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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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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batuhan.saridede.26@dartmouth.edu
603-322-0491
Terms available 
Virtual and in-person: 25X, 25F, 26W, 26S
Virtual only: 25F+
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 terms away in Toulouse and Paris were 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.