2020-2021 Study Abroad Student Advisory Board

Hi, my name is Madeline! I’m a junior studying Government & Hispanic Studies, and I’m from Pennsylvania. This past spring, I studied abroad in Cusco, Peru, and it was absolutely fantastic. The things I miss most are the food, speaking Spanish every day, and the amazing hikes I went on (the altitude in Cusco is 12,000 feet). I’m so excited to work with William & Mary study abroad to ensure that other students have just as amazing an experience as I did. 

I am a senior from McLean, VA majoring in Government and Psychology. Studying abroad was an incredible opportunity and I am so thankful for all of the amazing memories and friends that I made during my time in Valencia, Spain. Through this experience, I was able to establish meaningful cross-cultural connections, develop my language skills, and gain a newfound sense of independence. I look forward to joining the SASAB to assist students in finding the study abroad experience that will be as meaningful and rewarding for them as mine was for me.

I am a sophomore from Massachusetts majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Data Science. I took the first opportunity I could to study abroad and went to Beijing in the Winter of 2020.  I am planning to do additional programs during upcoming summer sessions and a semester during junior year. I joined SASAB to encourage students to take advantage of studying abroad even as early as their freshman year. I know that going through that process has opened my eyes to all of the global opportunities that William & Mary has to offer.

I am a current senior majoring in Economics and minoring in Finance.  One of my goals when I came to W&M was to study abroad, and I can proudly say I accomplished that.  My semester in Sydney was truly life changing and an experience I will never forget.  I was able to experience so many new cultures, and met so many amazing people while abroad.  I believe every student should consider it, especially with the wide range of options students have, and I can’t wait to share my experiences with you through SASAB!

I am a senior at W&M double majoring in Sociology and Environmental Policy. I am originally from New Hampshire but I moved to North Carolina about 3 years ago. My study abroad experiences have been highlights of my college career. My summer in Adelaide was my first major international experience and impacted my life in ways I never could have imagined. It was the push out of my comfort zone I didn’t even know I needed and I made amazing friends who I am still in contact with! While my semester in Dublin was a very different experience, I feel like I was able to practice independence and was able to travel to different places in Europe both with friends and on my own. I wanted to join SASAB because I know a lot of students are concerned about missing out at W&M if they go abroad, but I want them to know how many programs W&M offers and they don’t have to miss out on a traditional W&M semester. I am very excited for this opportunity! 

I am a Sophomore double majoring in Asian & Middle Eastern Studies and Film & Media Studies. I was born in Brandon, FL, but raised in England, Germany, Korea, Japan and VIrginia, living my last 12 years overseas consecutively. My multicultural experiences growing up abroad have given me a unique perspective of people and first hand knowledge of other cultures that I will always cherish. I plan to share my international lessons to inspire and encourage other students to travel overseas. Being able to study abroad, even for a short period of time, will provide enlightening and enriching moments that will open minds for a lifetime. Every student should try this magnificent opportunity to grow and see the world differently at least once in their academic career.