Meet Our Team

Rishad Gandhi

Study Abroad Coordinator
559.278.6288 | rgandhi@mail.fresnostate.edu

Rishad Gandhi is the Study Abroad Coordinator and is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing outbound international programming, including semester- and yearlong study abroad programs, international exchange programs, and faculty-led travel study programs. He also manages the Study Abroad office's operations. Rishad grew up in Kolkata, India and moved to the United States in 2000. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Texas Christian University and his Master’s degree in Education Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Kansas.

Marcela Magdaleno

Study Abroad Advisor 
559.278.6452 | marcela@mail.fresnostate.edu

Marcela is responsible for advising students in all stages of Study Abroad. She joined Continuing and Global Education in 2013. Marcela is a first-generation college student, a very proud two-time Fresno State alumna, and a study abroad alumna. She was born and raised in Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of 11 years old. She loves working with students, and her reward is hearing about the students' experiences. Marcela delights in seeing students’ pictures after coming back from abroad. Marcela describes herself as an international soul living in the Central Valley.

Aspen Cervantes

Study Abroad Student Assistant

Aspen is a junior transfer student at Fresno State pursuing Art and Linguistics. Through AIFS, she studied in Florence, Italy, during the Summer of 2023. Since then, Aspen’s love for travel has grown, with aspirations to travel to Japan and Greece soon. Her passion for art and languages grows with each of her travels. She now hopes to spread this love for traveling with bulldogs at Fresno State and encourage more students to study abroad!

Samantha Yang

Study Abroad Graduate Intern

My name is Samantha Yang, and I am a graduate student in the SACC program at Fresno State. I am passionate about helping students achieve their academic goals and explore opportunities to study abroad. I love learning about different cultures, as they are meaningful to me and connect us all. In my free time, I enjoy relaxing on the beach with my family and dog. My favorite travel destination is Hawaii. I highly encourage students to explore the fantastic opportunities offered through the Study Abroad program at Fresno State—feel free to stop by and say hello!

Daisy Loera

Study Abroad Student Assistant

My name is Daisy Loera, and I am a junior majoring in Health Administration at California State University, Fresno, with an expected graduation in June 2027. I have experience working in a hospital environment and administrative skills at Saint Agnes. Minoring in Spanish and Business, I completed Spanish language studies in Granada, Spain, during my Fall 2025 study abroad. With the long term goal of leading hospital operations as a hospital director. In my free time, I love going out with friends to play chess, taking hikes, and connecting with nature!

Melanye Rodriguez Serna 

Study Abroad Student Assistant

My name is Melanye Rodriguez Serna, and I am a sophomore here at Fresno State. In my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to study abroad in London, England, in 2024! I met so many lovely people and explored many different cultures! Writing has become a growing passion since my trip to London. Not only do I wish to continue my studies abroad, but I also wish to help others. Whether that means encouraging them or helping them learn about the resources available for studying abroad. I love to read, rewatch sitcoms, spend time with my friends and family, and take walks in nature—it’s very rejuvenating. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out!