomalt '64,'79. Thank you for your commitment and service to EAP!

Thank you!

EAP’s mission is to make study abroad accessible to all students. Please consider giving today to help our students have this life-changing experience!

Learn about estate and planned gifts and how you can leave your EAP legacy:

Connect with EAP alumni from across the UC system by joining the UCEAP Alumni LinkedIn network:

Questions or comments? Please reach out to:

Camille Kurreck

Associate Director of Development, Global & Experiential Learning

ckurreck@ucsb.edu | 805.893.5707

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