Student Advisors

Hi everyone! My name is Cole Boyd (coleboyd@college) and I’m a senior in Leverett House studying Economics with a citation in Spanish. I grew up in Texas (yeehaw!) and have always loved learning languages and exploring different cultures. While it might have made sense for me to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country like Mexico, Argentina, or Spain, I decided to take a different path and study in Rome.

I’ve always been drawn to the city’s religious, historical, and artistic significance, and Rome turned out to be the perfect intersection of my niche academic interests and my desire for something completely new. It was, without a doubt, the best decision I’ve made during my time at Harvard. I picked up my third language, visited twelve new countries, and fell in love with everything Rome and Italy have to offer.

Leaving Harvard behind for a semester can feel intimidating, but I’m here to assure you—it’s 100% worth it. You’ll return with incredible experiences, a fresh perspective, and probably more than a few jealous friends. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions—I’d love to chat!

Hi everyone! My name is Liz Zheng (lizzheng@college), and I’m a senior in Adams House studying Applied Math and Sociology with a citation in French. I spent a semester abroad in Paris through the CUPA (Center for University Programs Abroad) program, and it was one of the most enriching experiences of college.

I’ve always wanted to learn a language in college, and studying abroad made that dream a reality. From classroom discussions to dinner conversations, I was constantly speaking French and immersing myself in the culture. It was truly life-changing.

I’m a huge advocate for studying abroad—it opens your mind to new perspectives and introduces you to incredible people. During my time in Paris, I made deep friendships that helped me learn more about myself. My host family consisted of one lovely retired woman who made me dinner each night, and we would talk for hours. Building such a close connection with someone over just a few months was a beautiful experience.

I also had the chance to explore so much of France—tasting regional cuisines, picking up on local accents, and meeting amazing people along the way. France is a stunning country with so much to offer, and I’d be thrilled to share more about it with you! Don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to chat and answer any questions you have!

Hi! My name is Michelle Jean-Louis (michellejeanlouis@college), and I am a senior in Leverett House studying History of Science with a secondary in African American studies. Outside of class, I am the president of the Caribbean club, dancing on the Eleganza stage, and a volunteer at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter. As a Haitian immigrant, I found it important to contextualize my academic interest in the science of control and colonization into the francophone world that I call my own. So, when I discovered I could spend a semester studying colonization and decolonization in France, Morocco, and Senegal with Academic Programs Abroad, I left to go abroad in the fall of my Junior year! But my experience was not simply marked by academic development. In France, I was Michelle Gerin-Roze. In Morocco, I was Michelle Benabdelkader. In Senegal, I was Michelle Diop. The relationship and routines developed with each host family have allowed me to rediscover pieces of my own history as a Haitian woman that I never knew I had lost. My study abroad program has required me to position myself within the bigger world. It has brought to the surface vestiges of my past and built zelliges (mosaic) of my future. And that has made all the difference! 

Hi, lovely people :)) My name is Candace Howe (cjhowe@college), and I’m a senior in the best house on campus, Pfoho, studying Psychology and Music. I’m Caribbean, originally from the Jersey Shore, and since coming to Harvard, I’ve deepened my love for traveling and exploring new cultures, starting with a summer studying abroad in Greece after my first year.

More recently, I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, through the CIEE Language and Culture program, and let me tell you: best decision of my life! I chose Barcelona because it felt like the perfect mix of everything I love: warm weather, beautiful architecture, amazing food, music, nightlife, nature, and an active culture that made me feel at home.

During my semester abroad, I traveled to 10 countries throughout Europe while serving as Miss New Jersey at the National American Miss national competition, which reminded me that studying abroad doesn’t mean putting your goals or aspirations on hold. The following summer, I traveled to Argentina and Uruguay through a Harvard-funded opportunity. More than anything, these experiences gave me the confidence to intentionally build the life I want and pursue experiences I once thought were out of reach.

Because I genuinely love my community at Harvard, studying abroad felt less like leaving my life behind and more like expanding it. If you’re considering studying abroad and want someone to talk to about Barcelona, balancing affordable and luxury travel, funding opportunities, budgeting, documenting your memories, or a study abroad guide, please feel free to reach out — I’d love to help you make the absolute most of your experience abroad <3

Hi everyone! My name is Cindy DeDianous (cdedianous@college.harvard.edu) and I’m a senior in Dunster House studying Neuroscience and Economics on the pre-med track. 

I come from a multicultural background and have always loved learning languages and exploring different cultures. I’ve been lucky enough to spend time abroad in three countries. Before coming to Harvard, I lived with a host family in Seoul, South Korea and studied Korean language and culture with a cohort of forty students from across the US. The next summer, I lived in Singapore while interning at Harvard Business School’s Asia-Pacific Research Center. 

Junior spring, I studied abroad at Worcester College at the University of Oxford. From joining the rowing team to attending formal dinners and a commemoration ball, I loved having the opportunity to immerse myself in Oxford’s traditions and get to know other students there. Because Oxford’s tutorial system is designed around independent study, I could shape my own learning and had time to pick up so many new interests. I also had the experience of a lifetime visiting friends and family across Europe during the six-week break between terms.

I love talking about my time abroad and can always find time for a coffee, so please feel free to reach out with questions, concerns or to make a new friend!

Hi luvs! I'm Daijsa Green (daijsagreen@college), a senior in Pfohorzheimer House studying Psychology with an Economics secondary.

Studying abroad in Greece and Barcelona completely transformed my Harvard experience. Those opportunities sparked my love for travel, cultural exchange, and helping other students realize that studying abroad can be accessible, meaningful, and life-changing.

At Harvard, I’ve traveled to more than ten countries, conducted Harvard-funded housing sustainability research in Brazil through the Salata Institute, and this fall I’ll travel to China as a seminar leader with the Harvard Undergraduate Association for U.S.-China Relations (HAUSCR), where I’ll teach a course on the psychology of money while leading discussions with students from around the world.

As a low-income Black student, studying abroad wasn’t something I always imagined was possible for me. Navigating funding, logistics, and the application process taught me that these opportunities are far more attainable than they often seem, and that’s what motivates me to support other students as they explore their own global experiences.

One unexpected outcome of studying abroad is that I became the friend everyone comes to for travel planning. I genuinely love finding affordable flights, building detailed itineraries, stretching a student budget, and discovering ways to make the most of every destination. Whether it’s balancing academics with weekend travel, navigating a new culture, or figuring out how to make an ambitious trip financially realistic, I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.

Outside of OIE, I’m involved in mentoring, tutoring, graphic design, outreach, and House life in Pfoho. I’m excited to help make studying abroad feel a little less intimidating and a lot more possible for future students!

Hi everyone! My name is Harron Lee (harronlee@college), and I’m a senior in Eliot House studying Economics with a secondary in Psychology. Growing up in Korea before moving to the U.S. and living in several different parts of the country gave me an appreciation for new environments and cultures, which made studying abroad a natural part of my Harvard experience.

I was fortunate to study abroad twice in two very different settings. After my first year, I spent the summer at the London School of Economics, where I experienced life in a fast-paced global city while taking economics courses for credit. During my junior spring, I studied at Syracuse University Florence, where I lived with a host family, improved my Italian, and embraced a much slower pace of life.

What I love most about studying abroad is that it gives you both breadth and depth. You get to travel, explore new places, and say yes to spontaneous adventures, but you also get to build a life in one place, whether that's finding your favorite study spot, discovering hidden corners of the city, or feeling like a local by the end of the semester.

Studying abroad was one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re thinking about going abroad, I’d love to chat about choosing a program, financial aid, academics, or what everyday life abroad is really like. Feel free to reach out anytime!

Hey there! I am Joseph Price (josephprice@college), a senior living in Quincy House. I was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and I am concentrating in Government. During my junior spring semester, I studied abroad in Rome, Italy, and had the most amazing experience of my life. As a huge fan of architecture, cuisine, fashion, and Mediterranean culture, there is no better place to be than the eternal city that is Rome!

Throughout my time in Europe, I had the opportunity to travel to over 10 countries and experience a diverse range of cultures, from major capitals such as London, England to more culturally rich destinations such as Morocco. While abroad, I met some of the most fantastic friends and made connections with people I am confident will last a lifetime. Additionally, through my program at Temple Rome, I explored alternative academic interests beyond my traditional Harvard courses, ranging from digital photography to art history. One of the greatest takeaways from my time abroad is that I now have greater clarity about how I want to make the most of my final year at Harvard. Being abroad gave me the opportunity to explore newfound passions (House music, Formula 1, photography, just to name a few). In my final year, I hope to do sociological research on how companies could provide meaningful, safe spaces for minorities, rather than performative ones. I also plan to develop my own photography portfolio with an emphasis on photojournalism and street photography. 

Being abroad changed the trajectory of my life, and as an OIE Student Advisor, I hope to encourage other students to study abroad. You won’t regret it. 

Hello! My name is Lillian Rousey (lillian_rousey@college), and I’m a senior in Quincy House studying History. During my full junior year, I studied abroad at Oxford University, where I took courses in Politics, History, and Theology. It was the best part of my college experience thus far.

Living and learning in a new place for an entire academic year allowed me to fully experience a new academic system through Oxford’s tutorial model, while also becoming deeply involved in student life. The tutorial system especially pushed me to think critically, articulate arguments clearly, and engage with material in a much more thoughtful and rigorous way. The intensity and focus of study helped me discover where my academic passions truly lie and strengthened my confidence as a writer and thinker.

While at Oxford, I was also a part of the Oxford Union, where I served as Chief of Staff. This was an especially meaningful part of my experience. I met so many incredible individuals from ambassadors to actors and formed friendships with extraordinary students, many of whom remain some of my closest friends today.

Studying abroad not only expanded my worldview, but also gave me memories and friendships that I will always hold near and dear to my heart. If you’re considering going abroad, I’d love to chat or answer any questions you may have. I can genuinely say that studying abroad was one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career.

Hello everyone! I’m Nhaomi (nlartey@college), a senior in Lowell House studying computer science and sociology as a joint concentrator with a secondary in education. I studied abroad during my junior spring in sunny Singapore and couldn’t recommend it enough! I’m originally from Philly (Go Birds!) and have always wanted to study abroad but wasn’t sure where; if you’re in a similar boat, trust you are not alone!

Studying abroad while planning out STEM requirements isn’t the simplest job, but it is definitely doable! Especially as a joint concentrator, it was important for me to find a program that would allow me to stay on track with my degree requirements while still prioritizing the study abroad experience I was looking for. With support from OIE student advisors and staff, I was able to look through different options before deciding on Singapore!

Being in Singapore opened so many doors for me. From taking weekend trips to Indonesia and Thailand to exploring Singapore’s high-tech society, my outlook on the world expanded tremendously. Traveling as a Black woman in many non-Black spaces was challenging, but it pushed me in more ways than one, including growing in my identity. Plus, leaving Cambridge allowed me to foster community with newfound friends from across the globe, explore other career opportunities, and deepen my appreciation for new cultures.

As a first-generation, low-income (FGLI) student, the opportunity to study abroad felt surreal; I became the first in my family to explore Southeast Asia! If you are curious about studying abroad, especially as an FGLI or Black student, please, please, please don’t hesitate to reach out; I’d love to share my experiences with you and help you incorporate study abroad in your undergraduate experience! :)

Hi! My name is Olive Nye (olivenye@college.harvard.edu), and I’m a senior in Adams. I study Environmental Science & Public Policy with a secondary in Economics. I’m from Bend, Oregon, and before studying abroad was lucky to live abroad in both Hungary and China during elementary and middle school. These incredible international experiences at a young age are part of why I was so excited to study abroad during college. 

I studied abroad my junior spring in Panama, through SIT’s ecology and conservation program. I had an incredible dual-experience of both homestays and travel. We explored the country and Costa Rica for seven weeks, but also got to live in three different homestays and develop close relationships with our “home base” families in Panama City. We studied fish behavior in coral reefs, soil quality in the rainforest, and sponges on the roots of mangroves. We got to hike in mountainous regions, experience life in the city, and spend a ton of time snorkeling along the coast. We not only had ecology and environmental classes, but also Spanish classes and a language program with students at the local university. 

In deciding to study abroad, I was navigating financial aid, starting my secondary late, planning for a senior thesis a semester earlier than my peers, and leaving the student organizations and communities I loved. I was committed to studying abroad, and with the help of FAO, OIE, and my department, I was able to fit all the puzzle pieces together, and I’m so glad I did! My experience abroad was life changing and will be one of the most meaningful periods of my life. 

I’d love to chat about anything related to study abroad, even if you’re just exploring the idea.