Global Ambassadors are students who have completed semester-long HWS study abroad programs and now volunteer with the Center for Global Education. As peer mentors, they represent their host programs, answer questions and offer honest insight into abroad experience. They also help build community on campus by supporting both returned study abroad participants and visiting exchange students.
If you’re curious about their programs, interests or life abroad, don’t hesitate to reach out — they’re eager to connect!
Lindsay Miller '27, Lead Ambassador
Major: History Minor: Public Policy Studies Campus Involvement: Admissions, HWS Votes, ORAP, Teacher Education Program
Study Abroad Location and Term: Auckland, New Zealand, Spring 2025
I studied abroad for so many reasons, some of them including ease of travel, fitting in with my academic and personal interests, and receiving the absolute privilege of being a student teacher abroad. I love to travel to new places, and after my studying was done, I enjoyed exploring the surrounding countries like Australia.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Take as many opportunities as you are able! Remember, you are probably not going to be in your country forever under these circumstances, so live a little! Talk and make connections with as many people as possible; they could end up becoming your lifelong friends. Start getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and trying new things.
Elena Roll '27, Lead Ambassador
Majors: Educational Studies, Psychological Science Campus Involvement: Teacher Education Program
Study Abroad Location and Term: Auckland, New Zealand, Spring 2025
I studied abroad to understand the world from a different lens and be fully immersed in another culture. I knew before coming to HWS that I wanted to study abroad, and the CGE makes it so easy and accessible. Even after coming home, I continue to reflect on how much I learned while I was abroad and how the experience will be something I will always carry with me.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: My advice is to soak it up. Being receptive to the cultural, social, and academic differences and reflecting will be most beneficial in your learning and growth. Step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of where you are!
Tom Fahey ‘27
Major: Russian Area Studies Minor: Theatre and Writing Campus Involvement: Phoenix Players (President), Students for Humanitarian Justice, Kinetic Dance Collective (KDC)
Study Abroad Location and Term: Fulbright-Hays in Kutaisi, Georgia, Summer 2025; Tbilisi, Georgia, Fall 2025
I knew coming here, because of my Russian major but also my interests, that I wanted to study abroad. One of my professors was leading a summer program to Georgia, so I chose to do summer and fall programs in the same place back-to-back so I could learn as much as possible!
Advice for Students Going Abroad: One of the reasons I think study abroad at HWS is so special is because students have so many different resources available to them, both out there and back on campus. I'd encourage students to do everything they can to make their experience their own.
Alyssa Hanuscin ‘27
Majors: Psychological Science and Writing & Rhetoric Campus Involvement: Writing Colleague Program, WHWS, Psi Chi
Study Abroad Location and Term: Prague, Czechia Fall 2025
I studied abroad to learn more about myself and my independence, and to put my studies from HWS into a greater world context.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Don't be afraid to put yourself out there! Making new friends and trying new things are some of the best parts about being abroad!
Amanda Kronowitz ‘27
Majors: Management and Entrepreneurship (focus in Food Studies) Minor: Anthropology Campus Involvement: Women in Business (Executive Board), AI Club (Vice President), Centennial Scholar, PLEN, Three Miles Lost, FSEM Mentor
Study Abroad Location and Time: Lisbon, Portugal, Spring 2026
I studied abroad to explore the world on my own terms. I wanted to fully immerse myself in another culture and experience the privilege of living, studying, working, and traveling in a new place.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Don't let a rainy day stop you from seeing something new. Be kind to yourself and others. Say YES and keep an open mind.
Colton Lestorti ‘27
Major: Economics Minors:Entrepreneurship Campus Involvement: Kappa Alpha (President), Finance Society, AI Club, Investment Club
Study Abroad Location and Term: Lisbon, Portugal, Spring 2026
I chose to study abroad because I wanted to experience a new culture, challenge myself outside of my comfort zone, and gain a more global perspective. Studying in Lisbon gave me the opportunity to learn in a different academic environment, experience Portuguese culture firsthand, build relationships with people from around the world, and develop a broader understanding of international business and global markets.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Take advantage of every opportunity, even the ones that push you outside your comfort zone. Immerse yourself in the local culture, build relationships with people from different backgrounds, and travel when you can, because the experiences and connections you make will stay with you long after you return home.
Michelle Mangione ‘27
Major: Asian Studies and English & Creative Writing Campus Involvement: Admissions Ambassador, Debate Team, The Herald
Study Abroad Location and Term: Taipei, Taiwan, Spring 2026
I wanted to experience a different culture and life away from home. I also wanted to improve my language skills and overall confidence.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: You will realize that what makes you nervous is nothing to worry about! Just be confident and enjoy your time abroad!
Salma Menkari ‘27
Majors: International Relations and Economics Athletics: William Smith Cross Country Campus Involvement: Admissions Office, International Relations Teaching Fellow
Study Abroad Location and Term: Auckland, New Zealand, Spring 2026
I have always valued learning about other cultures and histories. Having the amazing opportunity to study abroad in New Zealand was perfect for me, as it filled my major requirements and allowed me to immerse myself in different landscapes and cultures far from my own. I continue to reflect on all the people I met, stories I heard, and perspectives I gained while abroad.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Going abroad is filled with many scary unknowns and exciting new experiences. Embrace all of it and push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Christina Mohonta ‘27
Major: International Relations, Gender & Feminist Studies, Asian Studies Campus Involvement: International Student Association (President), Women's Resource Center (Coordinator), Community Assistant, Hai Timiai Honor Society, Laurel Honor Society
Study Abroad Location and Term: Hong Kong, Spring 2026
I studied abroad because I wanted to step outside what was familiar, experience the world beyond what I already knew, challenge my perspectives, and immerse myself in a different academic and cultural environment. As an international student in the United States from Bangladesh, this experience pushed me in new ways that I didn’t expect and helped me become more independent, culturally aware, and confident in navigating unfamiliar spaces.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. No matter how awkward it feels, introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you. That’s how I found some of my best friends in Hong Kong. Keep an open mind, say yes to new experiences, and remember: you will never be this exact version of yourself in this exact place again.
Study Abroad Location and Term: Galway, Ireland, Fall 2024; Bali, Indonesia, J-Term 2025-26
I studied abroad to explore other cultures, learn some of their practices, understand their mythology, and meet all kinds of people. I was interested in the different flora as well as the agricultural history of Ireland. Coming from a family that immigrated from Ireland a long time ago, I wanted to see what my ancestors had left behind. My second experience was a way to challenge myself by engaging with a culture I had no connection to and taking all the opportunities I could.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Packing light is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It is difficult to travel somewhere new, especially when you may have to leave some of your comfort clothes at home. However, you will buy clothes you love anywhere you go, and you will have more room for gifts on your flight back.
Study Abroad Location and Term: Auckland, New Zealand, Spring 2026
I studied abroad to gain a more global perspective on how the world works and how that affects all of us individually. I also wanted to experience a different education style while being able to study parts of the Earth I otherwise wouldn't have the privilege to.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Say yes to things you're unsure of even if they feel uncomfortable, as you never know where your favorite experiences may come from, and they are often what help you grow the most.
Olivia Weidele ‘28
Major: Psychology and Studio Art Campus Involvement: Kinetic Dance Collective (KDC)
Study Abroad Location and Term: Aix-en-Provence, France, Spring 2026
I studied abroad to widen my perspective of culture, personal independence, and art. I have always been drawn to traveling to places I had never been before, experiencing new cuisines, and meeting new people.
Advice for Students Going Abroad: Don't be afraid to try new things, talk to new people, and go to new places. Find something that reminds you of home. Remember to experience the place you are in, rather than taking every free moment to travel.
