Study Abroad Peer Support
Looking for some guidance when it comes to study abroad? Want to talk to someone who's been there, done that? Your Wesleyan peers are here to help!
If you're interested in applying for a study abroad student leadership position, check out our student leaders webpage.
Study Abroad Ambassadors
As study abroad returnees, Study Abroad Ambassadors are ready to support you before, during, and after your study abroad experience through one-on-one student support, campus events, and more.-
Isabelle Armstrong
Study Abroad Program: Vassar-Wesleyan Program in Madrid, Spain (Spring 2022)
Majors: Psychology; Science and Society
Learn more about IsabelleIsabelle Armstrong (known to most people on campus as Cookie) is a senior majoring in Psychology and Science and Society. She studied abroad during the Spring 2022 semester in Madrid, Spain with the Vassar Wesleyan Program in Madrid and had an incredible time! While abroad she lived with a host family in the center of Madrid and took classes completely in Spanish at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. She also joined a women’s club soccer team in Madrid and had an amazing time traveling all over Spain and experiencing the country's diverse culture and sights. Isabelle is excited to be a Study Abroad Ambassador because she thinks everyone can benefit from studying abroad, wants to help students find the right program and destination for them, and help them prepare for life abroad.
Isabelle is happy to talk about:
- The Vassar Wesleyan Program in Madrid
- Preparing for language immersion programs
- Taking care of your mental health while abroad,
- Any other questions that students might have
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Jackson Belden
Study Abroad Program: Bogotá, Colombia, Universidad de Los Andes (Spring 2022)
Majors: Anthropology; minor in Data Analysis
Learn more about JacksonJackson Belden is a senior in his final semester closing in on a major in anthropology and a minor in data analysis. In the spring of 2022, he embarked on his own study abroad experience in Bogotá, Colombia with Universidad de Los Andes. On top of contributing to his goal of mastering Spanish in college, Colombia called him with its almost 2000 bird species and wealth of ecosystems. As a birder, co-president of the Wesleyan birding club and nature lover, this program quickly became irresistible. From the Caribbean to the Llanos, this semester included many of Jackson's most impactful experiences of the last four years. As a study abroad ambassador, Jackson hopes to help other students find opportunities that are similarly impactful for them.
Jackson would be happy to answer anyone’s questions about:
- Adjusting to life in your non-native language
- Planning housing, travel, etc. for yourself
- Specific questions regarding the Los Andes program.
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Andrew Carroll
Study Abroad Program: London, UK, BU London Internship Program (Spring 2022)
Majors: History
Learn more about AndrewAndrew Carroll is a senior at Wesleyan from Hanover, Ma. He is a history major and played Football here at Wes for the past four years. In the Spring of 2022, he studied abroad in London through the BU London Internship Program. In this program, Andrew took courses through the London BU school for 4 weeks and then had an 8-week internship opportunity. This program was an amazing experience where he had the opportunity to intern for a financial institution and work in their marketing and communications department. Andrew chose this program because of the opportunity to study in London and immerse himself in the history and culture of the city, and have the opportunity to work in an office in a major city like London. His favorite part about studying abroad was learning about the history and culture of London and visiting all of the museums and attractions that the city has to offer. As someone who is passionate about sports, having the chance to go and see English Premier League Football matches and take a tour of the historical grounds of Wimbledon was something that Andrew will never forget. Studying abroad in London has been his favorite college experience and it’s an opportunity that he believes every student should get to do. -
Sasha Gerber
Study Abroad Program: Tel Aviv University (Spring 2022)
Majors: College of Letters; Classical Studies; minor in Jewish and Israeli Studies
Learn more about SashaSasha Gerber is a senior and she is majoring in College of Letters and Classical Studies, and minoring in Jewish and Israeli Studies. In the spring semester of 2022 she studied in Tel Aviv, Israel, through the Study Abroad Program at Tel Aviv University. Sasha took intensive Hebrew classes throughout the semester, as well as other classes offered by the program in English, including her favorite class “The Ultraorthodox in Israeli Society.” Through this class she got engaged with the members of the Haredi community in Israel and was able to learn about the community from within. She traveled around the country, made friends with local people, and learned a lot about Israeli society and politics. Sasha also really enjoyed the food culture in Tel Aviv, and can provide recommendations for restaurants, cafes, and bars in the city.
She can help students navigate:
- Being an international student at Wes and studying abroad
- Dealing with bureaucracy in a foreign country
- Language immersion
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Anna Merrifield
Study Abroad Program: Sea Education Association (Fall 2022)
Major: Biology
Learn more about AnnaAnna Merrifield is a junior here at Wes. She is a Biology major and is on the rowing team. Anna also enjoys hiking, crafting, and playing guitar. This past fall, Anna did a study abroad program with Sea Education Association, where she had the opportunity to live on a tall ship in the Caribbean and learn how to sail. She absolutely loved life on the boat and became super close with her fellow shipmates. Anna chose this program because she loved how experiential the learning was- instead of being in a classroom, the students got to conduct their own coral reef snorkel surveys and take field trips to speak with local historians and policymakers from the islands. This experience gave Anna a lot of confidence in herself as a leader and pushed her to do things she never thought she’d be able to do- like sail a tall ship!
Anna’d be happy to chat with anyone about:
- Doing a “non-classroom” based study abroad program
- Studying abroad as an athlete
- Adjusting back to campus in the spring
- Or any other topics
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Nicholas Summerson
Study Abroad Program: Vassar Wesleyan Program in Paris (Spring 2022)
Majors: French; Psychology
Learn more about NicholasNicholas Summerson is a member of the Class of 2023 and he is a French and Psychology double major. In the spring semester of 2022 he studied abroad in Paris through the Vassar-Wesleyan Paris Program. While he was there he lived with a host family and had a language immersion experience. He was able to travel around France and learn a lot about French culture. His favorite French cheese is Comté.
He can help other students navigate:
- Being LGBTQ+ while abroad
- Experiencing culture shock
- Taking care of your mental health while abroad
Global Correspondents
While abroad, Global Correspondents document their study abroad experience through various storytelling formats including blogs, photos, Instagram takeovers, and videos.-
Andrea Coronel-Lopez
Study Abroad Program: Vassar-Wesleyan Program in Madrid, Spain (Spring 2023)
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Nathan Hausspiegel
Study Abroad Program: New Zealand, IFSA, University of Auckland (Spring 2023)
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Gissel Ramirez
Study Abroad Program: London, England, Boston University London Internship Program (Spring 2023)
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