Tori Melerine

Melerine says her experience as an intern in the U.K. will help build important skills that she will apply in future careers.

- Student

As she approached her senior year, Tori Melerine wanted to make the most of her final summer as a college student. The business analytics major with a concentration in international business began considering study abroad opportunities.

With the help of the Haslam Office of International Programs and Study Abroad, Melerine found the perfect fit – a summer internship in London.

“I chose London because it is a global city that has great opportunities for business, tourism, engaging in diversity and becoming more aware of new cultures,” Melerine says.

She was also able to take advantage of scholarships created for students studying abroad. Thanks to generous donors, Haslam students can apply for funding to offset the financial burden of traveling abroad to study. Melerine’s scholarship brought the international business experience within her reach.

“The scholarship made the opportunity possible,” Melerine says. “It made me more excited for the experience knowing I had less stress over finances.”

In London, Melerine is interning in the Battersea office of Role Models in its operations department. The company provides educational courses that teach social and emotional skills to children.

“I get to participate in my program with other students from all over the United States,” says Melerine. “I have become close friends with people from Texas, Colorado, New York and Pennsylvania. I can explore London with them while we are here and keep in touch after the summer.”

Melerine says the international internship will help build important skills that she will carry with her to future careers, preparing her for life after graduation by growing personally and professionally.

“It makes me feel as if I have taken full advantage of my college experience,” says Melerine. “Using the resources to have an internship and to do it abroad accomplishes some of my goals for college.”

Melerine says the scholarship makes her grateful for one of her favorite aspects of being a Haslam student – the resources.

“This includes the professors, connections and outside partners,” says Melerine. “I would not have had the great experience I’ve had in college without my supportive and caring professors and the resources available in Haslam.”