Majors: Environmental Studies and International Relations Minor: Spanish & Hispanic Studies
Study Abroad Location and Term: Wales, Summer 2023; Maastricht, Netherlands, Spring 2024
I have always wanted to study abroad, to have an experience where I could fully immerse myself in a different culture. Through my semester in Maastricht as well as my summer in Wales, I have made countless memories and connections with people from HWS and around the world!
Advice for Students Going Abroad: My advice for study abroad students is to find something you enjoy doing (or something new) and go while you are abroad!
Alberto García de la Puente '25
Majors: Architectural Studies and Studio Art Minor: Art History
Study Abroad Location and Term: Rome, Italy, Spring 2023, Seoul, South Korea, Spring 2024
As an international student here in the US, I noticed how much I learned and grew from my first year at HWS. I decided to study abroad to pursue that same level of learning and adaptation. I studied abroad twice: once during my sophomore spring with a faculty-led program in Rome, Italy, and the second in Seoul, South Korea as an exchange student during my Junior spring. During both semesters, I pursued two projects in photography partially funded by a SIIF grant, and then I was able to showcase my work back on campus.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: I couldn’t recommend studying abroad enough. It opens your eyes not only to a new international experience but to a more mature, independent and confident version of yourself.
Hannah Green '25
Major: Greek & Roman Studies Minor: Holocaust Studies
Study Abroad Location and Term: Greece, Summer 2022; Galway, Ireland, Spring 2023; Leipzig, Germany, Summer 2024
I decided to study abroad because I always knew I wanted to see the world. I’ve always wanted to learn more about other cultures. By studying abroad, I was able to immerse myself in another culture and learn through those experiences.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: My advice is to enjoy it. Truly take advantage of your time there; do the things you can’t do at home and don’t worry about trying new things.
Payton Kliesch '25
Majors: Biology and Psychological Science Minor: American Studies
Study Abroad Location and Time: Queensland, Australia, Fall 2022; Croatia, Summer 2024
During the fall semester of 2022 I studied abroad in Brisbane, Australia and was able to experience a lifelong dream of witnessing the unique ecosystems and organisms there, thanks to the CGE. I also studied abroad in beautiful Dubrovnik, Croatia where I learned about mindfulness and its impact on the symptoms of PTSD; there, I was able to explore the culture and history of one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: My advice to those considering studying abroad is to start your program with an open mind: be ready to learn about not only the planned curriculum but the environment around you. Take advantage of the experience and explore everything your country has to offer.
Bradley Kutchukian '26
Majors: International Relations and German Language and Culture
Study Abroad Location and Term:Leipzig, Germany, Summer 2023; Tuebingen, Germany, Spring 2024
Even before I came to HWS I knew I wanted to go abroad and, when I did my campus tour, I spent a good chunk at the CGE discovering what opportunities would be available. I decided to go to Germany for both of my abroad stints in order to improve my language skills.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: I'd just recommend that you pick a country where you would like to be immersed, something outside of your comfort zone. I think it's easy to stay in your bubble when going abroad, but this is counterproductive to the goal of being immersed. So, my advice is just wherever you go, step outside your bubble and really try and do as much as you can with your surroundings while you have the chance.
Study Abroad Location and Term: Prague, Czechia, Spring 2024
Hello! My name is Marjorie Plants, and I studied abroad in Prague, Czechia in the spring of 2024. I studied abroad to explore the world through an academic lens and experience new cultures.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: I would encourage future study-abroad students to cherish their time abroad, make the most of any opportunities to try something new, and embrace stepping out of their comfort zone.
Luke Ryan '25
Major: History Minor: Africana Studies Athletics: Soccer
Study Abroad Location and Term: Galway, Ireland, Spring 2024
I studied abroad because I love experiencing other cultures.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: The one piece of advice I would give to students going abroad is that you should do all you can to branch out when you are abroad. Meeting new people and learning about their experience is extremely rewarding. Studying abroad gives you a whole new outlook on life, and personally, my four months in Galway were some of the best of my life.
Maggie Schlehlein '25
Major: Art History Minor: American Studies Athletics: Swimming and Diving
Study Abroad Location and Term: Auckland, New Zealand, Spring 2024
Hi, my name is Maggie Schlehlein, and I’m from Germantown, WI. This past spring, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Auckland, New Zealand through a faculty-led program with Professor Kirin Makker. It was my first time traveling out of the country, and I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in a new culture and explore everything it had to offer.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: For anyone planning to study abroad, my advice would be to keep an open mind and enjoy every moment!
Katherine Villinski '25
Majors: Environmental Studies and English
Study Abroad Location and Term: Auckland, New Zealand, Spring 2023
I studied abroad to gain more independence and a greater sense of self. Navigating school in a different country with students I didn't know challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and be more confident and self-assured than I thought was possible. Over the course of the program, I made new friends, tried new foods, sought out fun activities to do wherever we were that week, and generally made an effort to explore and make meaningful connections. The program gave me a sense of agency and, since then, I've had more clarity and understanding of my goals and pursued them back on campus and beyond.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: For those thinking of studying abroad, I would advise you to have high expectations for yourself and know that you're able to meet those expectations. Whether it's a challenging program, a city you're unsure of, or maybe it doesn't fit with what you had expected for your college career - go for it anyway. You don't know what you're capable of until you try!
