Office of Study Abroad

Tyler (he, him) is a senior majoring in Environmental Studies and Biology! He studied sustainable development in Costa Rica with the School for Field Sciences (SFS). He spent two months taking courses on environmental protections and social justice within Latin America, and six weeks researching hummingbirds and Cecropia trees, with a final project of a research paper and presentation! He also worked on repairing the mushroom hut, growing native plants, and becoming best friends with the chickens. During free time and weekends, he traveled around the country with friends, exploring various cities, cultural sites and ecosystems. He is excited to help others get started on their own study abroad journeys!

Kunga (she, her) is a senior majoring in Biology and HSSP. In the spring semester of 2024, she participated in the Health, Culture, and Development (HCD) program in Cape Town through IES Abroad. During her time abroad, Kunga took courses that deepened her understanding of community and public health by examining these topics through the unique socio-economic and historical context of South Africa. The hands-on style of her learning curriculum also further deepened her comprehension of the concepts discussed in her classes. Outside of her academic work, Kunga embraced the local culture by exploring Cape Town’s natural beauty through hikes, beach visits, local markets, nightlife, and bird/penguin-watching, etc. What she loved most about Cape Town was its stunning natural beauty and the warmth of its people. The views of the mountains on her way to class and the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises were truly unforgettable to her. Additionally, through IES, Kunga had the opportunity to explore Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Among her favorite adventures were safaris where she encountered incredible wildlife and a sunset boat ride across the Zambezi River.

Laurel is a senior at Brandeis studying Psychology and Education, and minoring in Sexuality and Queer Studies and Creative Writing. Laurel studied abroad twice while in their undergrad and loved both experiences. In the summer of 2023, she joined the Advanced Studies in England Program in Bath, where she took a class on Collective Memory in the Classroom and completed an Educational internship in a Year 3 (2nd grade) classroom. The following summer, Laurel attended the American College of Thessaloniki in Greece, where she studied Ancient Greek Art and Architecture and took the Introduction to Sea Sailing course for a Skipper's License. Studying abroad was one of the best decisions Laurel made, and is eager to share their experiences and answer any questions you may have!

Mariko (she, her) is a senior majoring in Applied Mathematics and minoring in Hispanic Studies. Originally from New Jersey, she traveled to Madrid, Spain and participated in the Math, Science and Engineering program with IES in Spring 2024. She had always known she wanted to study abroad, so when she was accepted into the program in her junior year, it was quite literally a dream come true! She was able to take a variety of classes towards both her major and her minor. In addition, she was able to pursue her interest in design and engineering with a class at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). The best part of studying abroad was how much it pushed her out of her comfort zone and helped boost her confidence. She got to experience all of the wonders Madrid, Spain and Europe had to offer while improving her language skills, eating delicious food, and meeting amazing people along the way. Mariko hopes to help prospective students live out their dreams through study abroad as well!