Study Away Mentors (SAMs)

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najma.a.bore.27@dartmouth.edu

Terms available 
In-person/Virtual: 27W, 27S / Virtual only: 26X, 26F, 26F+

Hi! My name is Najma, a '27 from Auburn, Maine, majoring in Cognitive Science with a minor in Health Policy. On campus, I'm a Global Health Fellows Student Assistant, Senior Academic Mentor, Co-President of Health Access for All, a research assistant at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in the Community and Family Medicine department, and involved with the Dartmouth Coalition for Global Health. My curiosity about global health systems and different ways of thinking first pushed me to study abroad, and I somehow ended up going three times, each for entirely different reasons and perspectives. My first experience was spending my sophomore summer in Paris through the AAAS FSP; followed by a fall semester as an exchange student at the American University of Kuwait, where I took courses in behavioral sciences and international relations; and then an off-term in Kosovo conducting global health research sponsored by the Dickey Center for International Understanding. Each experience provided something different for me: Paris was a supported, structured FSP facilitated by Professor Keaton, whereas Kuwait required me to independently register for courses, navigate a new academic semester system, and coordinate my own travel (including attending Riyadh Fashion Week, a highlight I never anticipated). Kosovo was the complete opposite of both programs, as expected, since I contributed meaningful cancer research in an unfamiliar environment, where I was the only intern for the term. This required me to step outside my comfort zone and take advantage of the opportunity to conduct global health research I had long wanted to pursue, and my Guarini programs gave me the skills that allowed me to excel in my internship. I thoroughly enjoyed each program for the interdisciplinary perspective it gave me, and they all hold a special place in my heart. 

What surprised me most was how much studying away changed the way I think, not just where I had been. Moving between such different academic and cultural environments pushed me to adapt quickly and to reflect more critically on my identity and assumptions. The biggest piece of advice that I can give to anyone at Dartmouth is that the experience begins long before you board a plane. Engaging with global perspectives on campus through classes, events, and conversations makes you much better prepared to get the most out of your time abroad. As a SAM, I want to be the resource that helped me plan and navigate studying abroad as a first-generation college student. I am excited to speak with students about navigating program selection, independent vs. structured study away, global health and research opportunities abroad, identity and cultural adjustment, and reaching out to past participants for advice. I cannot wait to support anyone who is about to begin such an exciting journey, so please do not hesitate to reach out!

I feel extremely grateful to have gotten the chance to experience life in different cities and countries. I would love to share how I navigated aspects of my identity while studying away – being a Black woman, my passion for dance & staying active, my Christian faith, etc. I chose to become a SAM because each program impacted me academically and personally in more ways than I could have expected and I would like to help students process their new experiences. Guarini experiences aren't just about the academics—they're also shaped by the everyday rhythms of your life abroad. It's really important to think about what will help you feel balanced and fulfilled outside the classroom. During my programs, I was intentional about building connections with people in each location and taking advantage of the opportunities each place had to offer. I learned a lot about how to stay grounded while still exploring your interests, and I'd love to share tips on making the most of your time—both academically and personally.

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brendan.m.brophy.27@dartmouth.edu

Terms available
In-person/virtual: 26F, 27W, 27S
Virtual only: 26X

Hey, my name is Brendan and I am a '27 from Boston, Massachusetts. I major in Anthropology modified with Geography and minor in ASCL. On campus I am involved with Dartmouth EMS, Model United Nations, Bones Gate, and the Behavioral Health and Technology lab at Geisel. I am also a SAPA and president of Club Running. The Guarini programs that I have participated in are the Yonsei University exchange, Anthropology FSP in New Zealand, and the Developing Vietnam Fall+. Growing up, my family didn't have time or resources for international travel. Therefore, when I got to school I resolved to take advantage of the opportunities that being at Dartmouth affords. In particular, I wanted to push myself to meet people of completely different lifeways from my own. I sought to push myself outside of my comfort zone in order to experience things I otherwise never would have and was inspired by the access and depth that Guarini programs provide. I also wanted to build relationships that transcended the program itself. If you are interested in cultivating those types of relationships, curious about balancing D-Plan/academics/extracurriculars, or just want to chat about something miscellaneous, feel free to reach out!

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victoria.a.cosmo.28@dartmouth.edu

Terms available 
In-person/virtual: 26X, 27S
Virtual only: 26F, 27W

I chose to be a Study Abroad Mentor because I knew, even before getting accepted into Guarini programs, that I wanted to prioritize going abroad during my time as an undergrad. I believe that cultural - and in the case of many Dartmouth programs, linguistic - immersion can be extremely influential in shaping future ambitions, sharpening personal qualities, and expanding horizons. Having come home from spending the winter abroad in Rome, I can confirm that these hypotheses proved true. In my time away, I was challenged in unparalleled ways and forced to grow through discomfort in order to discover solutions to problems I'd never imaged like navigating supermarkets in a foreign language, building meaningful friendships across cultural boundaries, and traversing a new city using public transportation. I can proudly report that I feel as though my comfort zone has expanded through international waters, and that, because of this change, I am a more confident student and community member back home. The obstacles I faced then have left me with memories I hope to carry for the rest of my life. These same memories are what motivate me to encourage others in their pursuit of global studies.

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isabella.w.ginsburg.27@dartmouth.edu
Available terms
Virtual and in-person: 26F, 27S
Virtual only: 26X, 27W

My name is Isabella, and I am a '27 from Hong Kong double majoring in Government and Anthropology. I've studied on three different continents with Dartmouth, in Hanover, as well as in New Zealand with the Anthropology department and the Baltics with the Government department. In both my majors, the world is your research field: studying somewhere completely foreign to you is the way to broaden your horizons and open your eyes to worlds you didn't think existed. It is a way to practice new logics, be a new person—what anthropologists call "ontology." Being abroad gave me new perspective on home and parts of the world I have been fortunate enough to visit. So much of this came from immersing myself in my FSP locations, from training with a local rowing club in Auckland, staying at maraes (Maori meeting grounds), and finding cafes to make my "local!" On campus, I am a member of the women's varsity rowing team, the club tennis team, publishing in the Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Anthropology, and the Hong Kong Students' Association. As a SAM, I'm excited to help others open their eyes to new ways of being and all the wonderful, exciting places there are to explore. 

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andrew.c.merkert.28@dartmouth.edu
Terms available 
In-person/virtual: 26X, 26F, 27S
Virtual only: 27W
 

Hello! My name is Andrew Merkert and I am a '28 from the East End of Long Island, New York. I am majoring in Comparative Literature, studying Italian and Spanish, and possibly minoring in Anthropology. On campus, I'm an editor for Axium, a journal of Comparative Literature, and the Undergraduate Journal of Anthropology. I've also played in the Chamber Orchestra and I do undergraduate research with a Spanish professor. During my sophomore year, I participated in the 26W Italian LSA+ in Rome and the 26S Spanish FSP in Buenos Aires.
Coming into Dartmouth, I knew I wanted to study abroad. For my Comparative Literature major, I need to take upper-level courses in the Spanish and Italian departments, so I thought I might as well take them in Spanish- and Italian-speaking countries. My experiences definitely did not disappoint. While both programs were similar in many respects, for example, during both programs, I stayed with host moms and adhered to language pledges, they were also extremely distinct. That is, Rome and Buenos Aires were two very different cities, my coursework was very different between the two, and my group in Rome was much larger than my group in Buenos Aires. Further, having come from a pretty small town and then to Hanover, I had not spent much time in an urban setting. Spending time in these two incredible cities gave me an opportunity to situate and see myself in a totally new environment. For me, studying abroad gave me the opportunity to take the language and cultural lessons I had learned in my Spanish and Italian classes at Dartmouth and apply them "in the wild." Aside from this, spending so much time in a city I had not previously known forced me to spend a lot of time with myself while traveling through the city, getting to know myself better and embracing the discomfort or unfamiliarity. Studying away was one of the highlights of my Dartmouth experience! I know how intimidating studying away can be, but also just how impactful. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out—I'd love to share any insight I have!

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beatrice.a.reichman.27@dartmouth.edu
Terms available 
In-person/virtual: 26F, 27W, 27S
Studying: Middle Eastern Studies and Public Policy

Hi, my name is Bea and I am a '27 from Rochester, NY! I am majoring in Government with a minor in Middle Eastern Studies, and I studied abroad in Rabat, Morocco and Berlin, Germany. On campus, I am involved in College Democrats, Sigma Delta, and work as an Arabic drill instructor for the Middle Eastern Studies department! Studying abroad was one of the most rewarding parts of my Dartmouth experience, and I am so excited to help you all through your study abroad journeys. The conversations I had about my gender, religion, and politics while abroad inspired me to pursue a career in diplomacy, and the total strangers I went on my programs with became my lifelong friends (ask me about going to Cairo and Amman with my three friends I made through study abroad)!

My most important piece of advice for students preparing to study away, especially in places where culture shock is intense, is to BUY IN to the discomfort! Accept the challenge and immerse yourself in the unfamiliar. Speak with your host family even if your language skills are weak, explore new parts of the city even if your friends don't want to come with you, and eat new foods even when the texture looks extremely concerning (ask me about the tripe my host mom loved to make for me!). Remember to seek out the unknown, opt for the crowded train or bus over the comfortable taxi, and don't be afraid to ask for help. You never know what kind of strange and exciting experiences you'll have when you have no idea what you're doing or where you're going (ask me about riding on a bus with a goat!). Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions, I'd love to chat with you!

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ben.stevenson.27@dartmouth.edu

Terms available 
In-person/virtual: 26F, 27W, 27S 
Virtual only: 26X
 

Ben grew up in Portland, Oregon. He studies History and Spanish. On campus, Ben is a leader in the Outing Club and a Hanlon Scholar. Three of the highlights of his Dartmouth experience were his abroad programs in Buenos Aires and Havana, as well as his Dickey Center international internship in Johannesburg, South Africa. 
Ben is a study abroad mentor because he wants to inspire and empower future students to have transformative study abroad experiences, like his own. Ben's studies abroad transformed his sense of self, his academic path, and his understanding of the world. These experiences were contingent on advice that he had received from older students, both to do those programs, but, more importantly, how to do those programs: to embrace discomfort, to buy a bike in Havana, to read certain books on the plane ride over. Ben firmly believes that study abroad programs, both FSPs and exchanges, if done right, are the some of greatest opportunities a student can take advantage of at Dartmouth--and he's excited to work to ensure that all students benefit.

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gemma.r.stowell.27@dartmouth.edu
Terms available 
In-person/virtual: 26F, 27W, 27S
Studying: Government and Sociology

Hi! I'm Gemma, a '27 from Lyndon, Vermont, double majoring in Government and Sociology. On campus, I serve as the Class of 2027 President and am involved in the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact and the First-Generation Office. I also love supporting my peers through programs like FYSEP College Knowledge, serving as a member of the Sexual Assault Peer Alliance (SAPA), working as an Undergraduate Advisor (UGA), and participating in the Rockefeller Leadership Fellows Program. As someone who knows how overwhelming it can feel to enter unfamiliar spaces, I became a Study Away Mentor (SAM) to help others approach their experiences with self-assurance, authenticity, and a sense of curiosity.

As a first-generation, low-income student, studying away was a milestone in many ways: it was not only my first time leaving the country but also the first time I lived in a city. While Hanover already felt bustling compared to my rural hometown, Rome in the summer was another level entirely, but that's exactly why I chose to go. Ten weeks offered the perfect balance of structure and freedom to immerse myself in a new culture, practice vulnerability, and find belonging. Whether I was navigating the complexities of Italian grammar or sharing homemade meals with friends, I learned to embrace the discomfort of the unfamiliar. I grew more empathetic, independent, and grounded because of it.

The lessons I learned in Rome followed me to Washington, D.C., where I spent my winter off-term and spring term with the Government Dartmouth Domestic Study Program as an intern on Capitol Hill. Arriving in a new city without knowing anyone could have been daunting, but the resilience and openness I gained from studying away helped me create a new home for myself. That confidence also helped me later live independently in Massachusetts while serving as a Rockefeller Judicial Fellow. I continued my study away journey through the Government FSP in London, where I explored another global city while studying government and public policy from an international perspective. Across Rome, Washington, D.C., my judicial fellowship in Massachusetts, and London, I built community, gained clarity about my academic and professional goals, and learned how to navigate unfamiliar places with confidence. I'm especially happy to speak with students navigating financial aid, SAS accommodations, being a first-generation or low-income student, or figuring out how to find routine and community while away. I know how transformative, but also intimidating, these experiences can be, and I'd love to help you feel more prepared and excited. Please don't hesitate to reach out!