Meet the CET CA Team
Get to know the 2026 CET Campus Ambassadors (CET CAs)! Connect with these program alumni and learn about their experiences abroad—chat about classroom environments, local roommates, or even what it was like to intern in another country. There’s no better way to learn about studying abroad than to strike up a conversation with someone who has been there.
“Hello! I’m Harrison, and I’m a junior at Yale University studying Astrophysics with a certificate in Japanese. During my time in Japan, I loved traveling to different prefectures, meeting amazing people, and eating all the yummy food Japan has to offer!” Contact Harrison >
“Hi! I’m Sanjog, an international student at Washington and Lee University double-majoring in Computer Science and Cognitive & Behavioral Science with a minor in Japanese, a language I initially began learning on my own out of an interest in the culture before taking formal classes. Studying abroad allowed me to meet so many different people and provided me with entirely new perspectives on academics, my career, global issues, and day-to-day life. If you can manage your degree’s required classes, studying abroad is easily one of the best college opportunities available—it even helps you figure out if you might want to live in that country in the future!” Contact Sanjog >
“Hello! I’m Sam, rising Senior at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) as an Animation major. Joining CET’s Spring 2026 cohort, I only had a year of Japanese in high school, challenging myself with this study abroad after a 6-year gap in Japanese studies! I am an interdisciplinary artist exploring photography, animation, illustration and more! Open to talking anytime and answering any questions about this opportunity and my experiences as an artist or in general during this time!” Contact Samchi >
“Hello! I am Nate and I’m a Film major and a Japanese minor. My study abroad really helped me broaden my understanding of both Japanese culture and language. From my time in Japan, I was able to explore myself and have a ton of fun while still being a student and taking my academics seriously! I love film, anime, manga and playing various sports!” Contact Nate >
“Hi! I’m Jessica Choi, a Sociology major and Japanese minor at Franklin & Marshall College. I studied abroad through CET Japan (Osaka) in Spring 2026. During the program, I developed my language skills, built lifelong friendships, and discovered confidence in navigating new cultures and environments. Having grown up between Korea and the United States, I especially enjoyed serving as a bridge between students from different backgrounds. If you’re considering CET, I’d love to share my experience and help answer your questions!” Contact Jessica >
“Hi there! My name is Ella, I’m a senior at American University majoring in International Studies and Chinese Studies. Last semester, I studied abroad with CET Taiwan, and had many amazing experiences, ranging from living in an off campus apartment for the first time and getting super close with my roommates to intensive Chinese classes every day. I loved immersing myself in Taiwanese culture and participating in all of the unique activities CET offered— my favorite was the trip to the tea farm! Studying abroad is such an amazing opportunity, and I would love to answer any questions, feel free to reach out!” Contact Ella >
“Hi, I’m Sam! I’m majoring in music and minoring in Chinese. I’m very passionate about linguistics, and love to yap about languages! My favorite part about learning languages, particularly abroad, is being able to meet new people and have conversations — language barriers can be really intimidating but also very fun!” Contact Sam >
“Hello everyone! My name is Emily, I study at Brandeis University and I studied abroad in Taipei, Taiwan! As an Environmental Studies student, CET Taiwan really stood out to me both academically and professionally. Being able to be in a city so dedicated to environmental protection and so welcoming to foreigners allowed me to fit right in and feel truly integrated in the community.” Contact Emily >
“大家好！My name is Patrick, and I am a senior at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service (SFS), where I major in International Politics with a concentration in Security Studies. I am also an Accelerated Master’s student in Georgetown’s Security Studies Program (SSP). I studied abroad with CET Taiwan during Spring 2026, and it was one of my most memorable and rewarding experiences. Not only did I strengthen my Chinese skills and gain a deeper understanding of Taiwanese culture and society, but I also made some of my closest friends during my time in Taiwan. If you have any questions about studying abroad, life in Taiwan, 什么是最好的吃到饱火锅店, Chinese language learning, or the CET Taiwan program, please feel free to reach out!” Contact Patrick >
“Hi everyone! My name is Misaki, and I am a junior majoring in Social Behavioral Sciences at Soka University of America. The CET Beijing program helped me grow both academically and personally. While I was initially intimidated by the language pledge, it greatly improved my confidence in speaking Chinese and helped me make many great friends. CET also helped me find a great balance between academics and enjoying life abroad through cultural experiences and exploring Beijing. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering studying abroad in China. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!” Contact Misaki >
“Hi I’m McKenna! I was in Beijing from February to June of 2026. I love to run, climb, travel, all of which I got the chance to do in Beijing. My time in Beijing has been the highlight of my college experience so far, and if you have any questions or would like to hear more please feel free to reach out!” Contact McKenna >
“Hello! My name is Elizabeth Alene and I’m a rising junior at UNC Chapel Hill studying International Relations and Chinese. I did CET Shanghai in the Spring 2026 semester and also participated in the internship. My experience with the program was amazing as I got to enhance my Chinese language skills, build many lasting relationships and reinforce my interests in having a China focused career.” Contact Elizabeth >
“大家好！My name is Joanna, and I am a senior at Pomona College studying Public Policy Analysis, Economics, and East Asian History. As a heritage language learner who had also taken several Mandarin Chinese classes in college, I knew that I needed to study abroad in China to achieve full proficiency in the language. I am so glad I chose to do it through CET Shanghai. In Shanghai, I not only improved my language proficiency and understanding of Chinese economic development policy through my coursework, but also through my internship, travels, and friendships with local roommates. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to study abroad to take advantage of it, as I know my time abroad changed me for the better.” Contact Joanna >
“As a Political Science major, I interned at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences while living abroad in China, gaining firsthand insight into Chinese work culture and learning from leading researchers. Living with a local roommate and traveling across the country deepened my connection to China’s 2,000-year history and shaped who I am today. I built so many new friendships and made many memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.” Contact Emma >
Europe
“Hi! My name is Ava Marcus and I’m a pre-medical student at Cornell University involved as Track Club Captain, a Genetics Teacher’s Assistant, and a Biology Tutor. Studying abroad widen my global perspective, as I loved speaking with locals in each of the 15 countries I visited. In Florence, I volunteered as an English tutor and in-turn learned so much about Italian culture from the students.” Contact Ava >
“Hi! I’m Daniel, a junior at Boston College studying Finance and Business Analytics, and I loved my time abroad at CET Florence. Traveling across Europe and experiencing new cultures allowed me to broaden my perspective, while I immersed myself in daily life through training at Santo Spirito Boxing Club and building friendships with locals. My time abroad helped me grow more independent and adaptable, teaching me to feel comfortable building routines and connections in unfamiliar environments.” Contact Daniel >
“I am a Psychology major and Government and Legal Studies minor at Bowdoin College. I will be a senior this fall, and I studied in Florence spring semester of 2026. I chose to come into the program not knowing anyone, and I met some of the best people and made memories that will last forever!” Contact Mia >
“Hi! I’m Calloway, and I’m a senior at Vanderbilt University majoring in Human and Organizational Development and Law, History, and Society with a minor in Business. CET Florence not only gave me the opportunity to explore a new and exciting place and culture, but it also gave me another place and group of people to call home across the world. Reach out if I can answer any questions about Florence or my experience!” Contact Calloway >
“Hey y’all! My name is Olivia Avila, I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, and I am currently a senior studying Computer Science and Italian at Columbia University. Studying abroad in Siena was one of the best experiences of my life and I will never forget it! I learned so much about the rich history of the city, got to completely immerse myself in the language, and created a loving community with the locals – all of whom I miss so dearly! When I wasn’t with the amazing professors learning, I was exploring the city with newfound friends and creating once-in-a-lifetime memories in this beautiful country. I truly believe Siena has the best community (whether or not you’re in a homestay with a nonna feeding you too much delicious food like I was), so please feel free to reach out, I’d love to talk more about it!” Contact Olivia >
“Hi everyone, I am Geoffrey Lawrence I studied abroad in CET Siena in Spring 2026! I am on the pre-medical track and majored in Applied Neurophysiology as a part of the Echols Interdisciplinary Major Program at UVA. During my time in Italy, I was able to visit over 10 Italian cities (in addition to 26 new countries) and was able to significantly improve my Italian thanks to the countless opportunities provided by CET. I am happy to answer any questions you may have about Italy or travel in Europe in general!” Contact Geoffrey >
“Hi! I’m Shelby Wood, a senior at Vanderbilt University majoring in Human & Organizational Development and Medicine, Health, & Society, with an Italian minor and I plan to attend physical therapy school after undergrad. While my career aspirations are healthcare and medical related, I had a strong desire to take a semester to pursue my passion for language, culture, and art, and Siena was the perfect place for this cultural immersion. I was able to travel a lot, push myself outside my comfort zone, make so many new friends, and achieve near fluency in Italian!” Contact Shelby >
“Hi, I’m Krish! I studied Computer Science at the University of Virginia and graduated in May 2026. I participated in the CET Siena study abroad program in Spring 2026 (my last semester), and it was one of the most memorable parts of my college experience. My time in Siena gave me the chance to experience Italian culture through everyday life, local traditions, classes, and lots of travel!” Contact Krish >
“Ciao! My name is Jose Alvarez, and I am a junior at the University of Virginia majoring in Media Studies. During my time abroad in Siena, I loved the experience so much that I stayed for both the fall and spring semesters, where I achieved my goal of becoming conversational in Italian while immersing myself in Sienese culture through art history, Italian culture, and one-on-one language study with my professor. Studying abroad not only strengthened my passion for storytelling and cultural connection it has motivated me to help others that would love to study abroad. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!” Contact Jose >
“Cynthia McGowan Gutierrez is a Computer Science major at Vanderbilt University with a passion for technology, design, and building inclusive solutions. Her time abroad in Siena, Italy, was a meaningful experience that pushed her to step outside her comfort zone, practice a new language, and appreciate the beauty of learning through everyday cultural immersion. As a CET Campus Ambassador, she is excited to help other students feel confident and inspired as they consider their own study abroad journeys.” Contact Cynthia >
“Dobrý den! My name is Noelle Drummonds, and I double major in International Global Studies (German) and Dance Performance & Choreography. CET Prague gave me an unique academic experience through their Global Security Studies concentration course. Taking classes in International Conflict and Cooperation, Geopolitics of China and the EU, and Czech Resistance and Dissent opened up a new area of studies that is exclusive to the experience I gained while abroad in the Czech Republic. The traveling seminar to Warsaw, Poland was a highlight of the program, and course content on Eurasian affairs has given me new inspiration for my post-graduate career.” Contact Noelle >
“My name is Juliana Aulbach and I am an incoming senior at Elon University studying Accounting. Last spring, I studied Jewish Studies in Prague. During my time abroad, I gained such valuable experiences traveling to many different countries, learning about Jewish life in Europe, and developing strong relationships with locals in Prague that I still maintain today!” Contact Juliana >
“Dobrý den! I’m Mia Heald, an International Business major with an Art minor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. My time in Prague was more than I could have imagined. I took every opportunity to try new things, learning about Czech culture and language through both program activities and personal experiences. I also participated in the internship program, working as a Business Operations Intern for a local organization and collaborating with people from all over the world. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to study in Prague, and I truly feel there was no better place for me.” Contact Mia >
“Hi! I am Lasya, a rising Senior at Washington University in St. Louis majoring in Political Science and Data Science. During my time abroad in Prague in Spring 2026, I studied on the Global Security Studies Track and had the wonderful opportunity to complete an internship with EUROPEUM. Studying abroad in Prague truly made me see how my field of study can be applied to international contexts and opened my eyes to so many new experiences.” Contact Lasya >
“Howdy! I’m Judd Karn, a film student at Brown University. I spent last semester in Prague, where I had the invaluable experience of serving as the cinematographer on a 35mm film production through CET’s direct-enroll program with FAMU. Through this program, I gained a new perspective on filmmaking while simultaneously being immersed in a world entirely new to me, and, along the way, got to make a fair few forever friends too.” Contact Judd >
“Hi, I’m Farol! I live in Los Angeles and I’m a Film and English double major at Kenyon College. My time abroad challenged and grounded me, opening me up to new cultures and connections, with plenty of moments of spontaneity along the way. I directed an absurdist psychological short film on 16mm with an amazing cast, crew, and set. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m excited to stay connected with my mentors and peers. I look forward to sharing advice and in doing so, vicariously reliving parts of the experience through you all in this role. Reach out anytime—I’d love to help!” Contact Farol >
“Ahoj! I’m from São Paulo (Brazil) and I study Film at Bard College, minoring in Italian Studies. The people I met in the program were extremely enthusiastic about being there and the mentors fostered a space for us to sharpen our ideas, which was reflected in the awesome films screened at the end of the semester. I learned a lot about who I am as a creative person, and some of my favorite moments were the tram rides through Prague.” Contact Maria >
“Hi everyone! My name is Emily, and I am a senior at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities studying Marketing. I studied abroad through CET Barcelona in Spring 2026 and was also a part of the CET Student Voices: College Study Abroad program, where I wrote monthly blogs to help incoming study abroad students navigate questions and uncertainty about the experience. My time in Barcelona allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, improve my Spanish skills, travel the world, and make lifelong connections. I truly believe studying abroad is an experience everyone should consider, and I cannot recommend CET Barcelona enough. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!” Contact Emily >
“Hi! My name is Haley Overgaard, and I am a junior majoring in Marketing at the University of Minnesota. I studied abroad in Barcelona through CET, and it was one of the most exciting and rewarding part of my college experience! From growing my marketing knowledge in a global business environment to traveling throughout Europe and experiencing Barcelona’s amazing culture, CET was a great program that pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way! I’m so excited to connect with students, answer questions, and help others feel confident taking the leap to study abroad!” Contact Haley >
“Hi my name is Brianne Higgins, and I am a Senior at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, majoring in Finance with a minor in Marketing. Going abroad was one of the most influential things I could do. Going to Barcelona alone, scared of not meeting people, was entirely worth the risk. Taking that jump across the world to an environment that was very welcoming: CET. At CET I was able to collaborate and meet so many people I didn’t know before. During this time I have fostered so many relationships and wouldn’t trade it for anything. If I could say one piece of advice it’s; just say yes. To everything and anything while being there, say yes. Before you know it you will be back home, and it won’t be the place you’ve been calling home the past 4 months. Feel free to reach out with any questions!” Contact Brianne >
“Hola! Bon dia! My name is Kristina Mortenson and I am a student at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities. My major is Psychology and I am minoring in Spanish. My time in Barcelona was absolutely incredible! While abroad, I participated in an internship as an Assistant English Teacher at a multilingual school. Being an intern, student, and experiencing novelty while abroad changed me as a person. I was exposed to a beautiful culture, I learned a lot about European history, and my values shifted for the better. Studying abroad helped me focus less on superficial worries and more on perspectives, relationships, and personal growth.” Contact Kristina >
“I am a Management Information Systems major at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, with minors in Business Analytics and Finance. Studying abroad in Barcelona completely transformed me, allowing me to dive into international finance, experience the cultural impact of the 1992 Olympics, and grow immensely as an individual while enjoying the city’s warm climate. I am incredibly excited to serve as a Campus Ambassador and help future Gophers discover how to shape their own global journeys.” Contact Camden >
“Hi my name is Ian Friske and I study Marketing and Spanish Studies at the University of Minnesota with a passion for fashion, strategic branding, and cross-cultural communication and marketing. During my time abroad in Barcelona, Spain, I balanced both academic coursework and a professional internship at a local fashion accessories brand, which allowed me to strengthen my Spanish language skills while gaining valuable international work experience. The experience broadened my global perspective, pushed me outside of my comfort zone, and reinforced the value of adaptability, cultural immersion, and meaningful connections.” Contact Ian >
Latin America
“Hey everyone! My name is Sheila McKinney, I am a rising senior majoring in Political Science and double minoring in African American Studies and History. I decided to study abroad in Brazil knowing very little about the country and it turned out to be the most enriching experience of my life. Brazil welcomed me with open arms, and that sense of belonging extended to my CET faculty and the incredible friends I made along the way. There is far too much to capture in words, but I would love to chat about it anytime!” Contact Sheila >
“Hi, I’m Noah Turbes, a senior at Amherst College who studied abroad in São Paulo at PUC-SP, where I took Economics courses and CET classes in cinema and social justice. Outside of class, I joined the men’s futsal team at PUC-SP and spent my free time exploring the city. I’m excited to share my favorite parts of the program and why you should study abroad in São Paulo through CET!” Contact Noah >
“Oi, tudo bem! My name is Emily Lopes, and I study Public Health at Brown University where I focus on policy reform and health equity advocacy for marginalized communities. Initially, I set out to study abroad in Brazil with hopes to advance my Portuguese, yet CET’s Social Justice and Inequality program in São Paulo ultimately left me with a much deeper appreciation for the immense power of collective action after learning from communities advancing healthcare access, protecting Indigenous heritage, and fighting for dignified housing. As a proud Cabo Verdean, the experience transformed how I understand social justice and the preservation of human rights, not as a destination or one simple definition, but as the continuous work of building a world where everyone is seen, heard, and most importantly, valued.” Contact Emily >
“Ola! My name is Steven Fernandez and I’m a rising senior majoring in History at Columbia University! Going into my study abroad, I really wanted to become a new person; and Im very happy to say that I did! Both my classes and my experiences in Brazil opened up my eyes to news ways of social, religious, and academic ways of thinking. Whether it was witnessing and learning about Orisha Worship, or visiting my weekly Samba Sessions in Santa Cecilia, I left Brazil feeling affirmed in my Afro-latin Identity and a new appreciation for humanity.” Contact Steven >
“Hello! My name is Ronnah Motevalli and I am a third-year student at Penn State University Park, majoring in Community and Economic Development. I studied abroad through CET’s Brazil track of Sustainable Business at FGV in Spring of 2026. I had a lovely experience and my interests in small business sustainable practices became apparent through this program. After graduation, I hope to work within corporate settings to improve policy implementations within businesses, to improve community engagement and environmental stewardship.” Contact Ronnah >
“Hi everyone! My name is Meagan McKinney, and I am a rising senior at Howard University studying International Affairs and Education. During my time in Colombia, I had the opportunity to learn about the many experiences of marginalized communities and connect them to my own lived experiences in the United States. I also met so many incredible people who helped me better understand myself and the world around me. I highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to study abroad, as it can be a truly life-changing experience. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions as I would be happy to help!” Contact Meagan >
“Hi! I’m Stephanie, a Public Policy Analysis and Sociology major at Pomona College. My time in Colombia allowed me to humanize my understandings of public policy, witnessing beautiful relationships between cultural preservation, territory-based tradition, and policy’s material and symbolic resources. In Colombia, I found myself engaging in discussions, lived experiences, and questions that I had longed for throughout all of my college education.” Contact Stephanie >
“Hello! My name is Michael, and I major in Russian, and minor in Leadership studies at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I studied abroad in Cali, Colombia this past semester, which was an unforgettable experience. I am Colombian-American, and going to Colombia gave me the opportunity to connect with my family and heritage.” Contact Michael >
Middle East
“I am a Political Science BA student at American University studying Arabic as my minor. As one of the students evacuated from Jordan, my experience came with many challenges, but also many opportunities for learning and growth. During my time in the program, I participated in two internships and focused my studies on politics in the Middle East.” Contact Cordelia >