Study Away Mentors (SAMs)

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noelle.s.blake.26@dartmouth.edu
860-719-9063
Terms available: 24X, 24F, 25W, 25S
Studying: English, Spanish, and Global Public Health

Hi! I'm Noelle, a '26 from Hartford, Connecticut. I'm an English major with minors in Spanish and Global Public Health, with the future goal of practicing family law/nonprofit legal advocacy! On campus, I'm involved in The Dartmouth Student Newspaper, Spare Rib Intersectional Feminist Zine, The Office of the Registrar, First-Year Orientation, Greek Life, and Undergraduate Research in the English Department. Before studying abroad in Barcelona, I had never left North America. Suffice it to say, my experience abroad was one of, if not the highlight of my Dartmouth experience! Being able to interact with another culture's colloquialisms, academia, food, music and artwork, and spend time with my host family fundamentally broadened my perspective!

I'm so grateful to have had a great experience abroad, and it wouldn't have been possible without preparation and hearing about the experiences of others. I think that informing myself of all the struggles and joys that my Dartmouth peers have faced while abroad allowed me to go into my program both open and aware, and I'm passionate about providing the same learning opportunities to others! I had many anxieties about safety and comfortability in a setting so far from home, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised by the kindness, openness, and diversity in Spain! Because I was aware of cultural differences and difficulties I might encounter, they were not as jarring when they occurred and I was able to focus on my positive experiences, making my time there more positive overall! Since leaving Barcelona, I have grown into a better speaker, thinker, and leader, in Spanish and in English! Living and learning abroad taught me that I don't always have to get it right or have a plan to enjoy an experience. As I'm still learning, the fun lies in the surprises! I hope that I can act as a resource to you all in your own navigations of your programs and help ease any anxieties! Please don't hesitate to reach out :)

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alexis.l.francis.25@dartmouth.edu
Available terms: 24X (virtual), 24F, 25W, 25S
Studying: Economics, Psychology, and Hispanic Studies

Hello everyone! My name is Lexi Francis, and I'm a '25 from Rye, New York. I am on a pre-law track, double majoring in Economics and Psychology with a minor in Hispanic Studies. My campus activities include contributing to the Dartmouth Law Journal and participating in the Club Tennis and Club Table Tennis teams. You can also often find me at the Aquinas House, the pickleball courts, or Umpleby's (snacking on a Miss Marple)!

In the past few years, I have been very fortunate to have attended two incredible study abroad programs: the Buenos Aires FSP in 23S and the Dartmouth-Oxford Exchange at Keble College in 24S. While the experiences differed in many ways, both were major highlights of my college experience. It was surprising how much I learned not only about other countries and their cultures but also about myself.

In Argentina, I was one of twenty Dartmouth students who were non-native speakers attending classes in Spanish, and we all lived with homestay families. On the other hand, the UK program I attended only had two other Dartmouth students, but we all spoke the native language and lived in the university dorms. As you can imagine, both had very different dynamics, and I am excited to share my experiences to help navigate your new journey!

One valuable lesson I've learned is the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective while abroad - establishing routines for your mental and physical health in unfamiliar surroundings but also taking advantage of exploring and embracing new opportunities. I am more than happy to talk about how to carve out time for relaxation, engage in activities to help you enjoy the experience, or become involved in your local community. As a repeat customer, you can tell I am a strong believer in the tremendous benefits of the term abroad program; if you have any questions or just want to talk about it please reach out!

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md.tamhidul.islam.26@dartmouth.edu 
Terms Available: 24X, 25W, 25S
Studying: Economics and Environmental Studies

I am Tamhid, a '26 from Dhaka, Bangladesh. I am double-majoring in Economics and Environmental Studies with a specific interest in emerging markets and climate finance. On campus, I am involved heavily with the Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship as a leadership board member and a social enterprise founder myself. I am also part of the Parliamentary Debate team and Dartmouth Economic Research Scholars. As an international student, Dartmouth was already a study-abroad for me. But, given my love for traveling and experiential learning, I decided to study abroad twice in the FIRE Rome Program and the Namibia ENVS FSP. I am not exaggerating when I say, the study-abroad experiences truly taught myself more about my identity and self than any other life experience I've had so far. I want to give back to the community in response to the blessed experiences Dartmouth provided me with and happy to chat about your concerns and excitement. In particular, I can touch upon the experience as a low-income, international student in study-abroads and the cultural adaptations necessary in a high-intense environment. In my free time, I love to play Fifa, facetime my cat 7,500 miles away, and take 5-hour naps. Feel free to reach out to me and we can always go for a Woccom!

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kushal.jayakumar.26@dartmouth.edu
Available terms: X24, F24, S25 (In Person), W25 (Virtually)
Studying: Film and Media Studies

My name is Kushal Jayakumar, and I am a rising junior at Dartmouth College, majoring in Film and Media Studies. As an international, first-generation, low-income student, I have a unique perspective on the challenges of finding one's place in a new community. My journey at Dartmouth has been complemented by my involvement in various campus activities, including the Dartmouth Outing Club, Dartmouth Formula Racing Team, DartSlam Volleyball Club, Collis After Dark, and Hopkins Center Films. These experiences have enriched my college life and allowed me to immerse myself in diverse interests and communities.

I recently participated in the Italian Full Immersion in Rome Experience (F.I.R.E.) during the summer of 2023, which was an eye-opening study abroad experience. Despite having already adapted to studying abroad in the USA, I discovered that each new environment brings its own set of challenges and cultural shocks. My passion for Italian, inspired by its portrayal in romantic books and movies, motivated me to join this program. What surprised me the most was the stress of settling into a new place and living independently, contrasting the structured support system at Dartmouth. I learned the importance of exploring and engaging with the local culture early on, rather than waiting until the end. This experience revealed my Indiana Jones side as I travelled and explored various places during my time in the country, leading me to switch my major from Astronomy modified with Earth Sciences to Film and Media Studies. As a Study Away Mentor (SAM), I am eager to help students navigate their own study abroad journeys, offering advice on financial budgeting, cultural engagement, how to be a foodie 101 and maximizing their overall experience. I believe that studying abroad is a crucial part of a Dartmouth student's journey, and I am dedicated to helping others make the most of this opportunity.

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Xuanyi.Liu.25@dartmouth.edu 
Available terms: Virtual and in-person: 24F, 25W, 25S; Virtual only: 24X
Studying: Economics major, Asian Societies Cultures and Languages minor

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 and went to the Vietnam FSP in Ho Chi Minh City. In addition, in the summer of 2024, I worked as the director assistant for the Beijing LSA+. On campus, I program events for the Chinese Language House and create 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-month exchange posted great challenges but also brought me profound growth. There were days of highlights that I could not be more thankful for: meditating 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. In Vietnam and back in Beijing, I continue to experience more of these moments from new perspectives. Thinking back, I couldn't be more grateful for this study abroad opportunity, finding myself now equipped with valuable knowledge I learned from these study aways. 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: Virtual and in-person: 24F, 25W, 25S; Virtual only: 24X
Studying: Anthropology and Middle Eastern Studies

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: Virtual and in-person: 24F, 25W, 25S; Virtual only: 24X
Studying: Mathematical Data Science and Mechanical Engineering

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
Available terms: 24X (virtual), 24F, 25W, 25S
Studying: Neuroscience major, French Minor (Pre-Health track)

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 multiple 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 director for Camp Kesem, I do research in the Sandford lab, 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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batuhan.saridede.26@dartmouth.edu
Terms available: Virtual and in-person: 24X, 24F, 25S; Virtual only: 25W
Studying: Cognitive Science and French

My name is Batu, and I am majoring in Cognitive Science and minoring in French. On campus, I am involved in Cognitive Science research, admissions blogging and panelist roles, photography, and mental health and wellness initiatives. Feel free to discuss various aspects of studying abroad including but not limited to financial aid, wellness while abroad, pursuing passion projects during your program, and navigating international and/or queer identity while studying abroad.

I was prompted to study abroad by my experience moving to the US for college, which broadened my perspective on cultural differences and new experiences. My term away in Toulouse was incredibly inspiring, fueling my passion for photography and writing. It also heightened my awareness of how I engage with my academic and personal life at Dartmouth. As a Study Away Mentor, I am excited by the prospect of guiding students to personalize their study abroad experiences and embrace the diversity of their college journey, whether on campus or abroad.

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tia.s.walker.25@dartmouth.edu
Terms available: In Person 24F, 25W & 25S
Studying: AAAS and Sociology

I am an African/African-American Studies Major and Sociology Minor.

On campus I am on the executive boards of Caribbean Connection, and the Afro-American Society. I am also a proud member of the Pi Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

I participated in the AAAS Paris FSP: Afro/Black Paris: The African Diaspora in the City of Light and the Exchange Student Program at Spelman College. I took Professor Keaton's course Afro/Black Paris in Film and Life my freshman year, and was particularly drawn to the concepts of race blindness and racialization and knew I had to travel to France to learn more! My desire to deepen my understanding of the intersection between race, identity, and history in a global context prompted me to want to go to Paris and Spelman College.

Studying in Paris was a lifechanging experience that allowed me to meet incredible people and scholars. It prompted many of my current research endeavors and inspired me to pursue further studies in the areas of cultural awareness and global issues of race and identity. The program also exposed me to beautiful sites and monuments that I never would have been able to witness. Studying at Spelman encouraged me to engage with my local community and find interests beyond the classroom. Being a Black student at an HBCU prompted me to find ways to stand out scholastically and individually at an institution where I shared a racial background with all of my peers.

I became a SAM to share the fondness I have of the programs I have been on and to help other students navigate their programs. I can provide insight on adapting to new cultural environments and maximizing academic integration. I seek to empower other students to make the most of their study away programs, just as I did.