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Study Abroad Student Spotlights

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Connect with Yalies Who've Already Studied Abroad 

Studying abroad can be a truly rewarding experience, but don't just take it from us - ask fellow Yalies who have studied abroad before you. All of the students listed below are eager to share their experiences with you, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

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African American Studies

Matthew Elmore Merritt (he/him)

Hi there! I studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland, and Edinburgh, Scotland. During my time in Dublin, I completed a microbiology research internship with Arcadia University's Summer Research Program in partnership with University College Dublin. In Edinburgh, I directly enrolled as a visiting student, taking courses in East Asian history, Mandarin, and Public Health. Both of these experiences shed light on my long-term goals and helped me step into my best self, while also allowing me time to pursue my passions like hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. Take that leap and go somewhere awesome! This summer, I'm headed to Taipei, Taiwan, to study Mandarin through the Light Fellowship, and I couldn't be more excited. I'd love to help you find your own study abroad experience, particularly if you are pre-med and/or first-gen low-income. :)"

African Studies

Fatoumata Soumare (she/her)

Hello! I studied abroad in Dakar, Senegal with APA (Academic Programs Abroad). My semester in Senegal was such a transformative and unique experience. I truly stepped out of my comfort zone; I went to Dakar Fashion Week, walked with lions, and even took a weekend trip to Gambia! If you have any questions about Senegal, or study abroad in general, shoot me an email, and I'd be happy to connect."

Art

Kalina Mladenova

Salut! I studied abroad in Paris, France with APA (Academic Programs Abroad). I am a mechanical engineering and art double major and this was the only program in Paris where I could keep up with my engineering track! I took two engineering classes in the Sorbonne and two studio art classes in different studios in Paris. This was honestly the best semester of my life. I felt at my best academically, physically and emotionally. If you are thinking of studying abroad in Paris, please get in touch!! "

Classics

Sasha Nelson (she/her)

Hello! I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark with DIS. My studies mainly focused on childhood and education in Scandinavia, and my time in Copenhagen definitely broadened my perspective on how we conceptualize education in the US. Outside of the classroom, I had time to explore the city on my bike and experience Danish culture. If you want to talk about DIS, education, or study abroad in general, please reach out!"

Cognitive Science

McKenna Ragen (she/her)

Hello! I studied in Dubrovnik, Croatia during the summer of 2022 with Yale’s Summer Session Abroad program. The five weeks that I spent there were easily some of the best of my life! From learning about a new culture to exploring many parts of Croatia to studying with Bosnian professors, I took away so much from the program. I followed up this experience on a CIEE program in Prague, Czech Republic during the fall of 2022. On this program, I knew no one. Therefore, I went into it with no expectations. However, anything I could have expected was blown out of the water. I had the most amazing semester and came away with friends I will have for the rest of my life. I learned so much about the history of the Czech Republic, studied the language, met students from all over the US, and got to travel around Europe! I would do both of these programs again and would recommend them both to anyone interested."

Computing and the Arts

Elizabeth Olshanetsky (she/her)

Hey :) I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain at the Elisava School of Design and Engineering. It was a really cool experience to be studying at a design school as I am interested in pursuing a career in some area of design. Being at Elisava allowed me to explore different areas of design like Typography and Motion Graphics, and also learn about the city from a design perspective. I really loved the people that were in the program with me, and it was awesome to be able to practice my Spanish when out and about. If you have any questions about my experience at Elisava or studying abroad in general, I am always happy to chat."

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Spencer Greenfield

Hello! I’m Spencer and I studied abroad in Chile with the School for Field Studies (SFS). Truly so grateful to have called Chile my home, and my favorite part of the program was getting to learn and apply our learning in the field. (My picture was taken on the program!) Happy to answer questions about SFS and doing a non-traditional program, Chile, study abroad in general, the petition process, studying abroad as a science student, or anything else!"

Ethics, Politics, and Economics

Dominique Castanheira (she/her)

Hi! I studied abroad with an IHP Program called Cities in the 21st Century, where we visited Argentina, Spain, and South Africa. I found this experience to push me to engage with cities beyond the common narratives and it was a unique way to explore different countries with a small, tight-knit cohort. If you're interested in an IHP program or have general questions, feel free to email me!"

Maya Kyriakides (they/them/she)

Hello! I spent my entire third year abroad at Oxford University in Oxford, England. This means I completed three trimesters abroad from October 2022 to June 2023 and I have had a very formative and wonderful time. I have absolutely no regrets and I feel extremely grateful for this opportunity, but I do think there are very important considerations to regard and I would love to help you make the best and most informed decision for you! I also planned a year in advance for my year abroad so I can help in organizing for a successful time abroad and transitions from and back to Yale, especially staying academically on track. I am happy to talk about living abroad anywhere or particularly in the UK and about studying abroad generally! Please feel free to reach out to me and I hope to be helpful!"

Sam Brody (he/him)

Hello, I studied abroad in Paris, France with the program Academic Programs Abroad. In Paris, I lived with a host family who spoke no English and took all of my classes in French with Parisians at a Parisian university. My semester in Paris was one of the richest and most fulfilling life experiences. Not only did my French improve tremendously, but I learned so much about the world and about myself. While it was challenging at times, I am so glad that I decided to study abroad. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!"

Global Affairs

Edmund Zheng (he/him)

I decided to study abroad in Granada, Spain with the CASA Granada program last minute, but it has been the best choice I’ve made at Yale. I loved improving my Spanish to the point of basic fluency, and traveling to countries like Greece and Morocco on the weekends, but you’re probably here because you want to learn more about what study abroad feels like. It’s really the little things that stick with you and make you feel so thankful. It’s moments like strolling thousand-year old streets to class, learning Spanish politics with a native, and at the end of it all thinking to yourself, “Where did the time go...and how have I grown so much in so little time?” If you got any questions or wanna talk, hit me up!"

History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health

Hannah Poeng (she/her)

Hi! I studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina with the CIEE Public Health program. I am an HSHM major who is getting a language certificate in Spanish, and I always wanted to participate in a program that encompassed both health and Spanish, and this program was exactly what I was looking for! I was extremely nervous to go at first because I would be so far out of my comfort zone, away from friends, family, and a language I was comfortable with. Now, I wouldn't trade those two months for anything else. I made such amazing friends and took advantage of the chance to explore the city, especially the food scene! When not exploring, I took classes -- which were all in Spanish -- on the Argentinian healthcare system (mostly public healthcare), Medical Spanish, and took multiple field trips to specialized hospitals to talk to the healthcare professionals there about their daily life. It was such an enriching experience, and I grew so much from the experience personally, linguistically, and academically. I would highly recommend studying abroad to anyone who is considering it, and if you want to talk to someone about it, feel free to reach out!"

Humanities

Abigail Dixon (she/her)

Hi! I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark through DIS twice, during summer and for a Spring semester. I've experienced Denmark in three seasons and loved each one. My classes really allowed me to explore and enjoy Copenhagen in ways I never would have if I were just visiting. If you want to know more about the program, Copenhagen, or studying abroad, send an email, I would love to chat!"

Mechanical Engineering

Kalina Mladenova

Salut! I studied abroad in Paris, France with APA (Academic Programs Abroad). I am a mechanical engineering and art double major and this was the only program in Paris where I could keep up with my engineering track! I took two engineering classes in the Sorbonne and two studio art classes in different studios in Paris. This was honestly the best semester of my life. I felt at my best academically, physically and emotionally. If you are thinking of studying abroad in Paris, please get in touch!! "

Physics and Philosophy

Alexa Pan (she/her)

I studied at St. Anne's College, Oxford and took logic, graph theory, philosophy of cognitive science, and practical ethics. I'm always happy to talk about (i.e. rave about and occasionally critically assess) my experiences there as well as help you get the general desiderata of studying abroad into view. Please feel free to reach out :) "

Political Science

Elise Williamson (she/her)

Hi! In 2023, I studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina for a semester and spent the following summer participating in a second study abroad program in Cartagena, Colombia! Both programs took place with the School For International Training (SIT), where our programs specialized in "Social Movements & Human Rights" and "Building A Culture Of Peace," respectively. Making the choice to study abroad was one of the best decisions of my Yale career and I have grown so incredibly much from it. Both of these programs are absolutely incredible and prioritize a truly meaningful connection between experiential learning and community-based action! If you're on the fence about studying abroad or are looking for a program that really gets you out of the classroom, please feel free to send me an email! Always happy to grab a coffee and chat!"

Paulina Pimentel-Mora (she/her)

Hi hi! I had the absolute pleasure of studying abroad at The University of Oxford as a visiting student in St. Anne's College. My semester at Oxford was truly one of the highlights of my college experience. I was definitely pushed academically and out of my personal comfort zone in so many ways, but I would do it all over again if I could. If you have any questions about life in the UK, studying at Oxford, or questions about the study abroad process at Yale, feel free to send me an email. Cheers!"

Statistics and Data Science

Kevin Chan (he/him)

I studied abroad in Paris, France with the CUPA program. CUPA is a program independent of Yale and it provides a higher level of French instruction than the summer programs that Yale currently offers. During my time abroad, I participated in a home-stay program and I very much enjoyed it. I would highly recommend that those looking to go abroad do the same, since a home-stay provides a different side of the city/country you're in. I really only made leaps and bounds in my French by talking to my home-stay parents and sister over our meals together. If you have any questions about the CUPA program or about my experience abroad, please feel free to reach out!"

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Elise Williamson (she/her)

Hi! In 2023, I studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina for a semester and spent the following summer participating in a second study abroad program in Cartagena, Colombia! Both programs took place with the School For International Training (SIT), where our programs specialized in "Social Movements & Human Rights" and "Building A Culture Of Peace," respectively. Making the choice to study abroad was one of the best decisions of my Yale career and I have grown so incredibly much from it. Both of these programs are absolutely incredible and prioritize a truly meaningful connection between experiential learning and community-based action! If you're on the fence about studying abroad or are looking for a program that really gets you out of the classroom, please feel free to send me an email! Always happy to grab a coffee and chat!"