Student Alumni Mentors

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Hi there! I am Danny '24, I am from Bogotá, Colombia, and I studied abroad in Toulouse, France in 22W. I am studying neuroscience, human biology, and global health in anthropology on the pre-medical track! On campus, I am involved in Dartmouth EMS, clinical research, and the French LLC. As I always tell those who ask me about my time abroad, Toulouse was the highlight of my Dartmouth undergraduate experience! Because of my appreciation and love for this program, I feel passionate about supporting other students as they prepare for their time away. I think my open-mindedness, organization, and studying of the culture before I got to Toulouse were essential to my positive experience when I got there; I think sharing this and the many other tips / advice I have with you guys will be extremely exciting for me and beneficial for you as you prepare for your time away.

Like I previously said, my time in Toulouse was one of the best times of my undergraduate experience and a period of my life that will always be dear to me. Not only did I accomplish my academic goals, which were to become fluent in French and educate myself about the culture, but I created some of the best friendships and relationships I still hold to this day, I matured and learned to live independently and in an adapting/open way, and finally, I realized that there is immense value in intercultural exchanges if you are willing to engage, respect, and grow. My time in Toulouse was a gift to me and I really wish I could go back! All in all, as we get to know each other and talk through the challenges and values of going abroad, I want to support you in preparing for what I hope will also be one of the best experiences of your life!

Availability: Text or email me beforehand if you'd like to chat one-on-one! I am flexible and have lots of availability this summer! In the fall, I will be more available in the afternoons and early evenings. Nevertheless, shooting me a message prior to meeting would be great to schedule a time that works for both of us :)

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Evan.P.Bass.24@dartmouth.edu 
954-393-8291
Available terms: X23 (virtually), F23, W24, S24

Hello, Hallo, สวัสดีค่ะ! My name is Evan and I am a '24 from South Florida. I am pursuing a BE in energy engineering as well as a minor in German. At Dartmouth, I am an active member of both the music and LGBTQ+ communities and you can frequently find me playing saxophone at the HOP, studying in Thayer, or taking a sushi break in Novak.

Coming to Dartmouth I was determined to study abroad; what I didn't expect was to be able to do so twice: in Bangkok and Berlin. Along with excitement, each of these experiences posed unique challenges. During my time on the German Language & Engineering FSP, I lived with a host family which spoke little English and I was a novice German speaker. The exchange program at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand promised to immerse me in a non-Western society while navigating a new university system. Walking away from both, these challenges pushed me to learn an invaluable life lesson: how to build a community and fashion a lifestyle in places I had never imagined I would live. As a study abroad advisor, I look forward to helping my peers do just that, as well as giving practical advice on exchange program logistics and language immersion. Wherever you may find that your study abroad program is taking you, please, don't hesitate to reach out!

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Isabelle.W.Cheney.24@dartmouth.edu
(413) 561-8002
Available terms: X23 (virtually), F23, W24, S24

I'm a '24 from Carrboro, North Carolina. I'm an Anthropology major and a Native American and Indigenous Studies minor passionate about human evolution, sustainability and environmental justice, and women's reproductive health. On campus, I'm involved with the Dartmouth Outing Club, First-Year Trips, Undergraduate Research in Biological Anthropology, the Office of Sustainability, the Rockefeller Center, and the club Triathlon Team. The most impactful part of my Dartmouth experience has been studying abroad twice, first in Buenos Aires, Argentina on a Spanish Language Study Abroad and then in Auckland, New Zealand on a Foreign Study Program in Anthropology. 

I chose to become a study away mentor because I want to help other students make the most of their time abroad. My own experiences abroad were so meaningful because of the support and guidance I received from mentors, faculty directors, family, and friends, which is why I want Dartmouth students to feel supported before, during, and after their study away experience. I chose to go abroad to push myself outside of my comfort zone, broaden my cultural understanding and perspectives, and because I believe global education is one of the most impactful and memorable types of learning we can experience. Some highlights from my abroad experiences were learning to make empanadas and alfajores in Buenos Aires and working in community vegetable gardens with members of the Māori community in Auckland. During my time in Auckland, I learned that the faculty director is an invaluable resource and seeking support from them can transform your experience for the better. Studying abroad twice was the best decision I've ever made because of the relationships I formed, the personal growth I experienced, and my renewed sense of curiosity and adventure that I've been able to apply in all areas of my life. If you're studying abroad soon, are actively abroad, or recently returned from studying abroad, I'd love to chat with you!

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Xuanyi.Liu.25@dartmouth.edu 
Available terms: F23, W24, S24

Hi all! This is Xuanyi (Jamie) from Beijing, China. I am a '25 majoring in Economics and minoring in Asian Societies Cultures and Languages. I spent my spring semester at Keio University in Tokyo as an exchange student, focusing my study on East Asian history, religion, art, and cross-culture communication. On campus, I am interested in Development Economics research, connecting with my Chinese community, and creating artwork for campus publications.

As the only Dartmouth student sent to the Keio exchange program 23S, I arrived in Tokyo without many peers to connect with, speaking only Duolingo Japanese (very poorly too), and having no prior experience of living alone. The four months exchange posted great challenges but also brought me profound growth. There were days of highlights where I could not be more thankful for: meditating with my Buddhism professor in temples, practicing Judo and Ikebana in school clubs, and exploring different sides of Tokyo with new friends I made. But there were also days when I was overwhelmed by loneliness and struggled to find belongings. All these moments of ups and downs, mixed together, gave me a chance to grow and reflect on both myself and the cultures influencing my points of view. Thinking back, I couldn't be more grateful for this study abroad opportunity, finding myself now equipped with valuable knowledge I learned from Keio, the city, and myself. And of course, I can't wait to share them with you all! Feel free to ask me about adjusting to and living alone in a new city, crossing the language barrier and making friends from different cultures, studying abroad as an international student, and Tokyo cafe recs!

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Brandon.Mioduszewski.25@dartmouth.edu 
Available terms: X23, F23, W24 (virtually), S24

Hi! My name is Brandon and I'm a '25 from Chicago. I study Anthropology and Middle Eastern Studies: my research is focused on counterculture, gender, consumerism, urbanization, and humor in the Arab Gulf. On campus, I am the student coordinator for Arabic club, an Arabic drill instructor, and write for admissions. I also love to take on podcast and audio design projects, and am starting to get into film and photography. I had the opportunity to go on the Morocco LSA+ in summer term of 2022, and interned at the American University of Kuwait in the spring of 2023. I'd love to talk with other first-generation low-income students about their concerns studying abroad, as things like finances were at the front of my mind when planning for my programs!

I always wanted to have the opportunity to travel abroad, and Dartmouth gave me a great opportunity to do so. Since I'm studying Arabic and the Middle East, I went to Morocco and Kuwait to practice my language skills and to make new friends as I learn more about life and culture in the region. Growing up in a Polish household in a majority Latino community, I have always loved to learn about cultural differences and perspectives on everyday issues. My study away experiences were sources of growth and empowerment. My biggest takeaways from my experiences were all the relationships I was able to cultivate. Since Dartmouth's study away programs last for a substantial 10 weeks or more, you have plenty of time to meet lots of people in the community, find your crowd, and get into the routine of living somewhere new. As somebody who is more introverted, studying away was a great exercise in putting myself out there and meeting lots of new people. All the great memories I've made studying away made me want to be a Student Alumni Mentor; I really want to help enable others to enjoy their experiences abroad as much as I have. Feel free to reach out over email with any questions about studying away!

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Alan.A.Ngouenet.25@dartmouth.edu 
(425) 520-1257
Available terms: X23, F23, W24, S24 (virtually)

Greetings everyone! I am a '25 hailing from Medina, Washington, pursuing a double major in Mathematical Data Science and Mechanical Engineering. Beyond classes, I play club basketball, frequent the Mshop at Thayer, and participate in various outdoor activities! Having greatly benefited from a supportive environment during my Winterim study abroad program, I'm here to provide you with that same support, advice, and encouragement as you embark on your distinctive study abroad journeys. I'm committed to ensuring that you accomplish any goals you've set for your time abroad and maximize the fun in your experience! As a seasoned traveler holding dual citizenship between France and the United States, I hope my experiences yield beneficial insights and help you have a seamless and enjoyable experience.

This Winterim study abroad was important to me because it provided an opportunity to broaden my perspectives on history, politics, and identity. Despite the serious topic of discussion and solemn atmosphere of site visits, the overall journey was incredibly informative and rewarding. This trip deepened my understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and helped forge lasting connections with students and professors. Although living in a new country can be daunting, I hope you are stoked for your upcoming adventure! I would love to help you prepare, or while you are abroad, so please feel free to reach out!

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Maya.Raghunathan.25@dartmouth.edu
469-909-9293
Available terms: X23, F23, W24 (virtually), S24

Hi! My name is Maya Raghunathan and I'm a '25 from Dallas, Texas. At Dartmouth, I'm majoring in Neuroscience, minoring in French, and on the pre-med track. This spring, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Paris on the French FSP. Growing up speaking four languages gave me an immense appreciation for the way in which different languages allow us to communicate with diverse groups of people, ultimately sparking my desire to work as a physician abroad with a group like Doctor Without Borders. As such, I was drawn to the French FSP as a way to improve my French and connect with a culture quite different from my own.

My ten weeks abroad were undoubtedly a highlight of my Dartmouth career. In France, I got to immerse myself in the culture through four courses (taught in French by French professors) and by living with a French host family, a wonderfully kind couple who I've managed to stay in touch with. Living in Paris allowed me to build independence and taught me how to navigate challenges in a new city regarding language, identity, and the public transit system (which despite being one of the most efficient in the world, I still managed to struggle with). On campus, I also serve as a coordinator for Camp Kesem and I tutor at the Norwalk Housing Projects through DHMC. Anyways, I could go on forever about my experience in France and I love talking about all things studying abroad, so please don't hesitate to reach out!!

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 Alexandra.K.Rego.24@dartmouth.edu
(508) 560-1900
Available terms: 23X (virtually), 23F, 24W, 24S

Hello! My name is Alex Rego, and I am a '24 from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. I am a Czech-American dual citizen with a lifelong dream of becoming a diplomat. In my development as a global citizen, I have participated in many related activities on campus including the Rockefeller Global Leadership Program, the Matariki Common Purpose Global Leadership program, and residency at La Casa LLC. I am majoring in both Government and Geography with a minor in Hispanic Studies. During the spring term of 2022, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina on the Spanish FSP.

My study abroad experience was undoubtedly one of excitement, but also of great challenge. I was drawn to the program out of love for the Spanish language and Latin American cultures, both of which I became very well acquainted with in my 10 weeks in Buenos Aires! Speaking from my experience, the highlights of my program include my homestay family (I have many fond memories of dinnertime conversations), the students on my program (I made many deep and enduring friendships in a very short period of time), and the geographic diversity of Argentina (I was able to see many bucket-list destinations between classes). I can also confidently say that my Spanish excelled, and this came primarily due to my growing confidence in speaking the language as the weeks passed. This being said, I certainly found myself grappling with mental health challenges for the duration of the program. While the chatter around studying abroad led me to believe that these struggles would magically disappear upon stepping foot in a new country for 10 weeks, I still found myself battling the same thoughts I experience on the Dartmouth campus. I therefore had to devote significant energy to practicing self-compassion (e.g., patience, relaxation), meaningful reflection (e.g., time spent alone, debriefing with other students), and leaning into my support networks (e.g., my host family, other students, and faculty on the program, friends and family from home). I also found joy in spontaneity, as straying from type-A habits allowed for a more grounded, present, and organic experience in the city. I have also found that spontaneity is the common denominator among my favorite stories from my study abroad experience. And on that note, please do not hesitate to reach out! I love a good story, and moreover, I love connecting with individuals navigating their experiences as a global citizen.

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Nina.S.Sloan.24@dartmouth.edu
Available Terms: TBA

I'm a '24 from New York City majoring in Linguistics and Art History. I attended the Art History FSP in Spring 2022, and it quickly became a highlight of my Dartmouth career. The experience completely transformed how I looked at art—every art history class was conducted on-site, allowing us to hold seminar discussions while walking around the artwork in person. One of my favorite assignments was to keep a journal of my time in Rome. As time-consuming as it was, it was undoubtedly worth it. It was more than an assignment—it was a meditative reflection, a diligent chronicle, a creative endeavor, and a personal moment. More than anything else, it was a gift to my future self, as I look back on it now as a memento of my time abroad. Even if it is not a requirement of your program, I would strongly recommend it!

On campus, you can find me singing in Glee Club or my a cappella group, the Dartmouth Dodecaphonics. I make crosswords in my spare time for national newspapers, but you can also solve my puzzles weekly in The Dartmouth! I also work as a peer tutor at RWIT, in addition to being an active SAPA and the Vice President of Programming for Hillel. I would be happy to speak on navigating cultural differences in a foreign country, in addition to discussing concerns surrounding sexual and gender identity. Please don't hesitate to reach out!