Close menu Resources for... William & Mary
W&M menu close William & Mary

2020-2021 Study Abroad Student Advisory Board

Meet the 2020-2021 members of SASAB

list of SASAB members
Madeline Elliott

Studied Abroad: Peru-Third Party ISA  

madeline-picture_web_main.jpgHi, 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 and Mary study abroad to ensure that other students have just as amazing an experience as I did. 

Hank Hermens

Studied Abroad:  Nominated & Accepted  Applicant for Fall 2020 Hertford College, Oxford

Kaia Johnson

Studied Abroad:  Valencia, Spain

kaia-johnson-sasab-pic_web.jpgI 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.

Patrick Kavanagh

Studied Abroad: Semester At Sea Spring 2020

patrick-kavanagh-pic_web.jpgI am a junior from Newcastle, Maine double majoring in International Relations and Economics. My study abroad experience is something I would not have traded for the world. Though I was sent home early due to the COVID-19 outbreak, I still had an incredible experience while abroad. I made memories that I will cherish forever and learned about the world in a way I never thought I could. As an IR major, I think it is important to understand the ways in which countries interact with and are perceived by others. I joined the SASAB because I want all students to be able to experience this first hand. I also want to make studying abroad more accessible to students to ensure everyone gets the impactful opportunity I had.
Youjin Li

Studied Abroad: Beijing W&M Summer/some of spring 2020 in South Korea

Caitlin Maria

Studied Abroad: Beijing W&M Winter

caitlin-maria_web.jpgI 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.

Patrick O'Hara

Studied Abroad: Sydney, Australia

patrick-o-hara_web.jpgI am a current senior at the College 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!

Deme Smith

Studied Abroad: Adelaide, Australia

deme-smith_web.jpgI 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! 

Michaela-Katherine Taylor

Study Abroad Plans: Asia

mika-taylor-_-web.jpgI 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.