Study Abroad Advising & Ambassadors

Hello! I'm Ella, a senior majoring in Political Science with a minor in History! I studied abroad at the University of Oxford at Worcester College in England. This was an incredibly rewarding experience both for my academic development and personal growth. I truly enjoyed my study abroad experience, so much so that I extended my time abroad from just the fall semester to the full year. I recognize that leaving Wellesley to study somewhere new can be a difficult decision to make. I wanted to be a study abroad ambassador so I could have a role in supporting fellow Wellesley students throughout their entire study abroad process! There were so many special memories I made while abroad! To list a few: Competing in Summer VIIIs (Oxford's annual inter-college summer rowing regatta), spontaneous opportunities such as attending a Christmas soirée at the Natural History Museum, and going on walks around Port Meadow with friends! Specific topics/areas of interest students can discuss with me include Oxford applications, navigating a different academic system, and creating balance & community while studying abroad.

I'm Abby, a senior majoring in French and Math! I studied abroad in Bordeaux through the Bordeaux-before-Aix program before spending a semester abroad doing Wellesley-in-Aix! My semester abroad was filled with so much learning, in many ways that I initially did not expect. The improvement of my French skills was super rewarding, but I also gained independence and confidence navigating a new city on my own, and had so many new unexpected experiences. Of course, there were also challenging aspects of the semester, and as a Study Abroad Ambassador I hope to help my peers set realistic and open-minded expectations so that you can have the most fulfilling time abroad! My favorite memory from my time abroad: A few friends and I helped cook a big American Thanksgiving dinner for some of our host families and their neighbors! It was a cool chance to share our traditions and see what surprised them - and, of course, to eat some apple pie! Specific topics/areas of interest students can discuss with me include language immersion/host families, studying abroad as a STEM major, and LGBTQ+ identity while abroad!

Hi! I'm a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Statistics. I studied abroad in Niscosia, Cyprus! As a QuestBridge scholar at Wellesley, I once thought of studying abroad as "ideal but not definite". My fears regarding its affordability and access to community were palpable, but with the help of OIS and the many students undergoing the same process, I found myself navigating the experience with more ease than I could have ever imagined. During my senior year as a Study Abroad ambassador, I seek to guide prospects through the whirlwind of study-away preparation and mentor a new class of international Wellesley representatives through discussion and team-building! My favorite memory from my time abroad was listening to music at Sarah's Jazz Club after a day at the beach! Specific topics/areas of interest students can discuss with me include financial aid, credit transfer, destination matching, and culture shock!

Hello! I'm Adriana, a senior majoring in Chemistry and Latin American Studies! Study abroad was a formative experience for me both academically and socially, so I hope to pay it forward and help students plan for study abroad. Going to Chile was my first time leaving the US, and it was daunting at first and required some planning ahead. OIS is a really helpful resource that helped me navigate important parts of studying abroad-from getting my first passport to choosing a program, and I hope to guide students in using these resources! My favorite memory from my time abroad was visiting the Patagonia region and celebrating Fiestas Patrias! Specific topics/areas of interest students can discuss with me include being STEM major abroad, Latinx abroad, and homestay/host family experience!

Hi! I'm Ali, I'm a senior majoring in Data Science and English! I studied abroad in Amsterdam at Vrije Universiteit. At Wellesley, I am also on the e-board of Heartspace and a member of WZLY (tune into my show!). I found studying abroad to be an amazing experience in finding outside perspectives on my areas of study, exploring new places, and becoming comfortable in unfamiliar environments, and I would love to help other students take advantage of this opportunity with confidence. A particularly special memory I have from studying abroad was the end of semester canal cruise! Specific topics/areas of interest students can discuss with me include studying abroad as a transfer student, or as a STEM major/double major, taking classes in a different school system, and experience traveling while abroad.

Hi! I'm Kaylabelle, I'm a senior majoring in Sociology and Education Studies! I studied abroad at Yonder Univerisity in Seoul, South Korea! My time studying in Korea transcended academics, evolving into a transformative journey that reshaped my worldview. I forged lasting friendships with people from diverse backgrounds, visited almost every club in Seoul with , explored mouth-watering night markets, attended countless concerts and festivals, and even ventured to neighboring countries on weekend trips with friends. The best part? Through the support and guidance of everyone in OIS, these life-changing experiences were super accessible, regardless of my financial background, major, or really anything else! That's why I became a Study Abroad Ambassador – to spread the word that you can make the world your classroom! I'm here to help you seize this incredible opportunity during your time at Wellesley!

Specific topics/areas of interest students can discuss with me include tips for language immersion; being a Black Woman abroad (experiences with race and identity, hair care and beauty standards abroad); balancing language classes with cultural experiences; building connections with local students; attending local events, festivals, and cultural activities in Korea; differences between academic culture in Korea and US; solo traveling as a young woman; finances and financial aid abroad; applying to scholarships; interning in the US while abroad.