Global Ambassadors are returning study abroad students and recent alums who serve as peer advisors for their program. In addition to sharing about their program, some global ambassadors have also volunteered to discuss aspects of their identities with students who might have questions about navigating study abroad with these identities. They are here to answer your questions, so don't hesitate to reach out to them!
2024-2025 Global Ambassadors
Amanda Altamirano ‘25
Program: Dickinson in Italy: European Studies
Major: Data Analytics Minor: Studio Art
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad; Student of Color
Email: altamira@dickinson.edu
About me: Amanda is a senior Data Analytics major and Studio Art minor from Watertown, Connecticut. During the Spring of 2024, she studied abroad in Bologna, Italy. Since arriving at Dickinson, she knew that she wanted to study abroad and found the experience to be fulfilling and one of the best decisions she made. Amanda embraced the opportunity to immerse herself in the rich history, art, and cuisine of Italy. She made new friends in classes at the University of Bologna and was able to pursue her interest in art by taking an art history class at the Dickinson Center. She says the professors in both places were kind and devoted to helping the students which helped Amanda feel more at home abroad. She spent free time visiting museums and going to the park to sketch and play volleyball with friends. She says she met a lot of new people this way which helped to learn the language and become more immersed in the culture. She also enjoyed trying out all the restaurants Bologna had to offer and loved dishes such as ragù alla bolognese and spaghetti all'amatriciana. Some of Amanda's favorite memories include seeing the Amalfi Coast, riding in a gondola in Venice, and the class trip to Puglia. Amanda is excited to connect with prospective study abroad students and answer any questions regarding traveling while studying abroad, making new friends, or adjusting to a new place!
Ashley Altruda ‘25
Program: Dickinson in England
Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad
Email: altrudaa@dickinson.edu
About me: Ashley Altruda is a senior biochemistry and molecular biology major who had the incredible opportunity to go study abroad for the entire 2023-2024 academic school year in Norwich, England at the University of East Anglia (UEA). Ashley loved UEA’s atmosphere, campus activities such as the clubs, societies, and sports, and her class modules. At UEA, Ashley was apart of the swim club, yoga and mindfulness society, wine and cheese society, and cocktail society. During Ashley’s time in Norwich, she also volunteered during the academic year at Voluntary Norfolk to give back to the community during her free time. Some of Ashley’s favorite memories included the Dickinson Class trips to Blakeney Point, Cromer, Edinburgh, York, and Cambridge that Professor Tynan arranged for the group. Ashley always knew she wanted to study abroad, but never thought she would go for the full year. However, having the opportunity to study abroad for the entire year positively impacted her Dickinson experience and will be an experience she will never forget. Ashley was able to travel to 13 different countries during her year, made many lifelong friends, and truly made the most of her experience abroad!
Sophie Bailey ‘25
Program: Dickinson in Ecuador and Argentina
Major: Law & Policy; Spanish Minor: Ethics
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad; Student with Disabilities
Email: baileyso@dickinson.edu
About me: Sophie chose to attend Dickinson with study abroad in mind. She saw the college-run programs as a unique opportunity to study abroad while staying connected with her US university. During her time with Dickinson in Ecuador & Argentina, Sophie traveled across South America and explored destinations like Quito, Buenos Aires, the Amazon Rainforest and the Andes mountains. Her favorite memory abroad was her time in the Amazon Rainforest spent exploring the environment and engaging with Quichua indigenous culture. In Mendoza, Sophie was an English teaching assistant at a local high school which she found to be very fulfilling.
Aislynn Bell ‘25
Program: Dickinson in England
Major: Law & Policy Minor: Psychology
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad; High Financial Need
Email: bellai@dickinson.edu
About me: Aislynn Bell is a senior Law and Policy major and Psychology minor from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Aislynn studied abroad in Norwich, England during the spring semester of 2024. During her time abroad Aislynn became immersed in English culture by living in a flat with British students, taking classes at University of East Anglia (UEA), and exploring the cities of York, Manchester, and London with her fellow Dickinson classmates. During her time at UEA Aislynn took multiple law classes including Tort Law, Contract Law, and Criminology. Exploring Norwich and multiple other Europeans cities were some of Aislynn's favorite activities during her time abroad. Throughout the few months she was there Aislynn explored 10 different countries, many by herself. Her favorites were Ireland, Greece, and the Netherlands. Please feel free to reach out to Aislynn with any questions you may have about life at UEA, traveling while abroad, and getting adjusted to a new environment.
Michelle Cao ‘25
Program: DIS Copenhagen
Major: Environmental Science; Data Analytics Minor: Food Studies Certificate
Identities I can speak to students about: First-Generation College Student; Women Abroad; LGBTQIA+; Student of Color; High Financial Need
Email: caom@dickinson.edu
About me: Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Michelle always dreamt of studying abroad, traveling, and experiencing something bigger than herself. Last spring, she flew across the Atlantic for the first time and spent a semester in Copenhagen, Denmark, as part of DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia. At DIS, Michelle delved into her love for the environment and took classes like Polar Biology, Urban Ecology, and Garden Art in European Culture. While abroad, she traveled to Iceland with her class and immersed herself in a collaborative research project on biological pest control. Outside of the classroom, Michelle enjoys having breakfast buns with her host parents, exploring the outskirts of Copenhagen, and visiting friends abroad in Stockholm, Bologna, and Malaga!
Maggie Cassano ‘25
Program: Dickinson in Ecuador and Argentina; Dickinson in England; Spain: Summer
Major: Political Science Minor: Spanish; Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad
Email: cassanom@dickinson.edu
About me: Maggie is a senior studying Political Science, Spanish, and WGSS from Dover, NJ. She originally chose Dickinson for its study abroad programs, and has had the opportunity to study in Spain, Ecuador, Argentina, and England. She feels that her semester in Ecuador and Argentina was the most meaningful out of all her study abroad experiences. She was able to significantly improve her Spanish, was fully immersed in the culture and formed close relationships with her host families and friends from the local university, and even completed an internship teaching English at a women’s shelter. In England, her favorite class was Activist Campaigning, because she and her classmates got to design and execute their own campaign targeting pollution in a local river. She also traveled extensively throughout Europe, visiting friends in Italy and Greece. She thinks that studying abroad is one of the most impactful experiences a college student can have. If you have questions about Spain, Argentina, England, or even study abroad in general, please feel free to reach out!
Jordan Codispoti ‘25
Program: Dickinson in France; Italy Fashion Mosaic
Major: History Minor: French
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad
Email: codispoj@dickinson.edu
About me: Jordan Codispoti, class of 2025, is a History major and French minor from Holmdel, New Jersey. She studied abroad in Toulouse, France in Fall 2023 and participated in the Fashioning the Body, Shaping the Nation Mosaic in Italy in Spring 2024. She knew she wanted to push herself out of her comfort zone and immerse herself in another culture, language, and lifestyle by studying abroad. Codispoti has studied French for most of her academic career and was ready to put her skills to use. In Toulouse, she lived with a host who she describes as the highlight of her abroad experience. She took history, French, and yoga classes at Jean Jaures and enjoyed her morning commutes on the Toulouse metro with her friends. In addition to school, she volunteered with Main Tendue 31 for meal distributions on Sunday nights to give back to the community that welcomed her. Her favorite memory of the program was the many excursions she took with Dickinson en France. One of her favorites being eating a dinner of aligot and sausage for two hours with Monsieur Crema on a trip to Conques and Rodez. At Dickinson, she serves as Vice President Member Experience in her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, and works on the Dickinson College farm as a student farmer. Out of all these experiences, her time in Toulouse will always be her favorite college memory.
Meg Cravinho ‘25
Program: Dickinson in Spain; GIS Argentina
Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Spanish & Portuguese Studies
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad; LGBTQIA+
Email: cravinhm@dickinson.edu
About me: Meg, part of the class of 2025, majors in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Spanish & Portuguese Studies. During the summer of 2022, Meg studied abroad at the National University of Cuyo in Mendoza, Argentina where she worked on improving her language skills and learned about Argentinian culture. She also studied in Málaga, Spain in the spring of 2024. Living with host families in both experiences, Meg’s language abilities were improved and her immersion into each culture was deepened. Throughout Meg’s experience in Argentina, she most enjoyed hiking in the Andes, trying local cuisine, and meeting new people along the way. The planned excursions to the hot springs, Lavalle, bodegas, and historical monuments were also highlights of Meg’s experience. In Spain, Meg loved taking all Spanish language and culture courses and the programmed excursions to Cadiz, País Vasco, and Granada. Her favorite memories include traveling to different cities during Semana Santa. She encourages anyone interested in improving their Spanish language skills and a fully immersive program to consider the Dickinson in Argentina and Spain programs. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Lillian Cusa ‘25
Program: SES Woods Hole; Dickinson in New Zealand; GIS Iceland
Major: Biology; Environmental Science
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad; Student-Athlete; Student of Color
Email: cusal@dickinson.edu
About me: Lilly Cusa is a rising senior majoring in biology and environmental science from Monroe, CT and is a member of the track and field team. As part of the Introduction to Arctic Studies course she took her freshman year, Lilly had the opportunity to travel to Iceland, which she thinks has the best waterfalls! Her junior fall semester was spent at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA as part of the Semester in Environmental Science (SES) partner program. Through intensive field and laboratory based learning, Lilly developed a new understanding of ecosystem science and biogeochemistry using Cape Cod landscapes as her classroom. At the end of the semester, she presented her independent research on the bioaccumulation of PPCPs in a local hard coral. Her junior spring semester was spent exploring New Zealand's incredible landscapes and taking a range of courses in the departments of zoology, geology, philosophy, and computer science. She loved visiting Milford Sound with the Dickinson cohort and Australia's Great Barrier Reef with her family. If you have any questions about GIS: Iceland, SES, or NZ, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Cooper Esquibel ‘25
Program: CET Taiwan; Dickinson in Italy: European Studies
Major: Political Science Minor: Chinese
Email: esquibec@dickinson.edu
About me: Cooper Esquibel (科鹏) is from Los Angeles, California, and knew he wanted to go abroad before his first day at Dickinson College. Cooper believes you truly understand a new place through its food. With the goal of saying yes to any and all food encountered abroad, Cooper studied in Taipei, Taiwan, and Bologna, Italy. What started as a simple search for some good soup dumplings turned into a culinary excursion of a lifetime. Whether it was stinky tofu, pork blood soup, or sweet ice chocolate dumplings, Cooper got to try a massive range of delicious new foods in Taiwan. He also studied the political landscape of Asia in the heart of discourse. While there, he was involved with the National Taiwan University Kendo Club, where he could apply his Chinese learning in both athletic and social settings. One of his favorite memories abroad was getting a late-night dinner with his team after practice. Take a look at the image of Cooper with his team!
In Bologna, Italy, Cooper got to step into the past. In his “Reading Bologna and Italy from Renaissance to Baroque” course, cathedrals became his classroom. Here, he understood the difference between seeing an image from the Renaissance and experiencing the Renaissance. His course selection was balanced with contemporary European politics, where Cooper gave one of his favorite collegiate-level presentations on how Europe’s current migration policies breach multiple human rights on both a legal and moral level. His favorite memory in Italy was the convenience of taking day trips. With Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, and Rimini just a short train trip away, exploration called to him every weekend. After a full year abroad, Cooper is excited to talk about study abroad opportunities in Asia and Europe!
Tyler Erdmann ‘25 
Program: Dickinson in New Zealand
Major: Environmental Studies
Identities I can speak to students about: Student-Athlete; Student with Disabilities
Email: erdmannt@dickinson.edu
About me: Tyler studied abroad in New Zealand during the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semester. He knew that he wanted to study abroad since applying to Dickinson. He most enjoyed the friendships he made while exploring all that New Zealand has to offer.
Maddie Greves ‘25
Program: Dickinson in England
Major: American Studies Minor: Political Science
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad
Email: grevesm@dickinson.edu
About me: Maddie studied abroad in Norwich, England for the 2023-2024 academic year. She always knew she wanted to study abroad in England for the fall semester, but after spending the first month there, she knew she wanted to extend and stay the entire year. She knew the University of East Anglia would be a great fit for her academically because of their successful American Studies program as well as having the ability to continue learning about politics, especially European politics. On campus, she got involved in Taylor Swift Society and Yoga Club which she found to be a great way of branching out and making friends from England and all over the world. Maddie’s favorite memory from her year abroad was celebrating UEA’s Derby Day, a day full of sports competition against the University of Essex, victory for the 10th year in a row and by a single point. Her seeing the entire student body come together and celebrate was so memorable and made her feel a part of the university pride.
Christine Gurek ‘25
Program: Dickinson in Italy: Italian Studies
Major: Data Analytics Minor: Italian
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad
Email: gurekc@dickinson.edu
About me: Christine is from the class of 2025, is studying Data Analytics, and is originally from South Hadley, Massachusetts. This past spring she studied abroad in Bologna Italy, in the Italian Studies Program. She has been studying Italian throughout her entire time at Dickinson and knew from before she arrived at Dickinson that she wanted to study abroad. After beginning to learn the language, she decided to minor in Italian Studies, and therefore study abroad in Italy to better her cultural and linguistic understanding. During her time in Bologna she enjoyed gelato, tried new foods, and made new friends. She loved the different class offerings, and the option to study at The University of Bologna, as well as the different field trips they would take around the city. She had always wanted to travel so this was the perfect opportunity for seeing new places as well! Her favorite memory is visiting Naples, Italy with her housemate Beatrice for the weekend!
Karuna Gauchan ‘24
Program: DIS Copenhagen 
Major: Quantitative Economics; Environmental Studies
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad; LGBTQIA+; Student of Color; International Student
Email: gauchank@dickinson.edu
About me: Karuna is an international student from Nepal who is currently in her second semester of senior year. She studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark in Fall of 2023. There, she spent her time immersing herself in the unique academic curriculum offered by DIS which included classes taught by part-time instructors who are working professionals in the subject they teach. She took classes such as Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Development, Waste Water Management Systems, and a problem solving class called "Innovation through Design Thinking". She was chosen to be part of an interdisciplinary student team to perform market research for a consulting firm on the implications of the CSRD on their business model. Apart from classes, Karuna enjoyed Saturday flea markets, ice bathing, and meeting new friends to go on adventures with.
Shayna Herzfeld ‘25
Program: Dickinson in France
Major: History Minor: French
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad; LGBTQIA+; Jewish
Email: herzfels@dickinson.edu
About me: Shayna came to Dickinson knowing that she wanted to study abroad in a French speaking country and getting to spend the fall semester of her junior year in Toulouse, France was an incredibly memorable experience! Although she was sure that she wanted to study abroad, she was nervous about studying in France. Ultimately, she is so glad she did so - Shayna got the chance to travel around France, volunteer at an after-school center and take classes at a French University. As a history major, learning about European history from French professors and classmates was so enriching and Shayna saw such an increase in her language skills, as well. She remembers a trip that her and some other Dickinson in France students took to a medieval castle less than an hour outside of Toulouse as one of the fondest memories from her time abroad.
Abby Hill ‘25
Program: DIS Copenhagen
Major: Anthropology Minor: American Studies
Identities I can speak to students about: Student-Athlete; Women Abroad; LGBTQIA+
Email: hillab@dickinson.edu
About me: Originally from Yarmouth, ME, Abby Hill studied in Copenhagen, Denmark, during the Spring of 2024 through the DIS program. A senior on the field hockey team, she majors in Anthropology and minors in American Studies. From the start, Abby knew she wanted to study abroad, choosing Copenhagen for its diverse course offerings and modern city atmosphere. While there, she lived in a Kollegium with both European and American students, creating lifelong friendships. Embracing the Danish lifestyle, Abby enjoyed cold plunges and biking around the city. She studied the Danish language and was introduced to the field of Urban Planning, something she now has great interest in. She highly recommends DIS Copenhagen for its unique opportunities, including week-long study trips to various locations. One of her favorite memories was touring the Olympic Village in Paris with her Urban Experience class. Abby encourages anyone with questions about studying abroad to reach out!
Layla Hoffmaster ‘25
Program: Dickinson in Italy: Italian Studies
Major: English; Italian Studies
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad
Email: hoffmasl@dickinson.edu
About me: Layla took part in the Italian Studies Program located in Bologna, Italy for the 2023-24 academic year. She knew that she wanted to study abroad before even enrolling at Dickinson and after her first Italian class she knew where she wanted to go. While she was studying abroad in Bologna, she took a variety of classes at the University of Bologna and the Dickinson Center, covering topics such as art history, medieval literature and Italian pop culture. When she wasn’t studying, she was exploring the town and taking trips throughout Italy. Her favorite memory from the year was going to see the Christmas tree lighting at Piazza Maggiore over winter break. After a wonderful year overseas, Layla looks forward to returning to Italy someday.
Colin Hofmann ‘25
Program: Dickinson in New Zealand
Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Minor: Biology
Identities I can speak to students about: Student-Athlete
Email: hofmannc@dickinson.edu
About me: Colin Hofmann is a senior biochemistry and molecular biology major. He also plays on the Men’s Soccer Team. He went to New Zealand for his study abroad experience. He was a part of the universities soccer, tramping, and skiing clubs. His favorite memories were going on hiking trips out into the Southern Alps, playing soccer with the local kiwis, and meeting his friend group which was nicknamed the backyardigans because they were all neighbors that shared a backyard.
Sarah Jang ‘25
Program: CET Taiwan; Dickinson in Italy: European Studies
Major: International Business and Management
Minor: Economics; Chinese
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad; Student of Color
Email: jangsa@dickinson.edu
About me: Sarah had been taking Mandarin since her freshman year of college and had planned to study abroad in Beijing, China during the fall semester of her junior year. However, her plans changed, and she accepted the opportunity to study in Taipei, Taiwan. She had no idea what to expect, but by the end of the program, she was in love with everything about Taiwan. Taiwan's beauty, from mountains to oceans, hot springs, waterfalls, cities, and even volcanoes, surpassed anything she had ever seen before. The people of Taiwan were filled with kindness and excitement as they expressed their gratitude to her for choosing to experience and learn about their home. The food was fantastic, as Taiwan is famous for its night markets and even invented boba! Sarah found the curriculum at National Taiwan University to be intense and rigorous, but it was well worth it when she discovered she was more fluent and comfortable speaking Mandarin! Overall, Sarah has stated that her time in Taiwan was the most enjoyable, heartfelt, and life-changing experience and that she would even love to live and work there in the future if the opportunity emerged!
Tyler Lissy ‘25
Program: Dickinson in England
Major: Political Science Minor: Security Studies Certificate
Email: lissyt@dickinson.edu
About me: Tyler had long considered study abroad to be an option in the near future, but traveling somewhere far from home for an extended period of time did bring him some worries. However, after doing some searching, he found the offer to attend a school in England for a semester, which he thought was both exciting and a relatively easier place to live based on the absence of a language barrier. And, although some nervousness about being away from home continued up until he left, he realized that there were an extensive amount of things to do while attending the University of East Anglia, including events such as Model UN and student-led MMA events. Furthermore, as an admirer of all things history, the local culture offered an array of unique areas to visit while learning more about the historical and social values attached to them. Nonetheless, his favorite memories were the connections he made with English folk he'd meet, whether it be on a bus or at a local market, where they were often generous in their time and kind enough to have a meaningful conversation.
Campbell Lucas-Miller ‘25
Program: Dickinson in France
Major: International Studies; Francophone Studies
Email: lucasmic@dickinson.edu
About me: Campbell studied abroad for the 23-24 Academic year in Toulouse, France. During his stay he earned an International Diploma from Sciences Po Toulouse, a top French university. Additionally, Campbell joined the university's rugby team, volunteered at a local food bank, and was active with the International Students Network. Campbell also visited many locations across the Occitan region, such as the famous castles of Carcassonne, the Pyrenees Mountains for hiking and skiing, wineries in the Dordogne region as well as the famous cheese producing village of Roquefort.
Shannon Lawrence ‘25
Program: DIS Copenhagen
Major: Sociology Minor: Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad
Email: lawrensh@dickinson.edu
About me: Shannon is a member of the Class of 2025 from Gorham, Maine. She majors in Sociology and minors in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Shannon always knew she wanted to study abroad but wasn’t sure where until learning about Dickinson’s partner program, DIS, in Copenhagen, Denmark. She instantly fell in love with the program offerings and attended during Fall 2023. During her time in Copenhagen, Shannon most enjoyed swimming in the canals, trying Danish restaurants, biking, bonding with her Danish and American floor mates, traveling to other countries on breaks, learning the language and culture, taking yoga classes at a local Danish studio, and the hands-on learning and unique class experiences. One of Shannon’s favorite memories was a traditional Danish Christmas dinner prepared and served by her Danish floor mates, including a taste of traditional foods along with the traditions and games that accompany the Christmas meal. Her study abroad semester was one of the most fulfilling and enriching experiences of her college career.
Adam Mast ‘25
Program: Dickinson in Italy: European Studies
Major: Economics; Political Science
Email: masta@dickinson.edu
About me: Adam studies Economics and Political Science. When he arrived at Dickinson, he knew that he wanted to study abroad as he was interested in traveling and experiencing a new culture. During his freshman year, he took Italian classes to fulfill his language requirement. During these courses, he enjoyed learning about Italian culture and knew he was interested in studying abroad in Bologna. During his sophomore year, Adam looked into other programs and ultimately decided that Bologna was the program that was best for him. This was definitely true. During the spring of 2024, he studied abroad in Bologna through the European Studies program and had a formative and transformational experience. He fell in love with the city of Bologna and enjoyed learning about Bolognese cuisine, history, and culture. He enjoyed finding local restaurants and trying local dishes. During his semester, he took Italian 231. This class was comprised of 6 other students and was a truly unique experience. He learned about Italian culture and current societal issues, Italian politics, and greatly improved his language skills. Through this course, he also met with a local Italian student, talking in Italian every week. This allowed him to learn a lot about Italian culture through a first-hand account. In addition to this Italian class, Adam also took classes through the University of Bologna and Johns Hopkins SAIS, which allowed him to meet new students outside of the Dickinson program and experience a new academic setting.
Ainsley McCaa ‘25
Program: Dickinson in Italy: European Studies
Major: International Studies Minor: Economics; Creative Writing
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad
Email: mccaaa@dickinson.edu
About me: Ainsley McCaa, Dickinson class of '25, is originally from Atlanta, Georgia. She studied abroad in Bologna, Italy in the spring of 2024. While abroad, she took many interesting classes taught by Italian professors, including a European Security class that was perfect for her International Studies major. Ainsley got to travel to many places, including other cities in Italy and other countries. However, she made sure to balance that with spending time in Bologna integrating herself into the culture. She considers Bologna to be the perfect place to study abroad with the high number of fellow students from Italy and across the world, beautiful sites in the city or only a short train ride away, and delicious food wherever you turn. Ainsley joined the Erasmus Student Network at the University of Bologna, which is a club for international students that hosts different events and trips. This was a great way for her to meet more people from all over. Ainsley is excited to answer any questions about her time in Bologna.
Caroline Meyer ‘25
Program: Dickinson in Italy: Italian Studies; Dickinson in New Zealand
Major: Environmental Studies Minor: Italian
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad
Email: meyerca@dickinson.edu
About me: Caroline is an Environmental Studies student who spent the past year in Bologna, Italy and Dunedin, New Zealand. Originally from Connecticut, she was taken by the idea of being able to travel and see the world. Caroline was able to improve her Italian speaking skills while studying in Italy. She enjoyed discovering the history of Italian culture, and conversing with the locals. While in New Zealand, Caroline explored the scenic landscapes of the South Island, and created life-long friendships with the local students. During her time at Dickinson, Caroline discovered the importance of a global perspective. By having two very different and unique study abroad experiences, she gained an appreciation for differences between cultures, and a passion for exploration. In her year away, she traveled to eight countries, witnessing and learning from new places. Caroline's study abroad experience is one she will remember for the rest of her life, and will continue to carry the things she learned with her. Caroline is looking forward to bringing her stories back to Carlisle, and encouraging students to study abroad.
Kathlyn Mosima ‘25
Program: CET Taiwan
Major: English; Chinese Minor: Political Science
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad; LGBTQIA+; Student of Color; Third Culture Individual (TCI); High Financial Need
Email: mosimak@dickinson.edu
About me: Katie studied abroad for the Spring 2024 semester in Taiwan at National Taiwan University through CET. Despite not having any particular interest in studying abroad as a prospective student, Dickinson’s approach to providing opportunities overseas inspired her to consider and her experience abroad has cemented its impact on her academic interests and future plans. Throughout her experience in Taiwan, she most enjoyed trying amazing new food, improving her Chinese speaking skills, living with her Taiwanese roommates, talking with her language partners and meeting new people, and hiking the many trails on the island. One of her favorite memories while abroad was eating lots of shaved ice and migao in a night market during a weekend in Tainan.
Emily Poland ‘25
Program: Dickinson in France
Major: Sociology; French
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad; LGBTQIA+; Mental Health
Email: polande@dickinson.edu
About me: Emily Poland ('25, she/her) is a sociology and French double major who spent the 2023-24 academic year studying abroad in Toulouse, France. Initially hesitant about spending two full semesters across the globe, Emily could not have made a better choice for herself. While abroad, she grew exponentially while combatting intercultural differences and language barriers. During these months, she lived with a host family and assisted as an intern alongside another Dickinson student in a comparative study of abortion in France and the United States conducted by a Dickinson alum!
Caleb Riener ‘25
Program: Dickinson in Italy: Italian Studies
Major: Political Science; Italian Studies
Identities I can speak to students about: High Financial Need; Jewish
Email: rienerc@dickinson.edu
About me: Caleb is a Political Science and Italian Studies double major. He knew that he wanted to study abroad when he was applying to Dickinson, and decided to study abroad for the entirety of his junior year after conversations with his family and academic advisors. Caleb was involved in Erasmus and a bolognese ultimate frisbee team while abroad, through which he made several great friendships and connections with people he would not have met any other way. His favorite memories are from traveling Europe with friends or trying one of the many amazing lunch places in Bologna.
Georgia Schaefer-Brown ‘25
Program: Dickinson in Italy: Italian Studies; Dickinson in Cameroon
Major: International Studies Minor: Italian; Economics
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad; LGBTQIA+
Email: schaefeg@dickinson.edu
About me: Georgia is a senior and spent two semesters studying abroad in Bologna, Italy, and Yaoundé, Cameroon. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dickinson's study abroad programs were what originally drew her to the college. In Bologna, Georgia took classes mostly in Italian through the Dickinson Center, the University of Bologna, and Johns Hopkins SAIS. She also participated in weekly dinners with a host family and taught English at a local high school. Some highlights from her time in Bologna include solo traveling, practicing her Italian language skills, and learning how to cook traditional foods with her host grandma. In Yaoundé, Georgia participated in Dickinson's partnership program with the School for International Training (SIT), which focuses on development and social change through a lens of decolonization. She lived with French-speaking host families in both Yaoundé, where the program is based, and in Batoufam (a village in the West). Georgia also completed a qualitative research project during the month-long independent study period, which brought her back to Batoufam. Some highlights from her time in Cameroon include building relationships with her host families and classmates, conducting interviews for her research, and taking taxis and motorbikes to explore the vibrant city of Yaoundé. Georgia is happy to answer any questions about either program!
Abhik Shrestha ‘25
Program: Dickinson in Italy: European Studies
Major: International Business; Data Analytics
Identities I can speak to students about: LGBTQIA+; Student of Color; International Student; High Financial Need
Email: shrestab@dickinson.edu
About me: Abhik Raj Shrestha is a rising senior with a double major in International Business and Data Analytics. He studied abroad in Bologna, Italy during the Spring of 2024. Being an international student, studying at Dickinson was already a study-abroad experience however, studying at Bologna was made easy by the college. In Bologna, he took some classes at the Dickinson Center and the University of Bologna. Abhik enjoyed learning about Italian history and culture, the opportunity to travel to places, and getting to know the city of Bologna.
Emma Stankus ‘25
Program: GIS Brazil; Dickinson in New Zealand
Major: English Minor: Music & Education
Identities I can speak to students about: LGBTQIA+; Women Abroad
Email: stankuse@dickinson.edu
About me: Emma is a senior english major and education minor who studied abroad in New Zealand at the University of Otago during the spring of 2024. She took a range of classes including Sociology of New Zealand, Music Production, Creative Writing, and Songwriting. During the semester, her highlights were social clubs, going camping for the first time, studying and creating music, and planting trees on the Peninsula. Going abroad was one of the best decisions Emma made and her favorite memory was taking a bus to a small town to feed wallabies. Emma loved learning about the nature in New Zealand as well as meeting new people from New Zealand and around the world. She is passionate about her experience traveling and would be happy to talk about New Zealand!
Natasha Stein ‘25
Program: DIS Copenhagen
Major: Psychology Minor: Film and Media Studies
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad; Middle Eastern Women Abroad
Email: steinn@dickinson.edu
About me: When Natasha started her undergraduate studies at Dickinson, she was determined to study abroad and see more of the world. In Spring 2024 of her junior year, she had the opportunity to spend a semester in Copenhagen, Denmark through the DIS program where she studied European Clinical Psychology. During her time abroad, she took classes that curated to her deep interests and career aspirations. She conducted and presented her research project on GenZ decision making and privacy. She also made lifelong friends, and traveled to numerous countries. Natasha connected deeply with the Scandinavian culture and was lucky enough to partake in many cultural activities like folk dancing, cooking traditional dishes, and even learning the Danish language. Some of the many highlights of her experiences include early morning cold plunges, her week long class trip to Vienna, seeing historical monuments across Europe, and trying real Danish pastries. Natasha loves sharing memories of her time abroad with others and encourages anyone with questions to reach out to her!
Mary Charlotte Sterling ‘25
Program: DIS Copenhagen
Major: Sociology Minor: Education and Health Studies Certificates
Identities I can speak to students about: LGBTQIA+; Women Abroad
Email: sterlinm@dickinson.edu
About me: Mary Charlotte is a senior, studying Sociology and Education from Richmond, Virginia. She spent the Spring 2024 semester studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark through the partner program DIS. Mary Charlotte enjoyed meeting students from various universities across the United States and connecting with local Danish students. She lived in a Kollegium (shared apartment) with one DIS student and two Danish students, forming strong, personal relationships. Additionally, she had a visiting host family, with whom she met up with weekly to explore various parts of Denmark and discuss different cultural aspects. She studied Child Development and Education, where she had the privilege of traveling to Finland with her class. In Copenhagen, she enjoyed biking around the city, visiting local museums, thrifting, and trying different Danish cuisines. Some of her favorite memories while studying abroad include doing a cold plunge in Finland with her Education class, attending an FC Copenhagen game, and watching the Danish ballet. Studying abroad allowed her to grow independently and connect with people from all over the world.
Sam Strieb ‘25
Program: Dickinson in New Zealand
Major: Chemistry
Identities I can speak to students about: Student-Athlete
Email: striebs@dickinson.edu
About me: Sam is a Chemistry major from Reading, PA who studied abroad in New Zealand in the Fall 2023 semester. On campus he is involved in a multitude of organizations, including working in Admissions, tutoring in the QR center, and swimming for the Men's Varsity Swim Team. He never planned on spending a semester abroad, but soon came to realize the unmatched value and growth that comes with an abroad experience. When choosing a program, New Zealand was the immediate choice. While there, he spent most of his weekends exploring new hiking trails, including his first experiences with overnight hikes. One of his favorite memories from his abroad experience was his final hike, where he was able to do a polar-plunge in a waterfall made of pure glacial runoff at the peak of the 10 mile trek. He notes that these hikes were some of the most challenging, rewarding, and impactful moments of his time abroad.
Natasha Stutzman ‘25
Program: Dickinson in New Zealand
Major: Chemistry Minor: Film & Media Studies
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad; LGBTQIA+; High Financial Need
Email: stutzman@dickinson.edu
About me: Natasha is a chemistry major who studied at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand in fall 2023. She always knew she wanted to study abroad, and Dickinson was the perfect place to offer that opportunity. The University of Otago had state of the art science facilities that were perfect for taking her chemistry classes abroad. During the semester, Natasha was involved in the volleyball and archery clubs. One of her favorite memories in New Zealand was seeing a hundred little blue penguins (kororā) swim up to the beach and waddle back to their nests.
Lily Swain ‘25
Program: Dickinson in France
Major: Art History; French & Francophone Studies
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad
Email: swainl@dickinson.edu
About me:Lily was drawn to Dickinson because of its study abroad programs, so when she enrolled here as French and Art History major, she knew she was going to take advantage of the Toulouse program. She chose to study abroad in Toulouse for the full year, taking most of her classes at the Université de Toulouse Jean-Jaurès. While in Toulouse she lived with a host family, volunteered at a local community arts center, and interned at one of Toulouse's historic monuments, the Couvent des Jacobins. Her favorite memory of the city was sitting on the banks of the river la Garonne at night with her friends and admiring all of the lights reflected on the water. She says the best thing about Toulouse is it's the perfect size: walkable, but big enough that there's always a new restaurant or event to try out.
Alexandra Terzis ‘25
Program: Dickinson in Italy: Italian Studies
Major: Law & Policy Minor: Italian
Email: terzisa@dickinson.edu
About me: Alexandra always knew that she wanted to study abroad and always knew it had to be Italy. When she was first told that the Italy study abroad program was in Bologna, she had no idea what to think because she never had heard of it. Through her Italian classes, she grew a love for the italian language and culture and eventually decided to declare it as minor. As she embarked on her journey, she shortly found that that Bologna is not only the food capital of Italy, but the food capital of the world. One of her favorite experiences while abroad was traveling to Sorrento, Italy with her best friend Amelia. She describes Sorrento as "utterly breathtaking" and a place that she will remember for the rest of her life.
Anna Wallace ‘25
Program: CET Taiwan; Yonsei University
Major: International Studies; Chinese Minor: Music
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad; Student of Color
Email: wallacan@dickinson.edu
About me:Originally from a small town in Maine, Anna spent her year abroad in Taipei, Taiwan for the Fall semester and Seoul, Korea for the spring semester. As an International Studies and Chinese double major she took advantage of the flexibility her curriculum could provide by spending the whole year abroad working towards these majors. Anna knew she wanted took take advantage of Dickinson's Global Engagement Center when she applied, specifically to go to somewhere far away and be challenged culturally while she had the ability to do so as a student.
In Taiwan she improved her Mandarin Chinese immensely through CET's language-intensive program along with taking a class on Cross Strait Relations between China and Taiwan. In Korea, she took the opportunity to enroll in an intensive Korean language class for the first time, as well as classes on Politics of Korean Peninsula, U.S-Korea Relations, and Traditional Society and Modernization. She traveled a lot in both Taiwan and Korea, getting to know her host countries even more outside their capital cities.
Her favorite memories from abroad have been making life long friendships with people from other schools around the world, living freely and independently in big cities, and seeing the most beautiful variety of places both Taiwan and Korea have to offer.
Simon Weber ‘25
Program: Dickinson in Japan: Nagoya
Major: Japanese Minor: French & Francophone Studies
Identities I can speak to students about: LGBTQIA+, Religious Community Member and High Financial Need
Email: webersi@dickinson.edu
About me: Simon is a senior studying both Japanese (major) and French and Francophone Studies (minor). He had always known that he wanted to study abroad, as he had wanted to get a degree in France before Covid-19 made him change plans. He had originally planned to study in both France and Japan during the 2023-24 academic year, but decided to extend his time in Japan after the fall semester. At Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan, Simon was involved in both the A Cappella Club and the International Exchange Club. His favorite memory from abroad was the Okinawa trip he took with his closest friends that he had made during his year abroad. Simon stated that he made memories and friendships that are going to stay with him for a lifetime, and studying in Japan was the best and most impactful experience of his life.
Anna Wendel ‘25
Program: Dickinson at Oxford
Major: English Literature Minor: French and Francophone Studies
Identities I can speak to students about: Student with Disabilities; Women Abroad; Religious Community Member
Email: wendela@dickinson.edu
About me: Anna Wendel is an English Major with a French and Francophone Studies Minor at Dickinson College, originally from Yardley, Pennsylvania. During the 2023-2024 academic year, she studied abroad at Mansfield College of Oxford University. At Mansfield, Anna took courses on 19th century British politics, Jane Austen’s work, novel structure and feminist theory, and studied Victorian, Modernist and Contemporary Literature. She was initially unsure about studying abroad, but was encouraged by her advisors to apply to the Oxford program. While at Oxford, Anna was a member of the Mansfield College Music Society as a choir member, and spent time exploring city green spaces, and attending classical music and theatrical performances at other colleges in the city. During breaks, Anna traveled to Paris, Amsterdam, Cambridge, Canterbury, York, and Bath. Her favorite memories are reading in the Bodleian libraries, exploring colleges with friends, attending silent discos, being a part of the religious community at Blackfriars Hall, and cooking with new friends in her flat.
Lindsay Werner ‘25
Program: ICCS Rome
Major: Classical Studies
Identities I can speak to students about: Student with Disabilities; Women Abroad; Student of Color
Email: wernerl@dickinson.edu
About me: Lindsay is a Classical Studies major who studied abroad in Rome, Italy with the Intercollegiate School of Classical Studies during the fall of her junior year. She always knew that she wanted to study abroad in Rome, and although she was a little nervous about being far away from her family in a country where she didn’t speak the language, she knew that this was the right program for her. While the courses were challenging at times, she was fascinated and excited by all of the ancient sites she saw during her classes abroad, from the excavated ancient city of Pompeii to the temples at Paestum. It is one thing to see these sites and objects from a textbook, but it is another thing entirely to see them and to have professors explain their significance and history in person. She made new friends with other students in the program, and she enjoyed hanging out with them when they made dinner together. Every weekend, she would go to one of the local cafes right down the street from where she lived and buy a sugar donut, and a croissant for breakfast. Having made great friends while exploring and learning about a beautiful city, She greatly appreciates her time abroad, and encourages other Classical Studies and/or Archaeology major(s)/minor(s) to apply to this program.
Erin Zacks ‘25
Program: DIS Stockholm
Major: Political Science; Law & Policy
Identities I can speak to students about: Women Abroad
Email: zackse@dickinson.edu
About me: One of the reasons Erin chose Dickinson was because of the numerous programs abroad they had. Entering her sophomore year, she had her eye on the DIS partner program because she was always fascinated with Scandinavian culture and how their governments are ran. While in Stockholm she was fully emerged in the Swedish culture as she took Swedish language classes and celebrated various holidays with the friends she made. Her favorite memory is when her housing site contributed to a Friendsgiving on the last week and everyone made their favorite dishes from home!