Study Away Mentors (SAMs)

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andrea.a.agola.26@dartmouth.edu
571-490-1677
Terms available 
In-person/virtual: 25F, 26W & 26S
Virtual only: 25X & 25F+
Studying: Pre-Med, Geography, and French

Hey! I'm Andrea, a '26 from Burke, Virginia. I'm a fourth year Geography major, French minor and pre-med student. On campus, I'm involved with the Dickey Center Global Health & Development Fellowship, Minority Association of Pre-Health Students, Soyeya African Dance Troupe, Residential Life as a UGA, and research at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. I first became interested in studying away after taking French classes my freshman year and was so excited to be accepted into the Toulouse, France LSA+ program for my sophomore winter. Then I participated in the 12 College Exchange during my junior fall at Wellesley College after hearing some of my friends rave about their experiences there. While domestic, this exchange gave me a window into the campus culture of a historically women's college. In Toulouse, I found that life moved at a slower pace. Doing laundry for example—which usually takes ~ 1 and ½ hours at Dartmouth—took 3 hours for each cycle at my host family's house. This drove me to be more intentional with organizing my schedule as I had to allot 6 hours to this one item on my to-do list. I'm actually very grateful that I experienced this psychological shift that will enable me to be more organized and prepared for independent life.

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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noelle.s.blake.26@dartmouth.edu
860-719-9063
Terms available
In-person/virtual: 25X, 26W & 26S
Virtual only: 25F & 25F+
Studying: English, Spanish, and Global Health

Hi! I'm Noelle, a '26 from Hartford, Connecticut. I'm an English major with minors in Spanish and Global Health, aiming to practice 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, New Student 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 my most fulfilling Dartmouth experiences so far! Being able to engage with the colloquialisms, education, food, music and artwork of Spanish culture taught me about myself just as much as I learned about Spain. I was also lucky enough to spend quality time with my host family, which helped to broaden my perspective and improved my language skills! I loved my time abroad so much that I'll be off on another program this fall with the English department, which I'm really looking forward to! Feel free to ask me about either program if you reach out.

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 fantastic 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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elliott.l.ecklund.26@dartmouth.edu
832-977-8497
Terms available 
In-person/virtual: 25F, 26W, 26S
Virtual only: 25X, 25F+
Studying: Economics and Spanish

Hi! My name is Elliott Ecklund, and I am '26 Economics and Spanish double major from Houston, Texas. As someone who has completed two terms abroad through the Guarini Institute, study away has been a huge part of my college experience. Some of the best and most challenging moments of my life have been during my time abroad, but I wouldn't trade any of my experiences. I'm so excited to help other students prepare to navigate their time abroad! My two study abroad experiences were very different, but I learned a lot from both. While in Madrid, l had the opportunity to live with a host family, which really helped me immerse myself in the culture and learn to communicate through a language barrier. While in London, I lived far more independently; because I was on an exchange, not an FSP, I was responsible for finding my own housing, registering for my own classes, and coordinating a lot of my own travel. While it was tough to navigate some of these things in a new setting, having the experience of dealing with these things on my own helped me to become more independent, both on campus and off.

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maria.alice.hebling.27@dartmouth.edu
Terms available 
In-person/virtual: 25X, 25F, 26W, 26S
Virtual only: 25F+
Studying: Comparative Literature and International Studies

Hi there! My name is Maria, and I'm a '27 from Valinhos, Brazil. I'm currently majoring in Comparative Literature with a focus on Brazilian and German literature and minoring in International Studies. On campus, you can usually find me doing humanities research, joining trips with the archery club, reading at poetry slams hosted by Spilled Ink, writing reviews for The Dartmouth, or grabbing an açaí bowl or smoothie at Collis.

As you can probably tell from my areas of study, I'm incredibly fascinated by the ways people experience and celebrate culture around the world. I was part of the Full Immersion in Rome Experience (F.I.R.E) 24X, Berlin FSP 24F, and will join the Los Angeles DSP in 26W! The study abroad programs through the Guarini Institute were actually one of the main reasons I applied to Dartmouth as an early decision candidate. One of my favorite things about these programs is how they are truly designed for Dartmouth students. Most of them happen in small groups, led by faculty who genuinely want to help you understand, explore, and fall in love with the places you're visiting.

Through these programs, I've made some of my closest friends. I also learned so much about myself and my identity, which can be a double challenge when you're an international student stepping into yet another country and navigating a whole new language. But the challenge was absolutely worth it.

I know how exciting—but also overwhelming—this whole experience can be, especially during those first few weeks when everything feels new. If you ever want to talk, go for a walk around Occom, or grab a meal together, feel free to reach out. I'd love to connect!

(And by the way — this picture was taken by a friend during my Berlin FSP!)

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md.tamhidul.islam.26@dartmouth.edu 
Terms Available
In-person/virtual: 25X, 26W, 26S
Virtual only: 25F, 25F+
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
Virtual and in-person: 25F, 26S
Virtually only: 25X, 25F+, 26W
Studying: Film and Media Studies

My name is Kushal Jayakumar, and I'm a senior 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 the Dartmouth Film Society, Dartmouth Outing Club, Dartmouth Formula Racing Team, DartSlam Volleyball Club, Collis After Dark, and Hopkins Center Films, allowing me to engage with a variety of campus communities and interests. I participated in the Italian Full Immersion in Rome Experience (F.I.R.E.) in summer 2023, which was an eye-opening study abroad term. Although I had previously adapted to studying abroad in the USA, I discovered that each new environment brings its own challenges and cultural surprises. I learned the importance of engaging with the local culture early rather than waiting until the end. This experience sparked my passion for storytelling and revealed my Walter Mitty side as I explored Italy, which inspired me to switch my major from Astronomy modified with Earth Sciences to Film and Media Studies. Later, in winter 2025, I participated in the Astronomy FSP, which offered a very different experience, allowing me to reconnect with my original interest in exoplanet research through hands-on observational astronomy at world-renowned observatories. For me, study away has been a powerful opportunity to explore diverse passions, challenge myself, and gain new perspectives both academically and personally. As a Study Away Mentor (SAM), I'm excited to help students navigate their own journeys, offering advice on financial budgeting, cultural engagement, managing homesickness, foodie tips, and how to maximize their overall study away experience. I believe study abroad is a vital part of the Dartmouth experience, and I'm dedicated to supporting others as they embrace it.

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beatrice.a.reichman.27@dartmouth.edu
Terms available 
In-person/virtual: 25F, 26W, 26S
Virtual only: 25X & 25F+
Studying: Middle Eastern Studies and Public Policy

Hi, my name is Bea and I am a '27 from Rochester, NY! I am majoring in Middle Eastern Studies with a minor in Public Policy, and I studied abroad in Rabat, Morocco and Berlin, Germany. I am involved in College Democrats, Hillel, Sigma Delta, and I am a Trip Leader for First Year Trips! 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 I would be more than happy to provide insight on how to navigate your religious and gender identities while abroad.

My biggest piece of advice for students studying abroad is to make the most of your transportation experiences. Take the train or the bus whenever possible, chat with your taxi drivers, 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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henry.ren.26@dartmouth.edu
Terms available 
In-person/virtual: 25F, 26W, 26S
Virtual only: 25X, 25F+
Studying: Human Biology and Psychology

My name is Henry Ren, and I'm a senior at Dartmouth majoring in Human Biology and Psychology. In Fall 2024, I studied abroad on an exchange program at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. I was drawn to the program by a long-standing curiosity about Korean culture and a desire for a change of pace. Living in a large, fast-paced city like Seoul, especially after two years in Hanover, was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my college career and helped me grow into a more thoughtful, adaptable global citizen. As a member of the men's varsity tennis team at Dartmouth, I also found community through the Yonsei tennis team and at national training centers across the city, where I built meaningful relationships and had amazing experiences with both Korean students and professional players. During the exchange program, I was surprised by how much of the learning happened outside the classroom. From navigating a new education system to building relationships across cultural and language differences, I developed life skills that extended far beyond academics.

On campus, I compete on the men's varsity tennis team and am involved in the pre-health and consulting communities. As a SAM, I'm excited to support other students, especially student-athletes and first-time travelers, and am happy to talk about studying abroad, managing well-being while away, balancing extracurriculars like athletics, and finding your niche and community in a new cultural environment.

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batuhan.saridede.26@dartmouth.edu
603-322-0491
Terms available 
In-person/virtual: 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.

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gemma.r.stowell.27@dartmouth.edu
Terms available 
In-person/virtual: 26S
Virtual only: 25X, 25F, 25F+, 26W
Studying: Government and Sociology

Hi! I'm Gemma, a '27 from Lyndon, Vermont, double majoring in Government and Sociology. On campus, I serve as a Class of 2027 Council Officer and am deeply involved in the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact and the First-Generation Office. I also love supporting my peers through programs like Dartmouth Bound, FYSEP College Knowledge, and First-Year Orientation. 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 abroad 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 study abroad helped me create a new home for myself. By the end of this fall, I will have completed two Government-focused study away programs. This is an incredible way to make meaningful progress toward my major while engaging in immersive learning in new cultural and political environments. I explored the city, built community, and gained clarity about my academic path. This fall, I'm thrilled to continue this journey on the Government FSP in London. I'm especially happy to speak with students navigating financial aid, SAS accommodations, or figuring out how to find routine and community while abroad. 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!