Rachael Tampone has been a member of the Merrimack College community since 2014 and serves as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) in the Office of Global Education. Throughout her time at Merrimack, she has held a variety of roles in international education, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the international student experience from admission through graduation and beyond.
Today, Rachael advises and supports international students on immigration matters while helping develop and promote study abroad opportunities for Merrimack students. She is passionate about making global education accessible and believes that international experiences challenge students to grow, broaden their perspectives, and build skills that last a lifetime. She enjoys helping students discover opportunities to explore the world and make the most of their time at Merrimack.
If you could encourage every student to take advantage of one opportunity during college, what would it be?
If I could encourage every student to take advantage of one opportunity during college, it would be studying abroad. Living and learning in another country pushes you outside your comfort zone, broadens your perspective, and helps you develop confidence, independence, and adaptability. It’s a chance to experience a new culture, build lifelong memories and friendships, and gain skills that are valuable both personally and professionally. For many students, it’s a truly life-changing experience.
