Who We Are


The office of Study Abroad believes in the transformative power of intercultural experiences. To that end, we have articulated Study Away Outcomes and Values, incorporating Winona State’s Strategic Directions.


As a result of their study away experience, a WSU student will be able to experience and explore:

  • Similarities and differences in people, worldview, and culture between their home community and their host community.
  • The interconnectedness of global perspectives or systems (e.g., political, cultural, environmental, economic, scientific, etc.)
  • The importance of language as a cultural tool and its significance to the host community.
  • One’s home culture as one of many diverse world cultures and that alternative perceptions and behaviors may be based in cultural differences.
  • The impact of their actions on others in the local and global community,
  • Cultural ambiguity in stepping outside of their comfort zone.
  • Assure the highest standard of academic excellence for all programs offered by Study Abroad.
  • Align study away with WSU curriculum and credit expectations.
  • Provide outstanding resources and support services for students.
  • Collaborate with institutional partners who demonstrate the infrastructure to support student success. 
  • Maintain affordability of off-campus study without sacrificing quality of the student experience
  • Promote sustainability and efficiency in all the work of Study Abroad
  • Promote inclusion and diversity in all work of Study Abroad.
  • Promote cross-cultural learning in all study away programs.
  • Broaden and deepen WSU partnerships with international institutions for mutual benefit.
  • Collaborate meaningfully with campus, community, national, and international partners in support of study away student learning and development. 

Study Abroad Staff

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Kathy Jicinsky

Assistant Director, Faculty-Led Programs
Maxwell 143
507.457.5019
Kathy.Jicinsky@winona.edu 

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Ali Liffrig

Administrative Assistant
Maxwell 105
507.457.5115
Alexandra.Liffrig@winona.edu

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Susan Niedzwiecki-Pham

Director, Study Away
Maxwell 105
507.457.5116
SPham@winona.edu 

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Renee Stowell

Study Abroad Scholarship Coordinator
Maxwell 161
507.457.2961
RStowell@winona.edu 

Study Abroad Peer Advisors

Not sure where you'd like to go or how to make it happen? Talk to one of our Peer Advisors!

Our Peer Advisors have experienced studying away for themselves. They have volunteered and been trained to talk to you about factors to consider in making your decision, such as major, cost, location and/or language! Then, they can help you get started with the application process!

Set up an appointment by emailing studyabroad@winona.edu, or stop by Maxwell 105 today!