Study Away Ambassadors
'24-'25 Study Away Ambassadors
Our office is excited to introduce our Study Away Ambassadors for 2024-2025. Our Study Away Ambassadors are a select group of students who have recently returned from studying away, and are excited to volunteer and share their experience as well as offer advice to their peers interested in doing the same.
Have you ever wanted to hear a Williams student perspective on studying away and ask questions about their experience? Or have you ever wanted to speak with one of your fellow peers who went on a specific program/to a certain location that you are interested in? If so, feel free to reach out and speak with one of our Ambassadors below!
Applying to be a Future Study Away Ambassador:
Have you recently returned from studying away and are interested in sharing your experience with others? If so, apply to be an Ambassador for our office! There are many ways Study Away Ambassadors can play a vital part in promoting study away on campus through channels such as information sessions, social media, student alumni panels, pre-departure meetings, and more. By being an Ambassador, you will have the opportunity to help and encourage your peers to study away, which can be such a rewarding experience while also being a great resume booster as well.
The Study Away Ambassador position is a volunteer position with extremely flexible hours based on your availability. If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, please be on the lookout for an email with instructions on how to apply the semester after you return from studying away.
Please also feel free to contact [email protected] with any questions regarding the Study Away Ambassador Program.
Study Away Ambassadors for 2024-2025:
Zoe Evans
[email protected]
DIS Copenhagen
Hi! I am a pre-med biology major from Cape Elizabeth, Maine. At Williams, I play ultimate frisbee, work as a Goodrich Barista, and I am a member of the Williams Ski Patrol. During Spring 2024, I studied abroad in Copenhagen with DIS. I chose this program because of the biology classes offered and my desire to experience Scandinavian culture. At DIS, I loved living in a Kollegium or communal college housing with both Danish and American students. I made lifelong friendships with the Danes in my apartment and they were enthusiastic about showing me around Copenhagen. My advice to any prospective study-away student is to create a bucket list of things you want to do in your host city before you go abroad and keep adding to it while you are there. When you have a bit of free time, especially at the beginning of your time abroad, it’s easier to explore the city if you already have a place in mind. Study abroad is short, and a bucket list can help ensure you don’t miss key sites—even when you get busy with classes and new friends. Just make sure to save some time for spontaneous experiences, as they are often the most memorable.
Li-Norah Flynn
[email protected]
Arcadia Abroad- University of Otago
Hello! I’m Li-Norah and I’m a senior from the UK, double-majoring in Math and Geosciences. I studied abroad in New Zealand with Arcadia Abroad, at the University of Otago, and chose this program as geology in NZ is so unique and immersive! I also wanted to explore the outdoors, and I spent lots of time backpacking, camping and going to the beaches - NZ is so beautiful! I was also involved in club and intramural Badminton while I was there, which was a great way to meet local students. At Williams, I am captain of Club Badminton, I work with Williamstown Rural Lands and have given support with research in the geosciences department. I encourage Williams students to study abroad - there’s something for everyone, and it’s a great way to explore the world and get out of your comfort zone, while still completing your studies! Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Vanya Funez
[email protected]
Williams-Mystic
Hi everyone! My name is Vanya Funez and I am pursuing an Economics major with a Coastal and Ocean Studies concentration and a Latina/o Studies concentration. I was able to combine these interests by spending my sophomore spring at the Williams-Mystic Coastal and Ocean Studies Program in Mystic, Connecticut. The connections and experiences I shared with my classmates, professors, and stakeholders are ones that I will forever cherish. They have profoundly shaped my return to Williams, and I hope to share that with you all. Whether you study abroad with Williams-Mystic or another program, I highly encourage you to lean in. Engage with people with an open mind and an open heart; you may be surprised by what you learn.
Charlotte Luke
[email protected]
Syracuse Abroad- Strasbourg
Hi, I’m Charlotte! Last year I spent two semesters taking classes (in French) at Sciences Po Strasbourg, and I loved Strasbourg so much that I stayed there for an additional three months over the summer. I chose my study away program, which is run by Syracuse University, because it offered me accommodation in a studio apartment—as opposed to a host family arrangement—and the opportunity to enroll at local French universities, meaning I wasn’t constrained to the program’s in-house curriculum. During my eleven months in Strasbourg, I interned at an art gallery, performed in a student theater production at Sciences Po Strasbourg, and traveled extensively throughout France and Europe, usually solo.
Now back on campus, I’m here to help students plan a route through Williams that fits their individual goals and needs—whether that means helping them find a year-long study away program or apply for a three-week Winter Study travel course. (I also did the latter as a sophomore, taking “Presence and Place in Greece” through the Classics department.) In addition, I’m happy to share my insights about numerous regions/cities in France, especially Alsace, Provence, and Paris, and about different types of French universities.
Elsa Martin
[email protected]
ISI Perugia- The Umbra Institute
Ciao! My name is Elsa Martin, and I am a senior and double major in Environmental Studies and Religion. I studied abroad in Perugia, Italy during the 2023 fall semester through the Food and Sustainability Studies program at Umbra Institute. I was drawn to this program due to its location in a small city, as well as its unique curriculum, which emphasized cultural immersion and applied learning through class trips. Both within and outside of the classroom, I found ways to connect deeply with my host region, particularly through the artery of food. I frequented markets, harvest festivals, and small restaurants to practice my Italian language skills and experience a different way of life. Weekend trips also helped me find my footing in the unfamiliar culture and language, and over my four months in Italy I gained the confidence to embark on solo expeditions around the country. As a Study Away Ambassador, I aim to empower others to pursue a similarly meaningful experience abroad. Taking a leap into unfamiliar territory– both literally and figuratively– can be daunting; however, we students are far more adaptable than we give ourselves credit for. I hope that my experience and advice can bolster my peer’s confidence to believe in their abilities to not only enjoy but flourish in their foreign institution of choice.
Briana Palmieri
[email protected]
IES Abroad- Barcelona
Hey everyone! My name is Briana Palmieri and I am a senior double majoring in Economics and Philosophy. During the Spring of 2024, I studied abroad at IES Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain. I chose Spain because I had taken a few years of Spanish in high school and had never been to Spain before. I was also drawn to the location, as Barcelona is nestled between the mountains and the ocean. During my time abroad I was able to travel all across Europe, and take courses in new subjects (photography and architecture were two of the highlights). My biggest piece of advice would be to immerse yourself in the local culture as much as you can. Your time abroad will go by quickly and I wish I had spent more time in my home base city rather than trying to pack in weekend trips. As a Study Away Ambassador this year, I am excited to talk to prospective students who have any questions!
Elizette Santana-Caraballo
[email protected]
Syracuse Abroad- Madrid
Hi! I'm Elizette Santana-Caraballo and I'm an American Studies and Psychology double major. At Williams, I am involved with the '62 Center, Ritmo, Questbridge, BSU and the first gen community. I studied abroad during the spring 2024 semester in Madrid, Spain through the Syracuse Madrid Center Program. I chose this program because of its location and the courses offered. Madrid was my top choice location as a native Spanish speaker and the Syracuse program allowed me to be in Madrid while taking interesting and intellectually rewarding courses that covered different aspects of psychology and literature while taking advantage of the location to watch the theories discussed in action. This experience was my first time being in Europe ever and I got to meet amazing people and travel with them while also traveling with friends from Williams that were also studying abroad in Europe! I loved my experience abroad and if I could do it all over again I would. When studying away, I definitely recommend putting yourself out there and stepping out of your comfort zone as you will reap the benefits of having rewarding experiences and creating lasting bonds with people you would not have otherwise met!
Ryann Taylor
[email protected]
IES Abroad- Rabat
Hi! My name is Ryann Taylor and I’m a senior from Holmdel, New Jersey pursuing a major in Psychology. This past spring, I studied away in Rabat, Morocco with IES Abroad, and my experience was nothing short of incredible. I took classes focused in North African sociology, and also took a Novice level course in Modern Standard Arabic. I made lifelong friends that I still talk to daily, and would love to return to Morocco again in the future. Outside of class, I’m one of the Co-Presidents of Anything But Straight in Athletics (ABS), am a former member of the Women’s Basketball Team & SAAC Executive board, and formerly Co-Directed the Where Am I?! Freshman Orientation program. This year, I am hoping to work for EphSports media, and am also looking forward to being a study away ambassador!
Hamza Woodson
[email protected]
Williams-Exeter Programme at Oxford
Hello! My name is Hamza Woodson and I am excited to be a study away ambassador for the 2024/2025 school year! I am currently an Anthropology and Environmental Studies major concentrating in sustainable architecture and heritage management. Over the last school year I did two study away programs, the Williams-Exeter Programme at Oxford in the UK and over the summer was selected by the US State Department as a Gilman International Scholar to work in Morocco with the High Atlas Foundation. I am looking forward to supporting FGLI students in their pursuits for international adventuring and potential careermaking! My biggest point of advice would be to take any opportunity to go somewhere you've never thought of going before and take the risk!! If you don't do it while studying abroad you may not have the chance to do so again for awhile!