Hi there! As a regional counselor for International Students and U.S. Abroad and Dual Citizens I am beyond excited to hear your diverse stories and experiences. I grew up in a military family and was an international student myself when I lived in Canberra, Australia for three years for the beginning of High School. For a few years I thought I would return there for college myself! During my time in Australia, I had the amazing opportunity to “study abroad” in China, so if you are interested in our vast array of study abroad opportunities, I would be very happy to recommend that to you.
WHY DICKINSON
After living in Australia, I moved right here to the wonderful town of Carlisle because of the U.S. Army War College (where many Dickinson students have had the opportunity to intern). Initially, I was nervous about moving across the world to Central Pennsylvania, but ever since I got here, I am proud to call it home! After graduating college from a Liberal Arts school in Virginia I found the wonderful opportunity to work in the Admissions office back in my hometown! As a Political Science and Chinese double major, I am consistently struck and impressed by the vast number of high-quality study abroad programs that are available to students here.
Something I have been excited to learn more about each day are the wide-array of sustainability initiatives that are happening across campus from the sustainability themed “tree house” residence hall to the 180-acre College Farm. The admissions office itself is a LEED Gold certified building! I also think that Dickinson is integral to the Carlisle community both physically (since campus is literally downtown) and culturally. Students and faculty are constantly working with groups in the community through research and other projects to contribute to the town we are a part of.
WHY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
As I wrote earlier, I was an international student in high school, and in college I took time to study abroad in China and the United Kingdom. I strongly believe that having a global education benefits each individual and the community around them. I have learned so much from the international students that I studied with both while I was abroad and when I have talked to them in the United States. Here at Dickinson, we want as many perspectives as we can because we know they make us better.
Choosing a college is already a huge decision and couple that with being an International Student or having your family living far away can complicate it even more! With that in mind, I am honored that you have found your way to my page and hope to help you with the college search process however I can.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
- A new vegan restaurant just opened recently in Carlisle called the Vegetable Hunter and although I am not vegan myself, I am rapidly becoming a stan.
- I was voted least funny member of my high school friend group, a fact I work tirelessly to disprove each day.
- There is a town near Carlisle called Dillsburg, which was apparently founded by someone named Matthew Dill, who I am allegedly descended from. I have personally not done the research so I will not confirm or deny, but my dad is very convinced of this.
Ryan Harper
Assistant Director of Admissions
harperry@dickinson.edu
he/him/his (Why Pronouns?)