Study Abroad Peer Advising

Looking to chat with a Wesleyan student who has studied abroad? The Study Abroad Ambassadors are now offering (virtual) peer advising appointments.

All six ambassadors are eager to help you navigate the ins and outs of study abroad at Wesleyan. Whether you have questions about choosing a program, pre-departure preparations, navigating life abroad, or returning to campus, the ambassadors can provide guidance for your unique situation.

All peer advising appointments will take place over Zoom this spring. You can sign up for a peer advising appointment through the Office of Study Abroad website. We hope to see you soon!

Gem McHaffey
Study Abroad Program: IFSA: University of Edinburgh, Scotland (Fall 2019)
Major: English

What areas of the study abroad experience can you help other students navigate?

          • Studying abroad with disabilities
          • Making friends abroad
          • Academic differences abroad
          • Cultural immersion
          • Traveling out of the United States for the first time

What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
My advice for students considering studying abroad is to not be afraid to immerse yourself in the culture and ask questions. I found that the memories I have from study abroad are all related to times when I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and made friends with people abroad. It is easy to isolate yourself with other American study abroad students in your program, but it’s also a great idea to get to know some locals!

Kennie Etienne
Study Abroad Program: Trinity in Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago (Spring 2020)
Major: African American Studies

What areas of the study abroad experience can you help other students navigate?

          • The petition process
          • Sticking to a budget
          • Traveling locally
          • Healthcare and health insurance abroad

What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
I would suggest that you begin researching programs early. You want to be prepared to possibly change your mind about which program to apply to and be able take your time on your application.

Langston Morrison
Study Abroad Program: Vassar-Wesleyan Program in Paris, France (Spring 2019)
Majors: College of Letters, Economics

What areas of the study abroad experience can you help other students navigate?

          • Experiencing racism abroad
          • Living with a host family
          • Language and immersion
          • Making friends abroad

What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
Make sure you reflect on what you want to get out of your study abroad experience. Also, don’t stress over all the required pre-departure paperwork; just organize and prepare for the séjour of a lifetime.

Rebecca Downer
Study Abroad Program: SFS: Wildlife Management Studies, Tanzania (Fall 2019)
Major: Earth and Environmental Sciences

What areas of the study abroad experience can you help other students navigate?

          • Being LGBTQIA+ abroad
          • Taking care of your mental health abroad
          • Experiencing culture shock
          • Re-entry experience and post-abroad
          • Creating and sticking to a budget

What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
Speak to previous students of the abroad program–research is important, but hearing about personal experiences from past students is really valuable. My program had a list of the student alumni, and I was able to contact them, and that was helpful for me in choosing my program.

Rhea Aggarwal
Study Abroad Program: Seamester Voyage: Tahiti to Australia (Summer 2019)
Major: Anthropology

What areas of the study abroad experience can you help other students navigate?

          • Experiencing micro-aggressions abroad
          • Taking care of your mental health abroad
          • Figuring out visa requirements
          • Navigating a new environment

What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
Do it! Prepare to be challenged in ways that you never expected, and learn new things about yourself and the world around you. While abroad, push yourself beyond your comfort zone whenever possible!

Rose Griffin
Study Abroad Program: DIS Copenhagen, Denmark (Fall 2019)
Major: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

What areas of the study abroad experience can you help other students navigate?

          • Living with a host family
          • First time traveling internationally
          • Studying abroad as a pre-med student
          • Taking care of your mental health abroad

What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
Take the time to consider what aspects of studying abroad are important to you. Your experience can vary widely depending on how you prioritize opportunities for cultural exchange, learning a new language, or academics, as a few examples. Then, it is easier to narrow down all of the exciting but different options available to you.