Global Ambassadors are students who have completed semester-long HWS study abroad programs and now volunteer with the Center for Global Education. As peer mentors, they represent their host programs, answer questions and offer honest insight into abroad experience. They also help build community on campus by supporting both returned study abroad participants and visiting exchange students.
If you’re curious about their programs, interests or life abroad, don’t hesitate to reach out — they’re eager to connect!
Rachel Brooks '26, Lead AMbassador
Majors: Environmental Studies and International Relations Minor: Spanish & Hispanic Studies
Study Abroad Location and Term: Wales, Summer 2023; Maastricht, Netherlands, Spring 2024
I have always wanted to study abroad, to have an experience where I could fully immerse myself in a different culture. Through my semester in Maastricht as well as my summer in Wales, I have made countless memories and connections with people from HWS and around the world!
Advice for Students Going Abroad: My advice for study abroad students is to find something you enjoy doing (or something new) and go while you are abroad!
Julia Baer '27
Majors: English & Creative Writing Campus Involvement: ORAP, Rock Climbing Club
Study Abroad Location and Term: Aix-en-Provence, France, Spring 2025
I went abroad to Aix-en-Provence, France because I wanted to experience living in a different country and culture as well as work on my French language skills.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: I would encourage students looking to go abroad to search out a program that fits them best wholistically - taking time to think about how it effects their major, life goals, and comfort level.
Siena Bertolino ’26
Major: Mathematics, Business Management & Entrepreneurship Campus Involvement: Equestrian Club Team, Habitat for Humanity, Teacher Education Program
Study Abroad Location and Term: Lisbon, Portugal, Spring 2025
Never having been outside the country, I wanted to see new places and to experience other cultures and ways of life. I also wanted to see what it was like to live and study in another country and meet new people from different backgrounds.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Say yes to new experiences, spend time exploring on your own, and remember to give yourself grace if you have bad days or need to relax and not always be traveling or doing something.
Julia Bragg '26
Majors: Business Management & Entrepreneurship Minor: Public Health Athletics: Soccer, Ski Teams
Study Abroad Location and Time: Aix-en-Provence, France, Spring 2025
I have always dreamed of traveling the world, and studying abroad was the perfect opportunity for me to do so.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Embrace the culture around you. Life is so different outside of the US, and experiencing how others live helps you appreciate different perspectives, lifestyles and ways of thinking.
Nicolas Diaz-Aguilar '26
Major: Computer Science Minors: Asian Studies, Entrepreneurship Athletics: Volleyball Campus Involvement: IT Services
Study Abroad Location and Term:Taipei, Taiwan, Spring 2025
I studied abroad to learn a language, gain culture awareness, and meet new people. I was able to do all of these and more!
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Try new things and enjoy every moment!
Jess Finnerty '26
Major: Biology Minor: Public Policy Studies Athletics: Lacrosse, Squash Campus Involvement: Morgan's Message, Women in STEM
Study Abroad Location and Term: Maastricht, Netherlands, Fall 2024
I studied abroad because I wanted to learn more about myself and how I can adapt and thrive in the face of change. I also wanted to explore the rest of the world while learning at a prestigious and beautiful college in the Netherlands!
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Don't be afraid to ask for help! Everything is going to be new; don't be afraid to take advantage of everything there is to offer.
Study Abroad Location and Term: Seville, Spain, Fall 2023; Perth, Australia, Fall 2024
I studied abroad because I wanted to explore the world and find my place in it. The thought of studying abroad started on my gap year, when I decided to go to Mexico for a semester. After that I realized that going to a new place by myself let me discover more sides of my personality and how I wanted to carry myself in the world. Each time I have gone abroad, I felt like I found more of me, and that is something I haven't gotten doing other things in my life.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Give yourself time to adjust. Things will be different, but whence you settle in it will be like no other experience you’ve had.
Lina Hassini '26
Major: Biology Minor: Chemistry Campus Involvement: Jazz Ensemble, STEM Scholars, Volleyball Club
Study Abroad Location and Term: Perth, Australia, Spring 2025
I decided to study abroad because I saw it as a unique life opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown. I was excited to visit a place I had never been, immerse myself in Australia’s rich history, learn about the Aboriginal culture, and experience one more time as an international student what it feels to live in a foreign environment. One of the most special moments was going for early morning swims with locals each week, a truly unique activity that connected me with the Australian lifestyle. This experience broadened my perspective, boosted my adaptability, and fueled my curiosity to discover more cultures around the world.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Embrace the vulnerability that comes with being in a foreign environment as it’s when most growth happens. Take every opportunity to connect with others, as building relationships will not only enrich your experience but also allow you to navigate new perspectives. The friendships you make abroad can shape your journey in beautiful ways.
Ruth Hotaling '26
Majors: Mathematics, Music Athletics: Soccer Campus Involvement: Jazz Ensemble, SAAC, Math Teaching Fellow
Study Abroad Location and Term: Copenhagen, Denmark, Spring 2025
I studied abroad to broaden my global perspective, push outside my comfort zone, and experience a new culture. I met new people, learned how to cook new foods, and saw a lot of places that I never would have considered before.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Take chances on new and exciting (or nerve-wracking) opportunities, you won't regret it! And stay disciplined with schoolwork, it's another way to experience your host country's culture and identity.
Lucia Langan '26
Majors: Media & Society Minor: Spanish & Hispanic Studies Campus Involvement: Run Club President, Media & Society Ambassador, HWS Tutor Corps
Study Abroad Location and Term: London, England, Spring 2025
I studied abroad for various reasons, the main one being to experience something new. There is so much more to the world, and I wanted to experience something beyond the United States and feel safe in a country.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: My advice for future students abroad would be to take advantage of every opportunity and make friends beyond the group of people you came with. Everyone is friendly. Also, take advantage of every free second you have to explore. Time is limited.
Byron Maddox '26
Major: Architectural Studies Minors: Environmental Studies, Media & Society Athletics: Football Campus Involvement: Art Collective Club, Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program, Sankofa (the Black Student union)
Study Abroad Location and Term: Rome, Italy, Spring 2025
I wanted to experience an unfamiliar part of the world, I thought going on an adventure like that would push me forward to grow and learn. I had never left the country up until last semester and studying abroad opened my eyes to how big the world is. Rome became my home, studying abroad made me become more without even realizing it. I am so thankful for the experience.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Take in as much as you can and push yourself outside your comfort zone. It goes by so fast so make sure to have as much fun as you can and to live in the present. Appreciate how special this opportunity is and make your days wherever you are count.
Riley McCabe '26
Majors: English & Creative Writing Minor: Writing Colleagues Campus Involvement: Club Soccer, KDC, Writing Colleague
Study Abroad Location and Term: Prague, Czechia, Spring 2025
I studied abroad because I wanted to immerse myself in a new language and different culture, while also experiencing what life is like in other parts of the world. I chose Prague because I've always been fascinated by Czechia’s history and unique location in Eastern Europe.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Put yourself out there! It's worth it to try and immerse yourself as much as possible. Use the language whenever you can! If you go to a country that doesn't speak English, don't be afraid to try and use the language you're learning! Don't be afraid to ask questions! If you're confused during the application process or even when it comes to getting your visa, ask for help ASAP. Our Center for Global Education staff is here to help for a reason.
Barbora Mickute '27
Major: History
Study Abroad Location and Term: Aix-en-Provence, France, Spring 2025
I was looking for an opportunity to build my language skills and travel to a region I haven't seen before. I was very excited to experience the food culture and historical landmarks.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: I would suggest trying to learn a bit of the local language, even if it is just the basics for ordering a coffee.
Lindsay Miller '27
Major: History Minor: Public Policy Studies Campus Involvement: Admissions, HWS Votes, ORAP, Teacher Education Program
Study Abroad Location and Term: Auckland, New Zealand, Spring 2025
I studied abroad for so many reasons, some of them including ease of travel, fitting in with my academic and personal interests, and receiving the absolute privilege of being a student teacher abroad. I love to travel to new places, and after my studying was done, I enjoyed exploring the surrounding countries like Australia.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Take as many opportunities as you are able! Remember, you are probably not going to be in your country forever under these circumstances, so live a little! Talk and make connections with as many people as possible; they could end up becoming your lifelong friends. Start getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and trying new things.
Elena Roll '27
Majors: Educational Studies, Psychological Science Campus Involvement: Teacher Education Program
Study Abroad Location and Term: Auckland, New Zealand, Spring 2025
I studied abroad to understand the world from a different lens and be fully immersed in another culture. I knew before coming to HWS that I wanted to study abroad, and the CGE makes it so easy and accessible. Even after coming home, I continue to reflect on how much I learned while I was abroad and how the experience will be something I will always carry with me.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: My advice is to soak it up. Being receptive to the cultural, social, and academic differences and reflecting will be most beneficial in your learning and growth. Step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of where you are!
Stephanie Ryan '26
Majors: Educational Studies, French & Francophone Studies Minor: Spanish for Bilingual Education
Study Abroad Location and Term: Grenoble, France, Spring 2025
I studied abroad to completely immerse myself in local language and culture. As a French and Francophone Studies major, it was important for me to have this academic experience.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Don’t get trapped in the “English-speaking or American bubble.” Really explore where you are and be open to trying new things.
Shayna Straney '26
Major: Environmental Studies Minor: Data Analytics Campus Involvement: Club Soccer, Teacher Education Program
Study Abroad Location and Term: Auckland, New Zealand, Spring 2025
I decided to study abroad in New Zealand because I wanted to be able to explore the stunning natural landscape and take part in a teaching internship abroad. I was also motivated by the chance to step out of my comfort zone and fully immerse myself in a new culture.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: My advice to future study abroad students is to not let fear hold you back and to take advantage of every opportunity presented to you.
Juliana Victor '26
Majors: Economics, International Relations Athletics: Sailing Campus Involvement: Community Assistant (CA), Women in Economics
Study Abroad Location and Term: Copenhagen, Denmark, Spring 2025
I studied abroad because I believe in the importance of a global education and the development of a global perspective. While I was abroad, my experiences encouraged me to think in diverse ways, analyze the world through a critical lens, and provided perspective into the experiences of others across the globe.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Do not let hesitation prevent you from exploring, challenging yourself, and engaging with the community which you are visiting; anxiety is fleeting and the experiences you will get will last much longer.
