Meet Our Fall 2024 Correspondents!

I love to make things. I love organizing small pieces—recordings, numbers, shots, chords, feelings, lyrics, methods—into meaningful, complete products—like an album or a website or a movie. I also like wearing strange clothes and hairstyles.

When I reflect on my unfiltered self or identity, the first thing that comes to mind is my love for art and travel, two things that empower me to be my most genuine and raw self, encouraging the novelty of artistic innovation and purposeful travel.

I am a junior at Grinnell College, majoring in Computer Science and Economics. As a LinkedIn influencer, I share insights on AI and finance. In my free time, I enjoy weightlifting, fantasy football, and swimming. Excited to study abroad in Amsterdam!

Brooke is from Winston Salem, NC, United States, and is a student at the University of Amsterdam this fall. She enjoys being outside, thrifting, and reading good books in good coffee shops. She is also a CODA, fluent in American Sign Language.

Hey, friend! I'm Billy (they/them), an English and Gender Studies double major. Between writing poetry and songs, I can be found flooring caffeine, planning a road trip, or ambling through nature.

I'm an artist from New Jersey whose days are spent creating and seeking trills! on top of all things creative, I love to run long distance races, backpack, and try as many new foods as I can.

Hi! My name is Blair Martin and I am a junior at Spelman College studying english, originally from WI. In my free time I enjoy running and taking film photos. I love traveling and meeting new people, so I'm beyond psyched about my semester abroad!

Hi, my name is Ama Ndukwe. I am 19 years old and I was born and raised in Boston Massachusetts. I love volleyball and the beach. I am an avid shopper so if you're someone who believes the best cardio is shopping till you drop, I am your girl.

I am an Economics major at Villanova University from Cleveland, OH. I like to play golf, lacrosse, and basketball with friends. I love the outdoors and have spent many of my summers at Camp Deerwood in New Hampshire.

My name is Sparsh Kumar, and I am a student at the University of Rochester. I am incredibly excited to study abroad, as this is an experience I have been waiting to engage in. My favorite hobbies include reading, dancing, and eating different foods!

I grew up in Maine and never really understood natural beauty. I always saw scenery and landscapes as just land and could not see why they were pretty. I then went to high school south of Boston. After coming back to Maine I truly understand nature.

Hi! My name is Nat and I'm from Rhode Island and spending a semester abroad in Berlin, GE. I am focusing on my language skills and cannot wait to share my experience with everyone. I enjoy biking, thrifting, and checking out new places.

Tal Pemstein (they/them) is a junior at Brandeis University, in Waltham, Massachusetts. They love reading, bouldering, playing Bananagrams, and exploring museums!

I play piano and started learning to play the harp a little over a year ago. I also love being outside, whether it's hiking, camping, or climbing. I work for my school's garden by harvesting vegetables and doing native restoration.

Hey! I'm Chrissy from New Orleans, LA. I love reading (send a rec my way!), thrifting and you'll usually find me outside on a new adventure. On a mission to produce music, DJ, learn the electric guitar, and travel as much as I can. Mark my words!

My name is Marina Williams (she, her). I am from sunny Sacramento, California, a junior at CWRU in Ohio and a lover of all things nature, except insects lol. In my free time you can find me dancing, thrifting, making new friends, or chasing sunsets!

I love to try new foods at least once in my life. I also enjoy finding new music scenes and being in the outdoors. My perfect weekend would include a hike, brunch, and a good book.

My name is Shreya Bhat, I am a South Indian woman who is interested in being her most authentic self and providing honest and real experience through podcasts and blogs for viewers who are interested in pursuing an education abroad.

I'm studying English: Creative Writing with a Science, Technology, and Society minor at Colby College. I'm from a small town in Maine called Gardiner. I love writing, reading, and lifting weights, and I adore rock music and fashion!

My name is Rosalie and I am a current junior at the University of Richmond where I'm a double major in Environmental Studies and Journalism. In my free time, I love hiking, running, reading, knitting, and backpacking: I love the outdoors!

Hi I'm Mila, an incoming senior from Seattle, WA. I love to travel, shop, and explore new places with new people. I'm insanely excited to document my time abroad and create new memories in Granada. See you there!

My name is Lily Echeverria, and I'm from New York City. I attend Bowdoin College, where I study English and Environmental Studies. I love being outside, sneakers, dogs, books, hats, and live music.

I'm a Premed student at Brandeis University with a passion for medicine and addressing healthcare disparities. I am bilingual in Spanish and English and I enjoy playing soccer, going to the beach, traveling, and doing drone photography.

Hello, I'm Emma Morehouse, a Michigan native who just completed my studies at Hope College. An interesting tidbit about me is that I've visited all 50 states in the U.S. I enjoy exploring different cuisines, and immersing myself in diverse cultures!

Hi! I'm Michelle Rojas, and I'm a junior at the University of Rochester studying Business Marketing & Psychology. I am a creative person who enjoys exploring and connecting with others. I am passionate about creating meaningful, engaging content.

I grew up in the mountains of Colorado, often hiking, biking, skiing, and camping. Venturing to Rochester, NY for University, my friends describe me as inquisitive and adventurous. Headed to London, I am excited to explore a new corner of the world.

Hi! My name is Emma and I’m a nerd. I’m an aspiring mathematician, but I also play the piano, sing in choirs, and love reading and writing. I follow Jesus and I enjoy taking walks, organizing, and visiting scenic spots, from mountains to cities.

I am an international student from India, studying math and computer science. I love animals, photography and sports. I am a big fan of Spanish football and music.

An avid hiker and rookie musician, I love being outdoors and jamming on the guitar whether solo or with friends. Having Mixtec, Mexican, and Polish heritage has allowed me to appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives.

I'm Mehr, a Claremont McKenna sophomore studying economics and data science. I am a certified yoga instructor, and a huge travel enthusiast. I enjoy exploring new cuisines and cultures. Fun fact: I ran a small organic soap business for six years!

Hi, my name is Sophie! I go to school at Santa Clara University in California, but I'm spending this fall studying in Milan, Italy. I love to read, ski, travel, and take photos (of course)! I can't wait to share my adventures with you this semester.

I am from Tampa, Florida, but currently attend school at Villanova University in Philadelphia. While it has been much chillier, I have enjoyed the new adventures and spontaneous trips around New England. I see the world and try every food in sight!

I’m a technology designer and computational social scientist. In my free time, I enjoy baking and going on adventures with my friends (from laser tag to kayaking). Oh, and I also love chocolate pizza – you should definitely visit Brazil and try it!

I study political science at Grinnell College (particularly love con law + pol. economy), a small liberal arts college in Iowa. Also, I'm a classically trained pianist, bassist, choir kid, guitarist, songwriter, and the lead singer of a punk band.

Hi, I'm Abby! I'm a student at Amherst College studying Biology and Studio Art, and I play for the Amherst College Softball team. I love art, animals, traveling, and playing guitar!

A Third-Year College Student majoring in International Relations and Studio Art. I love to swim and draw during my pastime and drink warm chamomile tea. My favorite dessert is Ice cream, especially, during the summer time.

Hello, my name is Emma Suzuki Szwajkowski, I'm a fourth-year student at Penn State University studying International Politics and Japanese. During the 2024-2025 academic year, I am studying abroad at Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan. Join me on my adventure!

Hi there! I'm Pranav, a CS/Linguistics student at Grinnell College. I love travelling and learning new languages (I speak 4 besides French!). I'm also an outdoorsy person and a food enthusiast who generally loves yapping and meeting new people!

Hi, I'm Katy I am 20 years old and a junior in college. I am really interested in global studies, specifically learning about different cultures as well as learning new languages. In my free time I like to read, write, workout, and visit new places.

Hi, my name is Charlie Sears. I am from San Francisco, California and go to school in Los Angeles. I am a Comparative Literature major with a focus on English, French, and Latin lit. I also like to hike, surf, watch movies, and play with my dog.

I am a junior attending Hope College in Michigan! I am from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have been to Europe a few times, and I am so excited to explore it more! I love to read, walk, run, and sing. I am pursuing communications and business!

Salut, Je Suis Caroline! I am a creative, passionate, and hardworking 20-year-old female currently pursuing business. I surround myself with good people and love to visit places that make me happy all well capturing moments of life's beauty.

My name is Sophie Dulog and I am a Junior at the University of Richmond studying Journalism and Global Studies. In my free time, I love to read and listen to music, and I'm a DJ for my college radio station! I also love running and film photography!

I love theatre/film, sharing meals, thrifting, reading, and dressing up! Clothes and fashion are so fun. I am very close to my family, and my sisters are my best friends and confidants. I'm a “You Only Live Once" person, and that keeps me going.

I am a rising junior at Penn State University. Some of my favorite hobbies include going to museums, going to the movies, trying different foods, and learning about history. A fun fact about me is that I have visited the United Nations and UNESCO.

My name is Tanya Vaniakin, and I am a student from the University of Richmond participating in the IES Abroad French Studies program. While I am very passionate about French, I am also diligently working towards becoming fluent in a total of five languages!

I grew up in Eastern Massachusetts, and I'm currently a rising senior at Amherst College majoring in Economics. I have many interests outside of the classroom, including sports, playing piano and singing, and writing and performing stand-up comedy.

I am a senior at Drew University, getting two bachelor degrees in biology and music. I am from Rhode Island and I absolutely love the ocean. I will be participating in the Galapagos Island Direct Enrollment program, and the Marine Ecology track!

Hi! I'm from Pennsylvania and I've always wanted to travel the world while sharing my experiences with others! I love being outdoors, including hiking, camping, or going to the beach. I'm excited to explore the natural world and culture in Ecuador!

Hi! My name is Sarah and I’m a rising junior studying International Affairs at the George Washington University. I love traveling, listening to music, and learning about new cultures and languages. A fun fact about me is that I can name 197 flags.

Hi, my name is Ellie Barrickman. I grew up outside of Philly and moved to NYC in 2021 to study Film and Television at Fordham University. Outside of school, I perform improv comedy at the Magnet Theater and UCB Theater. Maybe I'll try it in Italian?

I currently attend Davidson College where I study Political Science and English. I'm from Asheville North Carolina, and I love being outside.

Hi! I'm Olivia! I'm from Boston and attend Villanova University. In my free time I love to read, cook, and take photos. I got really into photography when I was fourteen and that love has grown into a love for film and storytelling as well.

I am a rising junior at Davidson College majoring in Psychology. I’m from New Jersey and enjoy spending time outdoors, running, traveling, and trying new things. I live right outside of New York City, so I often spend time there for fun.

I'm a first generation college student studying Public Health and Spanish! At just 19 years old, I created a hobby of content creation for myself as a creative outlet. I am looking forward to what the future holds for me, and I'm excited for IES!

Hi, I'm Ysa Castañeda! I'm from the St. Louis (area), MO and I go to Pomona College in Claremont, CA where I major in Economics. I love traveling to National Parks and my goal is to make it to all 63 in the US/territories, so far I've been to 26/63!

Hello! My name is Jahnia, and I am Afro-Latina—Puerto Rican and Black. I am a senior studying psychology. As a first-generation student, I hope to provide advice to prospective first-gen students and blog my adventures in Salamanca, Spain!!

Hello, I am Jackson! I am a student at Wofford College, a small liberal arts school in Spartanburg, South Carolina. My majors are international affairs and Spanish. A fun fact about me is that I am doing research on the Spanish Civil War this summer.

I'm an aspiring woman who constantly seeks new challenges and opportunities. Despite growing up in an unstable family, my independence and hard work led me to BU. I thrive by joining clubs and meaningful opportunities and traveling to make an impact.

I'm a student originally from Nebraska studying Spanish and Piano Performance. I play jazz and classical music, and I love learning about new styles of music! I'm passionate about gender equity in jazz, combining my love of music and social justice.

Hi, my name is Maya and I love to travel and study languages! I also love meeting new people and exploring the world through the lens of my camera. I'm Dutch-American; I grew up in Austin Texas; and I have spent two summers studying Korean in Seoul!

My name is Addison Laumer. I enjoy all things poetry and learning languages. Currently I am learning four languages: Korean, French, American Sign Language, and Korean Sign Language. I am a Christian who finds joy in what I have been blessed with.

I’m a Computer Science & Engineering student at Santa Clara University and I will be studying abroad at Yonsei University in Seoul. I grew up in St. Louis, MO and I love sports, listening to music, learning languages, and having fun with friends.

I'm Melanie and I'm a professional fangirl. I am a stan of too many things to count. I am currently studying journalism, film & media as well as minoring in women studies. I love concerts and anyone that close to me knows how much they mean to me.

I'm from the Bay Area CA. I really enjoy photography, cuisine, architecture and video games!

Hi! My name is Synne and I'm originally from Norway, but I currently live in New York City. I'm a sociology major, and my biggest passion in life is travelling. I love experiencing new countries, cultures, and food!

My name is Naylah I am from Nashville, TN and I attend North Carolina A&T State University as an Animal Science student. A fun fact about me is that this is the fifth country that I have visited so far! I am excited for this amazing opportunity!

Born in Bangladesh, I'm a first-gen student passionate about languages and seeking discomfort through travel. Studying abroad in the Basque Country, Tokyo, and the Galapagos has transformed my college experience, giving me a nuanced worldview.

I am passionate about graphic design and photography, creating impactful designs that resonate and inspire. Starting with a poster for a teacher's small egg business, I've been captivated by design's power to shape our world.

My name is Daxton and I'm from NYC. I'm a senior studying the social sciences, entrepreneurship and film. Outside of class, I enjoy doing film photography, traveling, conducting interdisciplinary research, and DJing at my campus radio station!

Hello! My name is Justin, and I am currently a history student at the University of Minnesota. I love to explore new cultures and experience the adventures had there. I am also and avid fan of fantasy literature, and am writing my own stories!

I’m an international student from Pakistan and an Economics & Philosophy double major. In my free time, I’m an avid reader and self-proclaimed journaling-enthusiast. I enjoy the outdoors, lifting weights, and always look forward to meeting new folks.

I'm a rising junior at Penn State majoring in Public Relations and minoring in German, Digital Media Trends and Analytics, and Global and International Studies. My hobbies include traveling, thrifting, and listening to Taylor Swift!

I am a sophomore at Boston College studying Computer Science with a minor in Music. I am apart of the Boston College University Chorale and Chamber Choir. I love traveling, playing guitar and piano, going on runs, pilates, and singing.