# Student Advisors ## Student Advisors ![A person sits on a brick ledge smiling, with a town of tiled rooftops, palm trees, and mountains in the background.](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-09/Samet-Marram_Ethan.jpg?itok=DnQj3Uo-) ## expand\_more OIE Student Advisors are students who have recently returned from a term abroad, and are passionate about studying abroad and spreading the message about what a transformative experience it can be. They are eager to speak with you during [drop-in hours](https://oie.fas.harvard.edu/about#contact-us), over a meal in the dining hall, over coffee/tea (on the OIE!) or elsewhere on campus at your convenience. ![A person smiles while sitting against an ornately decorated wall with intricate geometric and floral patterns.](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-09/Aubrey_Stoddard_2017_India.jpg?itok=QrWeLNag) ## Cole Boyd ![Cole Boyd](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-09/cole%20boyd_web.jpg?itok=XCpyIMUM) 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! Open all sections Close all sections ### Cole's Study Abroad Highlights expand\_more - Attending Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square during Pope Francis’ last public appearance - Taking a 4 a.m. van from Ljubljana, Slovenia to Venice, Italy - Biking through Villa Borghese - Turning 21 in Paris and visiting Sainte-Chapelle and the Louvre in one day - Climbing to the top of Castel Sant’Angelo with new friends - Seeing the windmills and tulip fields during Spring in Amsterdam - Experiencing Via Crucis at the Colosseum on Good Friday - Taking photos with swans in Hallstatt, Austria - Learning Italian slang from university students in Rome - Attending Easter Mass at The Vatican - Walking through one of the Holy Doors - Seeing David Henrie (Justin from Wizards of Waverly Place) in a random restaurant in Florence - All the Sunday Street Markets - Seeing the Mona Lisa - Late nights at the Trevi Fountain - Long dinners at outside tables people watching - Traveling to four countries during Spring Break ### Ask Cole About expand\_more - Studying abroad in a country where you don’t speak the language (yet) - Balancing weekend travel with immersing in your host country - Cultural differences between Europe and the U.S. - How to take classes that double as “free tourism” (e.g. art history in Rome) - Staying in touch with friends and family while abroad (hint: postcards!) --- ## Delaney Cushman ![Delaney Cushman](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-09/delaney%20cushman_web.jpg?itok=lCGQSFF7) 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! Open all sections Close all sections ### Delaney's Study Abroad Highlights expand\_more - Attending Easter Mass at The Vatican - Walking through one of the Holy Doors - Seeing David Henrie (Justin from Wizards of Waverly Place) in a random restaurant in Florence - All the Sunday Street Markets - Seeing the Mona Lisa - Late nights at the Trevi Fountain - Long dinners at outside tables people watching - Traveling to four countries during Spring Break ### Ask Delaney About expand\_more - Studying abroad as pre-med - Planning weekend trips to other countries - Getting medical assistance while abroad - Studying abroad on financial aid - Balancing academics and travel --- ## Erika Chung ![Erika Chung](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-09/erika%20chung_web.jpg?itok=daWhHup5) 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. Open all sections Close all sections ### Erika's Study Abroad Highlights expand\_more - Hiking in Patagonia for a weekend with study abroad friends I had just met a few weeks earlier - Meeting up with Harvard friends in Barcelona when my program overlapped with Harvard’s spring break - Cage diving in South Africa - Learning about and touring shantytowns in Buenos Aires and Cape Town alongside community members - Watching sunsets over the horizon in Tinos - Journaling and collaging my study abroad experience - Making incredible new friends and traveling across four continents together! ### Ask Erika About expand\_more - Multi-country and experiential programs - Solo travelling and travelling with friends - Reservations about studying abroad and maintaining connection to Harvard campus life - Studying abroad as an international student (I’m Canadian!) - Living with host families - Studying abroad with a small cohort --- ## Ishika Vyas ![Ishika Vyas](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-09/ishika%20vyas_web.jpg?itok=HQbW_voK) 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! Open all sections Close all sections ### Ishika's Study Abroad Highlights expand\_more - Seeing bottlenose dolphins while on a boat ride in Setúbal - 1 euro pastéis de natas! - Seeing all of Lisbon from the famous Baixa viewpoint - My architecture class taught in different parts of the city - Wandering through the markets in Marrakesh - Walking on the walls of a castle in Girona - Watching sunsets by the pier at Cais do Sodre - Having group potlucks in the shared kitchen by my dorm - My friends <3 ### Ask Ishika About expand\_more - Financial aid and being FGLI abroad - Navigating pre-med and reqs - Navigating a new language in your abroad country - Being queer/poc abroad - Taking solo trips/safety --- ## Jeslyn Liu ![Jeslyn Liu](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-09/Jeslyn%20Liu_web.jpg?itok=m75nRZ_B) Hello! My name is Jeslyn Liu ([jyliu@college](mailto:jyliu@college.harvard.edu)) 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 :) Open all sections Close all sections ### Jeslyn's Study Abroad Highlights expand\_more 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 Jeslyn About expand\_more - **Fitting in your busy schedules** - **Picking the right program** - **Adapting to life in a new country** - **What academics are like at other top institutions** - **Stories about everything from how good (and CHEAP) the food was to campus traditions!** - **Happy to talk all things China/East Asia but all are more than welcome to reach out :)** --- ## Kate Ravenscroft ![Kate Ravenscroft](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-09/kate%20ravenscroft_web.jpg?itok=GEsH6YjW) 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! Open all sections Close all sections ### Kate's Study Abroad Highlights expand\_more - **Eating pizza and watching the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo** - **Hiking one of the largest active volcanoes in the world (Mount Etna)** - **Trying horse stew in Verona** - **Learning about different periods in Art History and being able to identify them in paintings!** - **Eating fresh oysters on the beach in Siracusa** - **My Art History class field trips every Wednesday** - **Countless wine tastings** - **Visiting the Louvre and not seeing the Mona Lisa** - **Exploring Venice at 5am** - **Sauna-ing and then jumping into the frozen fjord in Norway!** ### Ask Kate About expand\_more - **Studying abroad sophomore year** - **Living with a Host Family** - **How to navigate Trenitalia (not an easy feat)** - **Solo-traveling! (I solo traveled for almost every trip!)** - **Food recommendations!!!** - **What to read while traveling to maximize the -vibes-** - **Staying in hostels** --- ## Liz Zheng ![Liz Zheng](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-09/liz%20zheng_web.jpg?itok=Zv0m9BCk) 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! Open all sections Close all sections ### Liz's Study Abroad Highlights expand\_more - Host family dinners <3 - Hiking Les Calanques in Marseille - Seeing Semana Santa in Barcelona - Taking the Paris metro every morning with a book in hand - Stargazing in the Sahara Desert - Meeting cute cows in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland - Writing postcards on the cliffs in Normandie - Playing cards with my host mom and best friends for hours - Painting classes with retired French sweethearts - Anything and everything PARIS! ### Ask Liz About expand\_more - Learning a language / tips + recommendations (constant, *constant* immersion) - Finding your people abroad - Living with a host family - Art / Painting / Drawing - Finding a steady rhyme and routine --- ## Laurinne Eugenio ![Laurinne Eugenio](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-09/laurinne%20eugenio_web.jpg?itok=mpJh445z) 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! Open all sections Close all sections ### Laurinne's Study Abroad Highlights expand\_more - Wandering through Oxford’s beautiful architecture, parks, and rivers, and soaking in its charming traditions—like punting on the river, attending formal hall dinners, and hearing the Magdalen choir sing at sunrise (6 AM) on May Day. - Connecting with fellow Filipinos through the Oxford Philippine Society and picking up some bachata and salsa moves in weekly dance classes. - Road-tripping to Stonehenge and seeing one of the original copies of the Magna Carta. - Reuniting with Harvard friends in South Korea for the HUAP Conference and exploring Hanoi with a friend from both Harvard and Oxford. - Returning to the Philippines to reconnect with my roots and soak in its natural beauty. - Visiting my lovely college roommate and best friend in Auckland, New Zealand, and hiking to a waterfall together. - Traveling across Europe with my blockmate—stopping in Paris, Bruges, Brussels, Pisa, Rome, and Vatican City. - Attending Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square during Pope Francis’ final public appearance. - Exploring the vibrant cities of Budapest, Hungary, and Prague, Czech Republic, and taking spontaneous weekend trips that made every moment unforgettable. ### Ask Laurinne About expand\_more - Anything Oxford-related (how to pick a college, tutorials, terminology, application, etc.) - Staying in touch with friends and family while abroad - Studying abroad as an AAPI/Filipino woman - Working on a thesis while abroad - Navigating your priorities while abroad (social life, school, traveling) - Traveling with friends and alone --- ## Michelle Jean-Louis ![Michelle Jean-Louis](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-09/michelle%20jean-louis_web.jpg?itok=RH9GFSyR) Hi! My name is Michelle Jean-Louis ([michellejeanlouis@college](mailto:michellejeanlouis@college.harvard.edu)), 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! Open all sections Close all sections ### Michelle's Study Abroad Highlights expand\_more - Traveling the world with 3 women my age (4 20-something women travelling the world means endless stories) - Making fresh yogurt every night after dinner with my host dad in France - Having dinner under the Eiffel Tower at night - Going to the Paralympics in Paris - Spending a weekend in Bourgogne, France - Visiting the castle of Versailles - Eating Msemen and drinking traditional mint Moroccan tea for breakfast - Riding camels and a dirt bike in the Agafay desert in Morocco - Shopping in the souks of Rabat - Weekend spent in Sine Saloum, Senegal - Spending a weekend in Marrakech - Weekend spent in Chefchaouen - Visiting Goree Island in Senegal - Going to a traditional Senegalese wedding with my Host mom in Senegal - Going to the beach after class in Dakar, Senegal - Wearing a uniform alongside my classmates in Dakar, Senegal ### Ask Michelle About expand\_more - Doing a Multi-country study abroad Program ([APA](https://www.apaparis.com/program/multi-country/)) - What to pack for three countries with different climates - How to prepare for a foreign language program without having taken language courses at Harvard - How I [petitioned](https://oie.fas.harvard.edu/term-time-petition-program-approval) for a program not on the OIE approved list - Navigating health issues while abroad (I fell sick) - Integration into host families - Choosing between a European and African study abroad program (why not both!) - My experience applying for visas and what documents I brought to a visa appointment as a weak passport holder - How I extended my visa while abroad --- ## Sadie Kargman ![Kargman Sadie](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-09/kargman_sadie_headshot%20%281%29.jpg?itok=db8gRrEN) Hi everyone!! My name is Sadie Kargman (sadiekargman@college) and I am a senior in Pforzheimer House studying Romance Languages and Literatures on the French and Italian track. I spent my junior spring semester studying abroad in Paris at Columbia University’s Reid Hall Program with Sorbonne. With a background in French and growing up in New York City, I loved spending an extended period in the city of Paris and learning alongside native French speakers. I had previously studied for a summer in Italy and was eager to pursue another immersive study abroad experience. From the local restaurants to my modern French cinema course, there is nothing like eating, sleeping, and breathing the language/culture you are learning. While Harvard was an ocean away, I found it easy to stay in touch with friends and extracurriculars, starting a column in The Harvard Independent called “Abreast on Abroad.” Even though I loved studying in Paris specifically, being in Europe allowed me to travel a lot, meet new people, and discover different cultures. In terms of academics, I found the French school system to be daunting and confusing at first; however, my incredible advisors at my program assisted me in translating and converting grades. I came to Paris virtually alone, but eventually, I found it easy to make French and American friends in and outside the classroom; as long as you are happy, confident, and yourself, it will come easy! One of the things I have definitely taken with me from Paris is a love of pastry and coffee time, so please feel free to reach out with questions, concerns or to make a new friend!! Xx Open all sections Close all sections ### Sadie's Study Abroad Highlights expand\_more - Harry Styles paying for my cab in Berlin - Having classes in The Louvre, Orsay Museum, Picasso Museum, L’Orangerie, + more! - Traveling to over 15 countries - Participating in The March of The Living 2025 in Poland - Going Scuba Diving - Singing at Silencio Club by David Lynch (long story) - Attending Cooking Nights with other Columbia Reid Hall students - Attending The Ballet - Venturing to the James Turrell Gagosian exhibit - Shopping at a Vintage Festival with over 500 vendors - Making friends from all over the world! ### Ask Sadie About expand\_more - Making local friends - Budget-friendly travel - Paris Restaurant/Shopping Guide - Using public transport (New York Native!) - Studying Humanities - Using student discounts all over Europe - **Studying abroad as a Black woman** - **Organizing trips around Europe** - **Deciding between language-immersion study abroad programs, as someone who studies multiple languages** - **Considering summer and term-time study abroad programs** - **Planning for study abroad as a joint concentrator or potential thesis writer** --- ## Sean Gallagher ![Sean Gallagher](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-09/sean%20gallagher_web_0.jpg?itok=wzCgvbAr) Hi! My name is Sean (seangallagher@college) and I’m a senior in Currier studying Psychology with a secondary in Education and citation in Spanish. I spent my sophomore and junior springs studying in Spain, one of the most magical places in the world! I spent my sophomore year in Barcelona studying with IES and Universitat de Barcelona as well as my junior year in Granada studying at the Centro de Lenguas Modernas and the Universidad de Granada. Through these programs, I had the life-changing opportunity to immerse myself in Spanish culture, meet tons of new people (from locals to fellow foreigners!), to study through a different cultural lens, and explore wayyy more of Europe than I had ever expected. My semesters in Spain were truly some of the best of my life, so much so that I plan to move back to this beautiful country once I graduate! I would highly recommend studying abroad (especially in Spain :) to anyone considering it, I promise it will be one of the best decisions you ever make! Open all sections Close all sections ### Sean's Study Abroad Highlights expand\_more - Granada’s sunsets - Living with a Spanish student in a dorm - Spanish food markets - Having a layover in Iceland - Visiting the desert in Morocco (+having the best food of my life) Forming a Comedy Clubhouse family - Power outage in Spain - Finding a second home <3 ### Ask Sean About expand\_more - Spending **two** **semesters** abroad - SPAIN! - Interning while abroad - Financial Aid Abroad - Classes in English vs Spanish - Small (40) vs Large (~1600) Programs - Thesising while abroad - Studying abroad Sophomore Year - Traveling while abroad --- ## Vanessa Norris ![Vanessa Norris](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-09/vanessa%20norris_web_1.jpg?itok=2CI2x3NU) Hi hi! My name is Vanessa Norris ([vmnorris@college](mailto:vmnorris@college.harvard.edu)) and I am a senior in Adams House studying Neuroscience on the pre-veterinary track. Yes, a pre-vet at Harvard, we are real! I spent my Junior fall semester studying rainforest and coral reef conservation and ecology in Australia with the School for Field Studies. I also had the opportunity to spend my first-year summer in Milan and Siena, Italy with Harvard Summer School. Both of these experiences were extremely different from each other, but they both shaped my perspectives, education, and individuality as a person. While my time in Italy was more traditional, my time in Australia was spent knee-deep in the rainforest doing hands-on research and engaging with the beautiful fauna, flora, and people of Australia… and yes, I lived in a cabin. I never thought as a pre-veterinary student I would have the opportunity or time to go abroad, but I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to combine my interests and education into my time abroad, while also meeting some of the people I will be able to call lifelong friends. If you feel unsure, super excited, or have just returned, I would love to chat over a meal or coffee (or BerryLine :))! Open all sections Close all sections ### Vanessa's Study Abroad Highlights expand\_more - Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef (and being stormed by a parrot fish). - Holding a baby wallaby and wallaroo at a rescue center (my life felt complete). - Sitting at a campfire hearing stories from Aboriginal elders. - Spotlighting in the Wet Tropic mountains and seeing baby opossums and tree kangaroos. - All of the locals who we learned from, taught us, or engaged with us coming to our Thanksgiving dinner. - Performing the Pitch Perfect finale with my gals for everyone last night. - Living in a cabin in the Wet Tropics rainforest. - Our cook, Jane’s, food! - Literally, every single person I met. ### Ask Vanessa About expand\_more - Being a FGLI student abroad (financial aid, budgeting, financial concerns) - Being a pre-med/pre-health/pre-vet student abroad. - Traditional versus non-traditional opportunities. - Research abroad!! - Being abroad in a small cohort - Getting FOMO from Harvard