International & Domestic Programs Peer Mentors

Study Abroad Program: Middlebury School in Spain: Madrid (Carlos III)

Major: International Relations

Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2027

Why Did I Study Abroad?

Going into college, I already knew that I wanted to travel to and explore a foreign country. Having lived the majority of my life in Asia, I wanted this experience to take place in a country completely different than what I was used to, and I found Spain to be the perfect match. Pomona's study away gave me the perfect opportunity to step outside of what I knew and experience Spain in a way I never could by simply being a tourist.

During my time in Madrid, I got to fully immerse myself in the Spanish culture and language through my program's full immersion pledge. Beyond my classes, I had the opportunity to meet and build friendships with a diverse group of people: other students, my neighbours, restaurant owners, and regulars at a rock climbing gym. Living abroad pushed me to become more independent and open-minded, while also giving me a greater appreciation for the community and opportunities I have at Pomona and in Claremont. As a peer mentor, I'm excited to help other students find a study abroad experience that, like mine, allows them to challenge themselves, discover new interests, and meet incredible people.

Specific Topics of Interest: Cultural immersion, Middlebury and/or local programs, queer life and culture during study away, AAPI experience during study away.

On-Campus Activities: Claremont Sustainability Consulting, 5C Marine Science Club

Favorite Place at Pomona: Carnegie 1st floor Library & Mason French and Spanish Lounge

Fall 2026 Office Hours: Mondays 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.; Fridays 9:00 -12:00 p.m.

Study Abroad Program: The Macalester-Pomona-Swarthmore South African Program in Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Cape Town

Major(s): Environmental Analysis, Sustainability and the Built Environment track

Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2027

Why Did I Study Abroad?:

I knew I wanted to study abroad the moment I started thinking about going to college. I really value new experiences, meeting new people, and getting out of my comfort zone to learn about myself and the world we live in. Travelling is fun, but I also appreciate being able to stay in a new place for a bit and to be more than a tourist. I also wanted to take advantage of Pomona’s resources to go somewhere I would have otherwise never thought or had the means to go. Which is why I decided to go to Cape Town in the spring of 2026!

The Pomona program in Cape Town, South Africa offered me a unique opportunity to explore a new cultural environment all the way on the other side of the hemisphere! Apart from it’s breathtaking mountains and beaches, I was drawn to Cape Town because of the different avenues of learning that the program provided. We went on a field trip along the Western Cape as part of the program’s introductory seminar, I was enrolled in the University of Cape Town, and I conducted an independent research project. I loved that the program gave me the structure to meet people in and out of an academic setting. I was able to meaningfully connect with my American and South African housemates, with the people in the Learn-to-Swim program and Mountain and Ski Club at UCT, with other students in my classes during tutorial, with professors and other scholars through my research, with the lady across the street who sold fresh fruits, and so much more! I hope to find myself back there someday!

Specific Topics of Interest: Navigating identity abroad, work-life balance abroad, doing research abroad

On-Campus Activities: Pomona College Organic Farm Club, Environmental Analysis Liaison

Favorite Place at Pomona: Outdoor tables behind Coop Fountain (when it’s not too hot...)

Fall 2026 Office Hours: Mondays 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.; Wednesdays 1:00– 5:00 p.m.

Study Abroad Program: SIT Jordan- Geopolitics, International Relations and the Future of the Middle East

Major: International Relations

Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2027

Why Did I Study Abroad?

Ever since learning that Pomona College offered a wide range of study abroad options for students, I had been interested in giving study abroad a chance, however, the location of my study abroad program was not where I originally thought I would end up. When I first got to campus, I had imagined studying abroad in South America like I had when I was in high school, although that vision changed quickly when I started learning Arabic. I ended up deciding to study abroad in Jordan because of its renowned hospitality and the change in perspective it would provide me compared to what I had been used to up until that point in my life.

While I knew that I would learn a lot from my professors and speakers in my program, it was the experiential aspects of my time abroad in Jordan, like my host family’s outings or my independent research project, that got me to experience numerous sides of Jordan and contributed to my growth academically and mentally. In addition to my structured activities in Jordan, my time socializing with Jordanians at the gym or chatting with taxi drivers was just as foundational to my experience as my time in the classroom. If I were going to advise someone on where to go abroad, I would of course suggest Jordan, but more broadly I think pushing yourself to go where you might feel out of your element or comfort zone can lead to the most amazing personal growth that isn’t available anywhere else during your time at Pomona.

Specific Topics of Interest: Navigating the host family, trip planning, budgeting while abroad

On-Campus Activities: Model United Nations, Claremont Journal of International Relations

Favorite Place at Pomona: The Smith Campus Center (I love to chat)

Fall 2026 Office Hours: Wednesdays 9:00- 11:00 a.m. & Fridays 1:00- 5:00 p.m.

Study Abroad Program: Pomona College Program at University of Edinburgh

Major(s): English and Psychological Science

Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2027

Why Did I Study Abroad?

I was apprehensive about studying abroad. I’ve lived in Los Angeles, California for my entire life, and any experience outside of that felt incredibly daunting. My inexperience and discomfort with being abroad, however, became exactly my reason for going. I felt a need to challenge myself and exit my comfort zone, and a Pomona-approved study abroad program seemed to me a perfect opportunity to do so in such a way that still felt organized and safe. Edinburgh, specifically, stood out to me as an excellent option because the University’s lecture and seminar-style classes in an English-speaking country were familiar enough to ease my apprehension while I immersed myself in exciting unfamiliarity outside of the classroom.

In Edinburgh, I was able to engage with an extensive literary tradition that enriched my studies as an English Major. I practically inhaled all of Walter Scott’s novels, reveling in the fact that the Scott Monument and all of the Scottish landmarks to which he alludes were right next door. Like his heroine in The Heart of Midlothian, I discovered a newfound sense of bravery and zest for adventure. Now, more comfortable with travel and newness than I’ve ever been, I’ve even begun to consider returning to the UK for graduate school or to pursue a professional career.

Overall, my experience abroad ended up being one of the most transformative periods of my life. My wariness and fear melted into awe and joy as I explored places, braved challenges, and made friends outside of my SoCal bubble. I found myself to be capable of much more than I had ever allowed myself to imagine, and as a Peer Mentor, I endeavor to help others push the bounds of their imagination as well.

Specific Topics of Interest: Cultural immersion, student narratives abroad, mental health while abroad

On Campus Activities: Ballet, Deep Structure Culture Shop (psychology lab), Black Student Union, Luddite Club

Favorite Place at Pomona: Marston Quad

Fall 2026 Office Hours: Tuesdays 9:00– 11:00 a.m. & Thursdays 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Study Abroad Program: CET Taiwan

Major: Cognitive Science

Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2027

Why Did I Study Abroad?

Before my study abroad program, I had never once been outside of the country; I didn’t even have a passport. I knew that studying abroad through Pomona was going to be my way to travel in a way I never could before, and so I took advantage of the opportunity and had the time of my life. I had studied Chinese already, and as a cognitive science major focused on language cognition, I decided on Taiwan to really immerse myself in the language and the cultural environment as well.

My experience studying away was challenging, rewarding, fun, and fulfilling, giving me a new perspective on myself and my place in the world. I learned so many things about myself on a personal and academic level, things that have stuck with me and continue to shape me today. The ability to travel to such a new place is not something that everyone has, and I am grateful that this program gave me the opportunity to do so. I made many friends, developed my language skills further than I could have imagined, and by the end of it all I realized that Taiwan is now a little piece of me.

I hope to be a resource to help other students like me feel empowered to study abroad, as I believe it is an opportunity that everyone should feel comfortable exploring.

Specific Topics of Interest: The black experience while abroad, financial planning, community building while abroad

On-Campus Activities: Annual Giving Associate, Club Basketball Vice President

Favorite Place at Pomona: Estella Laboratory

Fall 2026 Office Hours: Thursdays & Fridays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Study Abroad Program: DIS Stockholm

Major: Neuroscience

Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2027

Why Did I Study Abroad?

For me, study abroad has always held a large space in the back of my mind. In high school, I was given the opportunity to study abroad in China as a part of a School Year Abroad program. Unfortunately, due to COVID, I couldn’t go. Ever since then, it was an absolute priority for me to go abroad, especially since it would be my first time leaving the country. Alongside the novelty of living in a new country, I felt that study abroad presented me the perfect opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone. I chose Sweden for this exact reason, hoping that its dissimilarities from my cultural upbringings would bring me closer to a holistic and open-minded global outlook.

Thankfully, my intention to leave my comfort zone left me with a program that was able to grant me endless amazing opportunities for education, travel, and growth. DIS’s emphasis on informed and engaged citizenship exposed me to many political, environmental, and social perspectives that I (as a STEM student) otherwise would not be privy to. The long and short study tours in England and Sweden introduced me to places and people I never knew about. Living in an apartment and caring for myself gave me a glimpse into a potential post-grad future alongside some life lessons that forced me to adapt quickly to a new environment.

My study abroad experience was truly unforgettable, and I cannot wait to share it with prospective students.

Specific Topics of Interest: The black experience abroad, finding community abroad, finances abroad

On-Campus Activities: FLI Scholars, Black Student Union, People of Color Outside (POCO)

Favorite Place at Pomona: The Women’s Union (WU) and the Cog Sci Library

Fall 2026 Office Hours: Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00- 5:00 p.m.

Study Abroad Program: Program by Petition: University of Minnesota- Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID) Human Rights in Senegal

Major: Politics

Minor: Dance

Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2027

Why Did I Study Abroad?

While I loved growing up in New York City, having the privilege to travel outside of the U.S. during my childhood cemented the importance of cultural exploration. I always knew participating in study abroad would serve as an invaluable part of my liberal arts education. When exploring the available programs, I was certain I wanted to go somewhere I may not have an opportunity to live again and one that would challenge me in personal and academic ways. As a life-long musician and dancer, I was drawn to Dakar for its flourishing arts scene and its deep cultural ties to art. While I was looking forward to strengthening my French skills, I was even more excited about starting to learn Wolof, an entirely new language.

My classes, homestay experience, language immersion, and internship sparked exponential personal, academic, interpersonal, and cross-cultural growth during my time abroad. Living in two intergenerational households for my homestays where I spoke French and Wolof and immersing myself in various artistic communities in Dakar fundamentally reshaped the way I understand community. During the internship section of the program, I was able to marry my academic and artistic pursuits by helping plan hip hop focused programming inside of a local prison in Dakar. My time abroad impacted me in profound ways and made me a more adaptable and curious person.

I am excited to serve as a peer mentor as I strive to replicate within the Pomona community the systems of support and openness that I experienced while abroad.

Specific Topics of Interest: Programs by Petition, cultural and language immersion, queer students' experiences abroad

On-Campus Activities: 5C Prison Abolition Collective, KSPC radio, Claremont Greenshirts, Scripps and Pomona Dance Choreographer

Favorite Place at Pomona: Marston Quad and the Hive

Fall 2026 Office Hours: Mondays 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. & Tuesdays 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.