Meet the CET CA Team
Get to know the 2025 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.
“Jibran Karim is a current Business major at the University of Washington. Their time abroad during the CET program was filled with both precious memories and unique obstacles. He’s passionate about other cultures and helping others get the most out of new experiences.” Contact Jibran >
“Hello! My name is Ryan Jones, and I am a senior undergrad majoring in economics at Yale University. I began studying Japanese last fall, and spent this past summer abroad in Osaka with CET Japan. Alongside my classes, the opportunity to apply my skills in daily activities as simple as riding the subway or grabbing lunch at the konbini really improved both my ability and my comfort with the language, and I had an amazing experience exploring the broader Kansai region through CET’s program activities and on my own with my OGU housemates! It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience!” Contact Ryan >
“Hello! My name is Ilana; I am currently a rising junior studying English at both William & Mary and the University of St Andrews. I am also a huge homebody who nobody expected to spend the summer studying in Japan, but I would love to talk more about the wonderful experiences I encountered stepping out of my comfort zone.” Contact Ilana >
“Hey everyone! My name is Paul from The George Washington University located in D.C.. I major in Interior Architecture and I went to Osaka during the summer of 2025. I had an amazing time while in Japan and I hope you will enjoy the CET experience too!” Contact Paul >
“Hello I’m Mili, I’m a Mexican American girl from South Texas and a rising senior at Hamilton College (Liberal Arts College in Upstate NY) double majoring in Sociology and Japanese. I studied abroad in Japan for 8 of the funnest months of my life and really enjoyed CET program in Osaka. It was well planned and organized, I made so many local friends, learned the Osaka dialect and slang, traveled to so many iconic places, learned so much through classes, and had great experiences with the amazing staff.” Contact Mili >
“My name is Nicolas, and I am a rising senior at Hobart and William Smith Colleges majoring in Computer Science. I spent my Spring ‘25 semester studying in Taiwan through CET, where I had an amazing experience while learning Chinese and taking part in an internship with a tech-startup.” Contact Nicolas >
“Hi! I’m a senior at Soka University of America in California, majoring in Psychology through the Liberal Arts program. Studying abroad with CET Beijing transformed me—from someone who couldn’t introduce himself in Chinese to someone confidently traveling solo across the country. The program also gave me valuable experiences that deepened my insight into the language and culture. I’ll never forget the beautiful memories shared with my classmates and the genuine care from the teachers. It was truly beyond what words can describe.” Contact Ren >
“Hi everyone💕! My name is Emily and I am currently a senior at Wake Forest University! Besides continuing to learn Chinese, which is my major, and engaging in various Chinese culture related activities on campus, I love to read, workout, spend time with family, and root for my favorite hockey team (the Florida Panthers, of course)! I had a wonderful experience in my Spring 2025 semester in Beijing and am excited to share my experiences with you!” Contact Emily >
“Hi! I’m Marta, a sophomore at Lewis & Clark College studying International Affairs and World Languages and Literatures, with a focus on Chinese and Spanish. My time in Beijing was one of the most meaningful parts of my college journey. Living and learning in a completely new environment challenged me to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined, and I left with a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. I’d love to support other students, especially those who share experiences like being international, first-generation, or lower-income, as they consider studying abroad.” Contact Marta >
“Hi! I’m Benjamin, a Senior studying History and Chinese at the University of Texas at Austin. I had an incredible time traveling to Beijing in the summer of 2025 and strongly encourage anyone interested in Chinese language, culture, or history to consider applying to a CET China program.” Contact Benjamin >
“I’m an International Studies major, but I don’t just want to study China as an academic topic, but as a real, tangible place and culture. CET Beijing not only gave me the language tools I need to interact with Chinese culture, but also an opportunity to do that though an extended stay in Beijing.” Contact Matthew >
“你们好！I’m Yara Marquez. I’m a Foreign Languages major at the University of Puerto Rico, with a focus on Mandarin, German, and Japanese. Studying abroad with Middlebury in Beijing was a transformative experience that deepened my passion for cross cultural exchange and global understanding. I’m excited to help other students discover the life changing impact of studying abroad.” Contact Yara >
“Hello, My name is Jose Luna, I’m a first-generation college student and Posse Scholar from Los Angeles, majoring in Neuroscience on the pre-med track at Middlebury College. Studying abroad in Beijing pushed me to grow both academically and personally—especially as I designed and completed an independent neuroscience course entirely in Mandarin. I hope to motivate students from similar backgrounds to take the leap and study abroad, knowing that these experiences can open doors, expand perspectives, and build confidence in powerful ways.” Contact Jose >
“Hi! My name is Okiki and I’m a Senior studying Government with concentrations in International Relations and East Asian Studies. Since high school, I’ve always been passionate about delving deeper into Chinese culture and CET Shanghai granted me the opportunity to do just that! I was immersed in the food, language, and local traditions; and overall, I learned much more, not only about myself, but also my role as a global citizen and the beauty that lies within cross-cultural understanding.” Contact Okiki >
“Hello, my name is Madisen Williams. I am a chemistry BS major on a pre-med track enrolled at Elon University. Studying in and traveling to China was my dream since middle school, and I am so grateful to CET for not only making that happen but also giving me one of the best life-altering experiences.” Contact Madisen >
“Blessings, I am Taylor Keeton, but I also go by Tijei and TK. I am a second-year senior English major at Howard University from Richmond, California. As an aspiring JD/PhD candidate, I am currently researching the intersectionality of Black America and China, using my summer 2025 CET Shanghai study abroad as a strong foundation. As a young Black American with much travel experience, I highly recommend life abroad for the influence it has on perspective.” Contact Taylor >
“你好! I’m Aurora Nicol I’m a junior at the University of Missouri majoring in strategic communications. I started taking Chinese in college with no previous experience and decided to apply for CET because when else am I going to get real world experience with the language? I improved my Chinese rapidly. All of the staff was amazing and I had so much fun in Shanghai, I visited so many museums and learned so much in my electives and by the summer I’d like to think I was familiar with a good chunk of the Shanghai metro system.” Contact Aurora >
“Hello hello! I’m Alice, a senior at Vanderbilt University studying Economics, with minors in Data Science and Flute. My time in Shanghai was one of the most impactful experiences I’ve had throughout my time in college, and it fulfilled everything I could’ve wanted out of my summer. From the academic growth that was encouraged by my classes and internship, to the confidence and understanding that were built alongside the wonderful people I met on my travels, I’ve truly gained so much through CET Shanghai. I’d love to help anyone who’s interested in taking their journey abroad, so reach out if there’s anything you’re curious about!” Contact Alice >
“Hello! My name is Asher, (or kang min康敏) and I study data science at UMass. I’ve always wanted to study abroad, but I initially chose to study abroad in Shanghai because studying in the summer fit my schedule and the program actually offered me an internship (huge plus). Studying in a different country gave me everything I wanted out of a semester- I learned a language, made friends, gained work experience, and of course I got to explore China (and eat lots of food). By the end of it, this experience stuck with me that I decided to learn more about the U.S and China relationship through my honors thesis. Reach out! I’m excited to share more experiences.” Contact Asher >
Europe
“Patricia Bessie is a rising senior at Columbia University majoring in Political Science and Public Health on the pre-law track. She studied abroad in Florence with the CET Florence program, where she gained a deeper understanding of global health systems and a lasting appreciation for Italian culture. Passionate about the intersection of education and health outcomes, Patricia hopes to attend law school and advocate for equitable policy change in the future. She is excited to share her experiences and help other students explore international opportunities.” Contact Patricia >
“As a computer science major, I appreciated how CET Siena enabled me to stay on track with my curriculum. I was able to explore Siena through weekly events, and travel Europe on the weekends. The mix of study and exploration made my semester an amazing time.” Contact Eleanor >
“Hi, I’m Aleeza Khan, a Computer Science major with a minor in Engineering Business at UVA. Studying abroad in Siena, Italy was one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to experience a completely different side of the world. I challenged myself to navigate new situations, speak (often broken) Italian, and truly immerse myself in a new culture. Along the way, I built lasting connections and felt a sincere sense of accomplishment in the little everyday wins that helped me grow both personally and globally.” Contact Aleeza >
“Hello! I attend the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia, as a double major in History and Business Administration with a concentration in Management Entrepreneurship and a minor in Jewish Studies. I attended the CET Prague program in Spring 2025. I took the Jewish Studies core course, and I completed an internship through the internship program at CET. My time in Prague broadened my global perspective and deepened my understanding of cultural dynamics, which has been helpful as I am pursuing an honors thesis regarding Czech Jewry. I am especially grateful to CET for providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and I love sharing my experience.” Contact Saige >
“I’m a senior majoring in Russian and concentrating in Education Studies and Russian, Central European, and Eurasian Studies (a mouthful, I know). I miss Prague every day and the community CET fosters through our courses, traveling seminars, and roommate selections. I could not have dreamed of a better way to spend my semester!” Contact Hope >
“Hi! My name is Sophia, and I’m excited to be our Campus Ambassador! I am a senior at Cornell University studying Information Science and was a CET Prague Spring 2025 student. My time studying abroad was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to give back to other students interested too! Thank you!” Contact Sophia >
“Jenna Moylan (she\/they) is an adamant lover of storytelling and uses her majors in film and design as mediums to express that love. Moylan feels their experience in Prague, collaborating with peers and mentors to create a 16mm short film, amplified that passion. Studying abroad was also Moylan’s first time in a different country, and while nervous at first, Moylan learned she was a lot more capable of navigating a new culture than they realized.” Contact Jenna >
“I am a double major in Film Studies and Dance at Connecticut College, with a focus on interdisciplinary studies between the two. My time studying at FAMU in Prague challenged me as a filmmaker and broadened my horizons on what the medium of film can do. I had the opportunity to write and direct a short film shot on 16mm, mentored by the incredible faculty at FAMU. Not to mention that during my time abroad Prague became one of my favorite places in the world. Miluju Prahu a filmy!” Contact Sierra >
Latin America
“I am a physics major at Amherst College who studied with CET in Brazil as part of the Social Justice program. I was able to make such great friendships with Brazilian students at the university through the roommate set-up and by joining the International Relations futsal team.” Contact Rudy >
“My name is Chantal, and I’m an Economics major with a minor in Political Science and a concentration in Economic Development. During my time abroad in Brazil, I got to engage with so many different communities and people, which brought me closer to understanding how social justice shows up in Brazil and how I want to be an active part of the change-making process. I’ve built real connections to the country and its people, and I’m excited to carry the lessons I’ve learned into my life moving forward.” Contact Chantal >
“Hello! I am Will Rosenberg. I go to Macalester College in St. Paul Minnesota, United States. I am a geography major and Portuguese minor. I spent a semester away studying in the CET Social Justice Program in São Paulo Brazil. During this time, I visited the cities of Salvador, Paraty, and Rio de Janeiro. We also visited many cultural sites and villages. This program, as well as visiting Brazil vastly improved my Portuguese language skills and knowledge of Brazil.” Contact Will >
“Hello, my name is Samir Flamer. I studied abroad with CET in Brazil during the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. Throughout my time there, I fully embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in the language and culture through CET’s volunteer programs and travel seminars.” Contact Samir >
“I am Quinn Ryan, a Business Administration Major at the University of Oregon, born and raised in San Francisco. My exchange in Brazil opened me up to a lighter, more confident, and more social and jovial way to live, while aiding me to becoming trilingual, and allowing me to adventure through some of the most beautiful geographic landscapes in the world. From all of the people who I have met who have gone abroad, I believe Brazil is the best place to go if you plan to actually break out of your bubble and immerse yourself and get to know a new culture.” Contact Quinn >
“Jadisha Proano is a senior majoring in International Business & Management with a passion for global cultures and social impact. Studying abroad in São Paulo, Brazil, deepened her understanding of community, resilience, and the power of sustainable business.” Contact Jadisha >
“My name is Yafae Cotton, a senior at Pomona College studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (P.P.E.). Studying abroad in Colombia was life-changing as cliché as it sounds, in truth. It deepened my understanding of my global identity as an American, while allowing me to explore race and identity through Afro-Colombian perspectives and expand my studies in development, modernity (what does it truly mean for different communities?), ecological and economic resilience, value chain redefining, restorative justice, systems analysis, spirituality, and the pursuit of a balanced and shared existence. My Spanish also grew tremendously through immersive experiences with my Colombian friends and I came to love Colombia and its people even more, de verdad.” Contact Yafae >
“Hi! I’m Érica Ayala, a Sociology, Spanish, and Education Studies major at Amherst College. Studying abroad in Cali, Colombia shifted how I think about communal resilience, joy, and resistance. I’m always looking for spaces to learn with and from others, preferably over un pandebono y cafecito!” Contact Erica >
“Holi! My name is Chloe Blackburn, a coffee loving, dancing girl from Los Angeles, California. With a passion for Black studies within the Americas, I spend my days studying International Affairs concentrating in Latin America with a minor in Africana Studies at The George Washington University. As a CET Cali program alumna, I can say that my time in Colombia was unforgettable! I had the opportunity to travel and live alongside local Afro-Colombian communities, challenge concepts of western modernity and learn the impact that race and ethnicity have on historical resistance and modern Afro-Colombian social movements. And might I say, the salsa dancing wasn’t so bad either 😉” Contact Chloe >
Middle East
“Hi! My names Natalia and I’m an International Studies major with a minor in Arabic and I studied abroad through CET Jordan. The four months I spent in Jordan gave me life-long friendships and left me in awe of the Jordanian culture and dialect!” Contact Natalia >
“My name is Ismail Khalid, and I’m currently studying in my final year at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. My major is Economics with a minor in Arabic. I am employed by a major corporation and in my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I recently returned from an intensive language study program in Jordan. My time studying there was nothing short of life changing. I’ve learned how to adapt from a familiar setting to another that looks and feels totally different. I also learned how to navigate a different cultural environment. Regarding my studies, right before I left for Jordan, I completed my minor in Arabic. While in the CET program my professor challenged me to think differently solely utilizing Arabic. From presentations in Arabic, excursions to historical sites such as Petra & Wadi Rum, to cooking traditional dishes, it was truly a wholesome and most enjoyable experience. I would certainly recommend the program to any students that could avail themselves of it.” Contact Ismali >