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!

Hello! My name is Delaney Cushman (dcushman@college) and I’m a senior in Quincy House studying History of Science: Medicine and Society on the Pre-Med track. Junior spring, I studied abroad in Rome, Italy through Temple University, and it was by far the best part of my college experience. Living and learning in Rome, especially during the Jubilee year, allowed me to dive deep into Italian culture and lifestyle while also challenging myself to adapt and grow in a completely new environment. I had so many once in a lifetime opportunities that I can’t even narrow down my favorite one. Whether it was enjoying fresh pasta in Trastevere, living less than a mile from the Pope, or sightseeings at ancient ruins between classes, everyday was a new experience. Studying abroad not only expanded my worldview but also gave me lifelong memories and friendships. If you’re considering going abroad I’d love to chat or answer any questions! 

Hi everyone! My name is Erika Chung (erikachung@college) and I’m a senior in Leverett House studying economics. I was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, and but now call Cambridge, MA my home away from home. 

I’ve studied abroad twice – most recently my junior spring with School for International Training’s IHP Cities, a multi-country urban studies program that spends 2 weeks in NYC followed by a month each in Buenos Aires, Barcelona, and Cape Town. Prior to this, I spent part of my freshman summer in Greece with College Year in Athens also doing an urban studies travelling program. We visited Athens and four Cycladic Islands – Naxos, Amorgos, Santorini, and Tinos. 

Study abroad has been such a transformative part of my college experience, giving me the chance to explore cities and learn outside the classroom. Since Harvard doesn’t offer an undergrad urban studies major, these programs let me dive into my interests while making amazing friends along the way. I’m so grateful I got to combine travel, learning, and real-world experience during my time in college.

Hi guys! My name is Ishika Vyas (ivyas@college) and I am a senior in Lowell studying Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology with a secondary in South Asian Studies and I am also on the pre-med track. My junior fall semester I went to Portugal as a part of CIEE Lisbon: Language and Culture and it truly was one of the best experiences of my college career! As a premed student, I came into Harvard thinking that my schedule would be way too strict for me to go abroad during the term, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Despite not having any background in Portuguese, I was simply captivated by Portugal’s wonderful sights and culture and decided that I absolutely had to go. I spent many of my days lounging around Cascais after classes (a beach only 45 minutes away from the city center), eating pasteis de natas in Baixa, checking out the wonderful viewpoints around Lisbon, and doing a whole lot of thrifting (Portuguese thrift was simply too good)! As someone who has never been abroad before to study abroad, this experience shaped my worldview and taught me so many important skills that I didn’t even know I needed. Not to mention, it was the reason I met some of my absolute best friends! If you are even remotely considering studying abroad, please feel free to reach out and I would love to chat, answer your questions, and get to know you! 

Hello! My name is Jeslyn Liu (jyliu@college) and I’m a junior in Leverett doing a double in Econ and Gov. I spent the fall of my junior year studying at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. In all honesty, I hadn’t considered studying abroad before, but after hearing about a friend’s incredible experience, I realized it was yet another unique opportunity I could only experience during my four years as a Harvard undergraduate. When else are you able to spend a semester as a student at any school of your choosing while earning a semester’s worth of Harvard credit with transferable financial aid? When I thought about where I most wanted to experience student life firsthand, Tsinghua, Asia’s top university, quickly stood out.

My semester at Tsinghua soon became the most impactful experience of my life. I studied global security, trade, finance, and law in a truly international setting, with classmates from literally all over the world bringing their own experiences. My classes—all in English (Tsinghua offers 300+ classes in English!)—were taught by some of the most influential scholars of today, whose teaching was shaped by an eagerness to engage all perspectives. I explored Beijing’s hidden corners (from historic hutongs, to modern art districts, to insanely futuristic skyscrapers) and learned to adapt to a completely different language, culture, and environment. Tsinghua’s campus itself felt like a small city, and biking to class every day past lakes, gardens, and historic gates was a highlight in itself. Studying abroad gave me the time and space to discover new things about myself—how I problem-solve, how I adapt, and how capable I can be. It also prompted me to pick up so many new interests, including enrolling in a local dance studio and taking a guqin class as part of my class schedule.

Ask me about how study abroad can fit in your busy schedules, picking the right program, adapting to life in a new country, what academics are like at other top institutions, or just to hear some stories about everything from how good (& CHEAP) the food was to campus traditions! Happy to talk all things China/East Asia but all are more than welcome to reach out :)

Hello! My name is Kate Ravenscroft (keravenscroft@college) and I’m a Senior in Cabot House double concentrating in Economics and English. I have also completed a French citation! The summer after my first year I studied abroad in Paris, France with Columbia University at Reid Hall and took classes in 19th Century French Art and Advanced French Grammar and Composition. Sophomore spring I also studied abroad in Florence, Italy with Syracuse University and took Italian language, Renaissance Art History, Italian Wines and the History of English literature, Fashion and Food in Italy. Coming to Harvard, I knew I wanted to study abroad regardless of its (undeserved) lack of popularity on campus and have had countless enlightening experiences during my time in Europe! Both my French and Italian skills have improved immensely during my time studying internationally and my biggest regret is that I didn’t explore countries which were even more foreign to me! I am incredibly passionate about traveling, reading, writing, and eating good food and would be thrilled to share my experiences with prospective study abroad students! Feel free to contact me via email if you want to learn more about my adventures and/or discuss ways in which we can work together to plan your own expeditions!

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 everyone! My name is Laurinne Eugenio (leugenio@college), and I’m a senior in Pfoho concentrating in Social Studies with a secondary in Ethnicity, Migration, and Rights. I also hold a citation in Spanish and am currently completing one in Filipino (Tagalog). Last spring, I had the incredible opportunity to study Law and Politics at St. Anne’s College, University of Oxford.

Originally from the Philippines, I moved to the U.S. with my family in 2015 at age 11 and now live in San Diego (west coast, best coast!). Studying abroad was one of the most transformative and enriching parts of my Harvard experience. It pushed me to be more independent, intentional in relationships, and better at balancing life abroad with staying connected to my Harvard community.

It also taught me to say yes to new experiences—whether it was exploring a new city, traveling across countries, or taking on spontaneous adventures. I’m so grateful for the personal growth and memories it brought me.

To anyone who’s interested—or even just vaguely considering—studying abroad, I HIGHLY encourage you to go for it. Truly. You will not regret it!

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!