Contact a Global Ambassador

Program: CET Taiwan, Japan Summer 

Majors: Art History, Chinese   

Identities I can speak to students about: High Financial Need; Third-Culture Individual (TCI); Woman Abroad; Student of Color

Email: allporta@dickinson.edu

 

About me: 

 

Abigail is a senior Art History and Chinese major "from all over", but most recently from Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Abigail studied abroad in Taipei, Taiwan in the fall semester of 2024 through CET Programs and in Nagoya, Japan with Dickinson for the summer semester of 2025. During her time in Taipei, Abigail was a student at National Taiwan University and took classes in intensive Mandarin and Taiwanese History and Culture. In her free time, Abigail explored night markets, tea fields, and museums, ate 地瓜球 (fried sweet potato balls), and biked all over the city. In Nagoya, Abigail studied Japanese History and Culture in the Edo Period at Nanzan University. She visited many famous temples and shrines, including the Deer Park at Nara during a class trip to Kyoto, and ate delicious sashimi and countless 7/11 onigiri. Feel free to reach out to Abigail with any questions about Taiwan or Japan, navigating language barriers, or adjusting to life abroad!

 

 

Program: Dickinson in England 

Major: Political Science  Minor: Philosophy

Identities I can speak to students about: Woman Abroad

Email: andersmc@dickinson.edu

 

About me: 

McKenna is a current Junior at Dickinson majoring in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy who spent the entirety of her Sophomore year studying abroad in Norwich, England at the University of East Anglia! She came to Dickinson knowing she wanted to study abroad, and after looking into the many programs Dickinson has to offer, she decided that the Dickinson in England program was the best fit for her and her interests in British culture, politics and history.

While studying at UEA, McKenna became involved with the Politics Society, became a writer for the UEA student newspaper The Concrete, served as a Study Abroad Student Ambassador and joined UEA Club Archery where she competed with their Archery squad in competitions around England! McKenna also had the opportunity to travel to countries like France, Scotland and Germany.

 

Program: Dickinson in Italy: European Studies 

Majors: Political Science, Religion 

Identities I can speak to students about: Woman Abroad; LGBTQIA+

Email: brandi@dickinson.edu

 

 

Isabel studied abroad in Bologna, Italy in Fall 2025 after spending months deliberating between abroad locations. She came to Dickinson with the intention of embracing the abroad opportunities, but could not decide where. She could not be happier that she went to Bologna, where she spent her class time studying often unexplored elements of the city and in various restaurants and wine tastings. Her free time on weekends allowed her to travel frequently, visiting other Dickinson programs and new countries across Europe. She met her best friends visiting Copenhagen and they all plan to travel back together after graduation.

 

 

Program: Dickinson in New Zealand 

Majors: Mathematics, Philosophy

Identities I can speak to students about: International Student; High Financial Need

Email: cracuind@dickinson.edu

 

About me:

Dan studied abroad in New Zealand during the Fall of 2024. Ever since arriving at Dickinson, he knew he wanted to study abroad—again. Originally from Romania, Dan moved to the U.S. to begin college, so immersing himself in new cultures was already part of his journey. Inspired by his sister, a fellow Dickinson alum who spent a year studying abroad in Copenhagen, Dan set his sights on New Zealand, partly out of curiosity, and partly because he wanted to go as far as possible. After all, you don’t often get the chance to travel halfway across the world and dive into such a different environment.

Beyond academics, Dan made the most of his time there. He went on countless trips, some with the Dickinson group, others on his own, hiking rugged trails, skiing in the mountains, and discovering the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand, from the adrenaline-pumping activities of Queenstown to the serene waterfalls and dramatic landscapes of Fiordland.

 

Program: Dickinson in France

Major: Data Analytics         Minor: French, Mathematics

Identities I can speak to students about: Religious Identity Abroad; Woman Abroad

Email: diamonem@dickinson.edu

 

About me:

 

Emily studied abroad in Toulouse, France during the Spring 2025 semester. At Dickinson, she is a data analytics major and a French and math minor. She has always wanted to go abroad, and has wanted to visit France since she started learning French in 6th grade. While in Toulouse, Emily lived with an host family, and attended Université de Toulouse Jean-Jaurès in addition to the two required Dickinson program classes. She also volunteered in a 9th grade English class teaching English to French students, and also volunteered as a one-on-one tutor helping kids with English, French, and math. Her experiences volunteering are some of her favorite memories from her time abroad. She also liked to sit with her friends by the Garonne River at night and admiring the beautiful water and lit bridges.

Program: Dickinson in Italy: European Studies 

Major: INBM   Minor: Economics

Email: falkt@dickinson.edu

 

 

Thomson Falk is an International Business and Management major who studied abroad in Bologna, Italy. He chose to study abroad to deepen his understanding of global business and to gain an international perspective as part of the INBM program at Dickinson. During his time abroad, Thomson enjoyed traveling across Europe with friends and found that the shared experiences helped everyone in the program grow close, turning classmates into family. He was fortunate enough to teach at a local high school toward the end of his experience, really tying together all of the experiences he had. He is happy to talk with prospective students about the academic, cultural, and personal aspects of studying abroad.

 

 

Program: Dickinson in Argentina

Majors: Economics, International Studies  Minor: Spanish

Identities I can speak to students about: Woman Abroad

Email: groffl@dickinson.edu

 

 

Lauren is a rising senior double majoring in International Studies and Economics with a minor in Spanish. She knew she wanted to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country when she arrived at Dickinson College. After reviewing the options, the program in Chile and Argentina seemed like a perfect fit, as she was very interested in South American culture. During her time abroad, she took classes at the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, such as Argentinian folkdance, and also interned as an assistant teacher of an English class. This internship was a very valuable experience and allowed her to create meaningful intercultural exchanges and personal connections. While there are many to pick from, her favorite memory from her time abroad was when her local friends threw her a surprise goodbye party before she left, where they cooked tacos together and danced to Argentinian music.

 

Program: Dickinson in England, DIS Copenhagen 

Majors: Sociology, Political Science  Minor: Creative Writing

Identities I can speak to students about: Woman Abroad; High Financial Need

Email: hannigaf@dickinson.edu

 

 

Fiona is a senior studying Political Science, Sociology, and Creative Writing from Baltimore, MD. As a student who had never left the United States, she knew she wanted to complete a full year abroad, participating in two different programs. In the fall of 2024, she decided to do the Dickinson in England program focusing her studies on sociology at the University of East Anglia. Dickinson students spent the first two weeks on a faculty led exploration of London, where they travelled across the city with highlights like Kew Gardens, the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, and time to explore on their own. She felt this was a wonderful way to get to know other Dickinson students and acclimatize to a new environment before starting her studies in Norwich. Her favorite experience at UEA was joining the Bluesox Baseball and Softball team, which helped her make lifelong friendships and acted as a gateway into British culture. Fiona wanted to stay in Europe in the spring, which led her to continue her goals abroad with DIS Copenhagen. She focused her studies on political science, learning from Danish professors who focused on global politics through European perspectives. She was able to travel with her class to Northern Ireland, learning about the political and social turmoil of the Troubles. Living in Copenhagen gave her a new sense of independence, especially when it came to learning a new language and how to commute in a big city. She loved her time in Norwich and Copenhagen and would happily speak to students considering either program.

 

Program: DIS Copenhagen

Major: Psychology  Minor: Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Identities I can speak to students about: First-Generation College Student; High Financial Need; LGBTQIA+; Student of Color; Woman Abroad

Email: harberta@dickinson.edu

 

 

In the Spring 2025 semester, Ashley studied abroad in Copenhagen but lived an hour away in Roskilde with a host family. Before applying to programs, she wasn't sure which one to apply to, but ultimately felt welcomed by DIS and by Danish culture. Her favorite part of study abroad was her core course class, Cyberpsychology. The nuanced class discussions and the field trips were the most memorable part of her time abroad.

Program: Dickinson in Georgia, SFS Kenya 

Majors: Environmental Science, Russian

Identities I can speak to students about: LGBTQIA+; Woman Abroad

Email: hartleyj@dickinson.edu

 

 

Jess is an Environmental Science and Russian double major from Providence, Rhode Island. She spent the fall semester in Tbilisi, Georgia and the spring semester in Kenya, and originally chose Dickinson knowing she wanted to study abroad for the whole year. In Tbilisi she took three classes fully taught in Russian and a Georgian language course. Jess lived with a host mom who she was only able to speak Russian with, and she was pleasantly surprised by how well they were able to communicate after only taking two years of Russian at Dickinson. During her free time, Jess was a volunteer zookeeper at the Tbilisi Zoo. While there she got to help care for and feed the lemurs, which was an incredible experience because she wants to work on lemur conservation in the wild someday. In Kenya, Jess studied endangered species conservation and took a Swahili language course. Her classes regularly included field exercises in nearby Amboseli National Park where she studied local wildlife. She also completed a six week directed research project on the abundance, distribution, and habitat preference of the East African grey crowned crane. Her favorite part of this semester was Expedition, when her program spent three weeks traveling around Kenya and Tanzania. Her favorite memories include meeting the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, and going chimpanzee trekking at Jane Goodall's research center in Gombe National Park. Overall she was able to visit eight countries on three continents, and she will never forget all of these incredible experiences.

 

 

Program: Dickinson in Argentina 

Majors: Political Science, Spanish, LALC

Identities I can speak to students about: LGBTQIA+; Woman Abroad

Email: hermana@dickinson.edu

 

 

While studying abroad, Audrey interned with the Office of Human Development in Maipú, a neighborhood of Mendoza. She taught English to children at a local community center, and loved bonding with the kids & having the freedom to create her own lessons. She also took a Argentinian folk dance class, something completely out of her comfort zone (and she had the best time). One of her favorite memories came at the end of the semester, when her friends surprised her with a farewell party. They decorated with red, white, and blue balloons, played Just Dance, and made tacos (because she and her friends had once mentioned missing Mexican food). And to make things even more special, that night, it snowed in Mendoza for the first time in nearly a decade.

 

 

Program: SFS Turks and Caicos

Major: Biology  Minor: Geoscience

Identities I can speak to students about: Woman Abroad; Student with Disabilities

Email: huffmanm@dickinson.edu 

 

About me: 

 

Maryann Huffman is a junior studying biology and geoscience who chose Dickinson with the goal of one day immersing herself in different cultures and landscapes. During Spring 2025, the second semester of her sophomore year, Maryann jumped at the opportunity to study abroad with the School for Field Studies in the Turks and Caicos Islands and explore the underwater world at a remote field station. On the tiny island of South Caicos, she delved into marine field methodologies, gaining knowledge of mangrove and coral reef ecosystems and earning her PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification in the process. She also conducted research on sharks and rays using baited remote underwater video systems. Hauling back 40 lbs. of conch bait from the island’s processing plant with her team will forever be a hilarious (and smelly) memory! While there wasn’t too much time to explore between classes, field exercises, community outreach, and giving lots of love to the center’s resident dogs, she became fond of the slow pace of island life and, oddly enough, the meditative process of handwashing laundry in saltwater at 6 a.m. Maryann hopes to study abroad again in New Zealand (in an actual city this time!), but, until then, she is excited to answer any questions about SFS, studying abroad as a sophomore, or managing disabilities abroad!

 

 

Program: Dickinson in Spain Summer 

Majors: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Spanish 

Identities I can speak to students about: Woman Abroad; Student with Disabilities

Email: hyndse@dickinson.edu

 

 

Ella (she/hers) is an adventurous and charismatic Dickinsonian. She is a BCMB and Spanish double major who spent summer of 2024 studying abroad in Málaga, Spain. Ella has always wanted to study abroad, but didn't realize it would happen so quickly after her first year! During her time abroad, she enjoyed trying new foods such as mayonnaise soup, Gazpachuelo, and exploring historical landmarks such as La Alambra. Once classes finished, she spent most of her afternoons exploring the street of Málaga or at the beach that was only an eight minute walk for her host mother's!

 

Program: Dickinson in New Zealand 

Majors: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology

Identities I can speak to students about: Woman Abroad; Student Athlete; Student of Color

Email: khani@dickinson.edu

 

 

Isra is a senior Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major from Naperville, Illinois and is a member of the Women's Soccer team. She studied abroad at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand during the Spring of 2025. She was able to learn more about Maori culture, immerse herself in the countries breathtaking natural world, and see more of the South Island through joining the University of Otago's Women's Football Team. While studying, Isra especially enjoyed the Microbiology course she took as the hands on labs were challenging and very fascinating. On the weekends, she enjoyed eating a meal at a local cafe, walking through the large Botanic Gardens on campus, or shopping at the Farmer's Market every Saturday. The friends she made through the Dickinson program as well as the local kiwis she met, made her experience very memorable.

 

Program: Dickinson in Italy: European Studies

Majors: Quantitative Economics, INBM  

Identities I can speak to students about: International Student; Student of Color

Email: khanz@dickinson.edu

 

About me: 

 

Zarak is a Quantitative Economics and INBM double major at Dickinson. He spent a semester abroad in Bologna, Italy, to experience life in a new culture. Living in Bologna was unforgettable. The city is full of history, beautiful architecture, and delicious food. Zarak loved walking through the old streets covered by long archways, trying his favorite local dish, tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese), and spending time in Piazza Maggiore watching daily life unfold. His favorite restaurant was Ristorante Donatello, his favorite café was Caffè Terzi, and he loved browsing Humana Vintage for unique finds. He also explored beyond Bologna, taking trips to Rimini, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, Verona, Milan, Lake Como, Cinque Terre, Umbria, Assisi, and Modena, which made his semester even more exciting. One of his favorite memories was the group trip to Umbria where visiting Assisi felt really peaceful and spiritual. Traveling with classmates gave him a new appreciation for the cultural and historical richness of smaller Italian towns. During his semester abroad, Zarak also traveled to nine other countries that gave him a broader perspective on life and culture across Europe. Studying abroad helped him become more independent, learn to adapt to new environments, and fully embrace the excitement and challenges of living in a different part of the world.

 

Program: Dickinson in Spain

Major: International Studies

Email: kimbrelj@dickinson.edu

 

About me: 

Jack is an International Studies major at Dickinson College who chose to participate in the Dickinson in Spain program in Málaga to deepen his Spanish language skills and gain a more meaningful understanding of Spanish culture. Having already completed many of his major requirements prior to going abroad, Jack had the flexibility to enroll in courses that aligned with his personal interests while also dedicating time to building a close relationship with his host family and exploring the city.

Among his most cherished memories are the excursions organized by the Dickinson in Spain program and the personal trips he took during weekends and holidays. During his semester in Spain, Jack prioritized cultural immersion by traveling extensively throughout the country, visiting various cities and historical sites. He also had the opportunity to travel outside of Spain, spending time in Morocco and Italy. These experiences broadened his global perspective and deepened his appreciation for cultural diversity.

Outside the classroom, Jack maintained an active lifestyle by going to the gym and forming a local group of friends with whom he regularly played basketball at a court on the beach in El Palo. He also enjoyed spending time with fellow students from the Dickinson program as they explored Málaga’s many neighborhoods, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.

Jack’s primary goals for studying abroad were to fully immerse himself in a new culture and to advance his Spanish language proficiency. Living with a host family played a crucial role in achieving these goals; daily conversations over meals and late-night discussions significantly improved his fluency and confidence in speaking Spanish.

The strong bond Jack formed with his host family not only helped ease his transition into life in Málaga but also enriched his overall experience. It is a relationship he deeply values and one that will remain an important part of his study abroad journey for years to come.

 

Program: DIS Copenhagen 

Major: Psychology  Minor: Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Identities I can speak to students about: Woman Abroad; LGBTQIA+

Email: ladene@dickinson.edu

 

About me: 

 

Emily is a Psychology major with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies who spent the Spring 2025 semester in Copenhagen, Denmark. She always dreamed of studying abroad but never truly considered it a possibility until coming to Dickinson. In Copenhagen, she lived in a Kollegium with two American students and one local Danish student, with whom she spent many nights cooking and sharing life stories. At DIS she was able to pursue both her major and minor, taking classes like Cyberpsychology, Masculinities in Scandinavia, and Neuroscience of Religion and Atheism. In her free time, she enjoyed exploring the city, attending football matches, visiting parks and palaces, and trying as many Danish pastries as possible. She led a running club in her apartment complex and joined a local cold dip club, where she met incredible people from all over the world. Her favorite memories include class trips to Aarhus (the second largest city in Denmark) and Amsterdam. This was Emily’s first time out of the country, so she took advantage of the opportunity to travel all around Europe, with her favorite destinations being Scotland and Norway. She grew so much as a person during her time abroad and made the most amazing friends. She is eternally grateful for the experience and cannot recommend it enough to anyone who is considering studying abroad.

 

Program: Dickinson in Italy: Italian Studies

Majors: Political Science, Italian Studies

Identities I can speak to students about: LGBTQIA+; Religious Identity Abroad; Student with Disabilities; Woman Abroad

Email: lazark@dickinson.edu

 

 

Kristin Lazar is a senior from Long Island, New York and is a double major in Italian Studies and Political Science. She studied abroad with Dickinson in Bologna Italian Studies for the academic year 2024-2025. She always knew she wanted to study abroad in Italy and it was the main factor in choosing Dickinson. She was involved in the intercultural seminar given by Luca Trazzi and Bruno Grazioli, which included teaching Italian high school students English. She also traveled to many different countries including, Czechia, The Netherlands, England and more. Her favorite memory was traveling to Sardinia in Italy because the water was beautiful and the people were so kind. She says it is the most beautiful place she has ever been. Please contact her with any questions about this program she will be happy to answer anything.

Program: Dickinson in Germany

Majors: Anthropology, German

Identities I can speak to students about: Woman Abroad

Email: mathewsn@dickinson.edu

 

 

Naomi is a senior Anthropology and German double-major from the Bronx, NY. For the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters, she studied abroad in Germany, at the University of Bremen. Before arriving at Dickinson, she knew that she wanted to study German abroad, but it wasn't until her Sophomore year that she committed to the Bremen program specifically. Naomi took full advantage of the opportunity to learn German and complete cultural studies courses for her anthropology major. For her second semester, she moved out of the single-dorm student housing, opting to live with 5 German students in the city center for better immersion. She volunteered with a local garden and climate workshop in her new neighborhood and built close friendships with local students. She loved traveling around Europe, visiting a total of nine countries during her eleven-month stay.

 

Program: Dickinson in Germany

Majors: Environmental Science, German  Minor: Biology

Identities I can speak to students about: First-Generation College Student; High Financial Need; Woman Abroad

Email: mccloskm@dickinson.edu

 

 

Makayla McCloskey '26 is an Environmental Science and German double major with a minor in Biology from Ewing, NJ. She participated in the German Energy Mosaic in Spring 2023 and spent a semester abroad in Bremen, Germany in Spring 2025. Although she didn’t initially plan to study abroad, her growing interest in German studies at Dickinson led her to pursue a full semester in Germany. While in Bremen, Makayla took four courses entirely in German, split between environmental and Germanic studies. Outside of the classroom, she volunteered weekly with Bremer SuppenEngel, a local organization that prepares and distributes meals to people in need throughout the city. One of her favorite memories from the program was helping organize a cultural excursion to Tübingen, where students met with a German professor currently on sabbatical. Her favorite things about Bremen include the city's efficient public transport, its many parks and green spaces, and the Döner Kebab spots on every corner.

Program: Dickinson in Italy: Italian Studies

Majors: Anthropology, Italian  Minor: Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Identities I can speak to students about: LGBTQIA+; Student Athlete; Woman Abroad

Email: melchiog@dickinson.edu

 

 

Grace studied abroad in Bologna, Italy, in the fall of 2024. Before the semester began, she completed a month-long intensive language course in Perugia, which helped her adjust to life in Italy. The transition between the two programs was seamless, and her time with the Dickinson in Bologna program was an amazing experience. She took three courses at the Dickinson Center and one course in political feminist thought, taught in Italian, at the University of Bologna. All of her credits transferred back to Dickinson toward her major and minor. Grace thoroughly enjoyed her time abroad, from engaging academic experiences to daily life in a vibrant Italian city. While abroad, she made new friends, deepened existing relationships, and took advantage of the ease of traveling throughout Europe.

 

Program: Dickinson in England

Major: Political Science, English

Identities I can speak to students about: Woman Abroad

Email: oberlyt@dickinson.edu 

 

 

I almost did not study abroad because I am anxious of change...had I not gone abroad, I would have done myself a disservice I could never repair. Two friends of mine urged me to study abroad as they said goodbye to me their senior year. I took the leap and I am forever grateful for these friends. I went to Norwich, England at the University of East Anglia where I took classes in Politics and English, I joined the Jewish Society, I joined the surf club and we went to Portugal together, I made lifelong friends, watched soccer...no sorry football, won a sustainability competition, and changed the course of my college life forever. I almost didn't go abroad because I was scared, I know the anxieties, the reservations, and the fears. But I also know the excitement, the novelty, and the pure enjoyment made possible by international travel experiences.

 

Program: CET Brazil

Majors: INBM, Spanish 

Identities I can speak to students about: High Financial Need; LGBTQIA+; Student of Color; Woman Abroad; First-Generation College Student

Email: proanoj@dickinson.edu

 

About me: 

 

As she neared the end of her junior year, Jadisha knew she wanted something different from her study abroad experience, something that could challenge her but still make her feel at home, which brought her to Brazil. Jadisha decided to study abroad in São Paulo for the Spring 2025 semester as a part of the CET Socially Sustainable Business Program. While in São Paulo, Jadisha studied at Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) and also took classes in the nearby CET center. Through CET, Jadisha got the amazing opportunity to make so many new friends from colleges and universities around the US as well as travel to many beautiful destinations around Brazil.

 

Program: Dickinson in Italy: European Studies

Major: INBM  Minor: Economics, Music

Identities I can speak to students about: Woman Abroad; Student Athlete

Email: sanduskj@dickinson.edu

 

 

Jessie Sandusky is a student-athlete who studied abroad in Bologna, Italy, for the Fall 2024 semester. Jessie took a course at the University of Bologna and traveled to nine other countries. She always knew she wanted to study abroad and explore new cultures, and her time in Europe only deepened that passion. At the university, she had the opportunity to learn alongside students from all over the world, gaining valuable academic and cultural insights. While in Bologna, Jessie also helped a local family who wanted their twin daughters to be exposed to English more—an experience that created a meaningful bond and made her feel like part of their family. She even returned to Bologna in the summer to stay with them. One of her favorite memories was a five-day solo trip to Portugal, where she met people from around the world and formed friendships that will last beyond her travels. Jessie loves sharing her experience and encouraging others to take the leap into global learning. Jessie is passionate about encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones and experience how transformative study abroad can be.

 

Program: Dickinson in England

Major: Biology  Minor: Education

Identities I can speak to students about: Woman Abroad; First-Generation College Student; High Financial Need

Email: stitchem@dickinson.edu

 

About me: 

 

Maye studied abroad in Norwich, England for the fall semester of 2024. She applied to Dickinson in hopes of going abroad, but didn’t exactly know where she wanted to go. She ended up choosing England where she continued her education in Biology and took courses that grew her knowledge immensely! In addition to her courses, she was involved with the Yoga club, was a gym member at UEA, took part in many campus events (daytime and nighttime), and traveled to at least 8 other destinations all around Europe and England to broaden her experience and personal growth! Through her time abroad she made endless life-long friendships with her flatmates and all across Europe, learned incredible lessons for life, enjoyed a variety of dishes from Greece, Prague, Portugal, Ireland, Spain, and more! Maye was able to guide herself into a higher and more educated version of herself with the guidance of her Dickinson community, something she is incredibly grateful for! She is excited to help anyone interested in study abroad or England specifically!

 

Program: Dickinson in Spain

Majors: Political Science, Spanish

Identities I can speak to students about: Student Athlete

Email: sullicor@dickinson.edu

 

About me: 

 

Cormac Sullivan is a senior Political Science and Spanish major from Suffield, Connecticut. He studied abroad Fall 2024 in Malaga. During his college process, he knew he was looking for schools with programs where he could participate in a program that was language immersive. He was able to significantly improve his Spanish by spending time with his host family and making a few friends at the university. Cormac’s host family ended up being one of the highlights of his experience, as they were very inclusive and kind. He also learned about Spanish culture and society through participating in community events with other Dickinson students and the professor. Malaga was the perfect program as he was able to travel all over southern Spain and a few other places in Europe. His favorite memory of the program was his first trip with the class to Granada, where he explored the cathedral, Alhambra, and Albaicin with his classmates. Studying abroad in Malaga will be one of the highlights of his college time.

 

 

Program: Dickinson in New Zealand

Major: Biology

Identities I can speak to students about: Woman Abroad

Email: turtoroo@dickinson.edu

 

About me: 

Olivia knew early on that she wanted to study abroad, specifically setting her sights on New Zealand. She recognized the unique opportunity to spend six months across the world, an experience she felt might not present itself again. Despite her excitement, she admits to being terrified, having never traveled alone before. During her time abroad, she immersed herself in campus life, joining the Meditation and Yoga club, the Archery club, and the Tramping (hiking) club.

Her favorite memory, which she cherishes so much she experienced it twice, was visiting Nugget Point in The Catlins, a platform containing one of the oldest lighthouses in the country, and of course, the Nuggets. Rock formations .in the water that look like nuggets! However, the true highlight of her journey was the people she met. She recalls how four girls from neighboring flats, needing an oven for their cake, knocked on her door, leading to hours of conversation and a lifelong friendship that defined her time abroad. Together, the five of them and her favorite housemate explored New Zealand, from studying to road-tripping, making countless memories. This experience taught her valuable lessons about navigating new social dynamics and reinforced her gratitude for choosing to go abroad. She is eager to share her perspective, especially as a woman who traveled alone for the first time, and offer peace of mind to fellow first-timers, even discussing how to navigate political conversations abroad.

 

Program: Dickinson at Oxford

Major: Political Science  Minor: Security Studies

Identities I can speak to students about: Woman Abroad; First-Generation College Student 

Email: waynec@dickinson.edu

 

About me: 

 

Claire is a senior from Nashville, Tennessee, studying Political Science and Security Studies. During the 2024-2025 school year, she studied abroad at the University of Oxford, taking classes like International Relations in the Cold War and International Security and Conflict. Outside of class, Claire was part of the International Relations Society and spent her evenings attending the many guest speaker events hosted each term, meeting world-renowned scholars like Graham Allison and John Mearsheimer in the process. During breaks, she took advantage of Oxford's central location to explore the UK, visiting Bath, Windsor, London, and more. From the start of her time at Dickinson, Claire knew she wanted to study abroad at Oxford, but it was the help of her advisors and professors at Dickinson that allowed her to prepare for the experience. Her favorite memories include attending formal dinners, studying in the Bodleian libraries, and spending evenings cooking with friends in their shared kitchen.