GREATER CHINA
Kalina Sabala Montes
(she/her)
CET Beijing
Yale University
Class of 2028
Majors: Cognitive Science, Film and Media Studies
Hey everyone! My name is Kalina Sabala Montes and I’m from Queens, New York. Besides nerding out over the brain, one of my favorite hobbies is dancing, even when no music is playing. I’m also a self-taught filmmaker and photographer who’s always looking for any opportunity to bring my camera with me. I’m excited to spend the summer in Beijing and share my experiences with you all!
Emily Peng
(she/her)
CET Beijing
Yale University
Class of 2025
Majors: Physics and Applied Mathematics
Hello, my name is Emily! I’m from Maine and just recently graduated from college. In my free time, I love to crochet, do arts & crafts, and play video games. I’m super excited to study in Beijing this spring and am looking forward to sharing my experiences as I explore China!
Nicholas Chou
(he/him)
CET Beijing – Janterm
Carleton College
Class of 2028
Majors: English, Economics
Minors: Chinese, Public Policy
Hi everyone! I’m from Seattle, Washington and go to school at Carleton College. When I’m not writing mind-boggling CET blogs, I like to read, play soccer, run, lift weights, and take pictures. I chose to do the Beijing Janterm because the weather here is the same as Minnesota’s (absolutely frigid), so I’m basically a local.
Alice Chen
(she/her)
Middlebury in Beijing
Wofford College
Class of 2026
Majors: Accounting, Chinese
Minor: Film & Digital Media
Hello everyone! My name is Alice Chen and I am currently a junior at Wofford College majoring in Accounting and Chinese with a minor in Film & Digital Media. I am excited for the opportunity to showcase my study abroad experience in China through photography! I am an American-born Chinese who grew up with my parents speaking Chinese to me while I responded in English, so getting to expand my experience in learning more about my culture and its language is something I am looking forward to abroad. My hobbies include collecting stickers and journaling/scrapbooking anything and everything. I also love watching movies!
Ella Bahna
(she/her)
CET Shanghai
Haverford College
Class of 2025
Major: Political Science
Minor: East Asian Languages and Cultures
Hello! I’m from San Francisco. I love sports, I have been playing soccer my entire life and even have experience representing the Romanian National Team at the U17 level. In my free time, I love spending time outside with my family whether it’s hiking, running, walking my dog I always have a good time. I have always found baking to be a great way to de-stress, although recently I’ve gotten more and more into cooking. Another passion of mine is learning new languages. I am fluent in English, Spanish, and Romanian, though my Mandarin is not far behind. Recently, I’ve started adding Indonesian to the repertoire after I spent two months there last summer doing an internship.
Zeke Payne
(he/him)
CET Shanghai
University of Texas at Austin
Class of 2027
Majors: International Relations and Global Studies, Humanities (Ancient Greco/Roman/Chinese History Reception in Film)
Minor: Chinese
Hello! My name is Zeke Payne. I’m a third-year student at UT Austin. I’m studying International Relations, Hellenistic and Chinese History, and Film. In my free time, I enjoy listening to audiobooks (Current reading: Stormlight Archive), learning about history, acting in theatre, and playing games (Current Game: Blue Prince/ Expedition 33). I’m beyond excited to continue learning Chinese this summer in Shanghai!
Hello everyone! My name is Adelaide and I’m studying Biomedical Engineering at Duke University. I am currently studying abroad in Taiwan for the summer. While I am here, I am participating in an internship at KK Intelligent Technologies, exploring all different parts of the island, and will be enjoying lots of new delicious foods. I enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, working out, playing volleyball, and exploring. I am excited to keep everyone updated on my experience through my blog posts!
ITALY
Patty Bessie
(she/her)
CET Florence
Columbia University
Class of 2026
Majors: Political Science and Public Health
I’m a junior at Columbia University, where I’m pursuing a degree in Political Science and Public health on a pre-law track. Passionate about the intersection of education, public health outcomes, and politics, I’m dedicated to understanding and addressing systemic challenges in these fields. In my free time, I enjoy exploring NYC’s vibrant coffee shop scene, spending quality time with friends and partner, and relaxing with my lazy cat, Mabel.
Ava Marcus
(she/her)
CET Florence
Cornell University
Class of 2027
Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Psychology
I’m a pre-medical student at Cornell University who is from Long Island, New York. I am involved at Cornell as the Distance Captain of Track Club, a Genetics Teacher’s Assistant, and a Biology Tutor. In my free time, I enjoy reading at the beach, running, cooking new recipes, and listening to music. My favorite hobby is photography, so I am excited to share my abroad experience through my photos!
Hi! My name is Avanee and I’m studying Visual Arts and Econ at Brown University (’26). I’m originally from New Delhi, India and will be abroad in Florence studying art history this summer. I love drawing, photography, picnics, and watching sports and am extremely excited to contribute to the student correspondent team as a photographer 🙂
Isla Cope
(she/her)
CET Siena
Brandeis University
Class of 2027
Majors: International and Global Studies, Art History
Minor: Mathematics
Hi! My name is Isla, I’m a rising junior at Brandeis University studying IGS and Art History. I love exploring new cities, talking to interesting people, and walking in the rain. In my downtime, I enjoy watching TV, drawing/painting, and reading a good book. I’m so excited to be in Siena this summer! It is such a beautiful city filled with architecture and history that I’m incredibly excited to discover. I’m looking forward to meeting lots of new people and developing my Italian language skills, as well as eating all manner of delicious foods!
Aaditya Kotadia
(he/him)
CET Siena
University of Virginia
Class of 2028
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Engineering Business
Hi everyone! My name is Aaditya and I’m a second-year at UVA. I’m super excited to explore all that Italy has to offer, from museums and libraries to the Dolomites, which I hope to hike through! I also enjoy going to the gym, building my app, and meeting new people—all of which I plan to continue during my time abroad. I can’t wait to get to know everyone!
Colombia
Sam Lambert
(she/her)
CET Colombia
Berea College
Class of 2027
Major: Sociology
Minors: Spanish, Creative Writing
What’s up! My name’s Sam, and I attend Berea College in Kentucky. Berea is a work college, so I’ve held jobs all over campus–from Props Master in the theatre department to Writing Resources Consultant in our writing center! Outside of classes and work, I love writing and making my friends laugh. I’m super excited to study in Colombia this semester and I can’t wait to bring you along for the journey!
Brazil
Diego Felix-Trejo
(he/him)
CET Brazil
University of Michigan
Class of 2026
Major: Public Policy
Minor: International Studies in Latin America
I love bringing people together, whether through volunteering or planning cultural events for my fraternity and clubs. Off campus, I recharge by taking long walks and playing the guitar. I’ve always dreamt of learning Portuguese and exploring Brazilian culture, so I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. I can’t wait to share what I learn along the way!
Nimotalai Afolabi
(she/her)
CET Brazil
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Class of 2027
Major: International Studies
Minors: Anthropology, Gender & Health
I am a lover of literature, philosophy, alternative livelihoods and media. I grew up in Nigeria and immigrated to the U.S. when I was 10 and this experience has largely shaped my interest in comparative global and cultural studies. I enjoy running, cooking (for my loved ones), ruminating and I especially love international travel because of it’s ability to reveal the necessity of cross-cultural connection, no matter what we’re going through. My favorite book of poetry is “The Essential Rumi” by Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks. I’m ecstatic to explore, connect with and document the history of Black Brazilian culture, survival and joy while pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
Czech Republic
Noelle Drummonds
(she/her)
CET Prague
Elon University
Class of 2027
Majors: International Global Studies, Dance Performance and Choreography
Minors: German Studies, Political Science
Ahoj! I was born and raised in Arkansas but am currently completing my undergraduate in North Carolina. I plan to move to Washington, DC for postgrad opportunities in Intelligence and Security. In the summer of 2024, I studied abroad in Heidelberg, Germany and am very passionate about learning their language and culture. I love watching anything lore-adjacent (Attack on Titan, The Umbrella Academy, Marvel, etc–please ask me about it!) and, obviously, enjoy traveling. Additionally, I study dance and perform in musicals; theatre jazz is my favorite. I’m excited to see what the Czech Republic holds for me and to share it with you!
Ilan Barnea
(he/him)
CET Prague
Washington University in St. Louis
Class of 2025
Major: Political Science
Minor: Biology, Pre-Veterinary Track
Hey! I’m Ilan, I am from New Jersey and currently a junior at WashU in St. Louis. I’m majoring in Political Science, but plan on going to veterinary school. A few years ago, I picked up a camera in my basement and never looked back. I love film photography, but dabble in digital too. Aside from photography, I love basketball, animals, and talking to random people. My favorite bands are Mumford and Sons and Bon Iver. I am so excited to be studying in Prague and taking pictures of everyone!
Jasmine Garcia Delossantos
(she/her)
CET Film Production at FAMU
Mount Holyoke College
Class of 2027
Majors: Film, Media, and Theater, Critical Race and Political Economy
Hi everyone! I’m a current junior at Mount Holyoke College. I’m from New York City, and will now be calling Prague my home for the next few months. I love anything related to the arts, which includes film, photography, crafts, and music. I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences while abroad!
Yilan Song
(she/they)
CET Film Production at FAMU
Mount Holyoke College
Class of 2026
Majors: Film, Media & Theatre and Art Studio
Hi everyone! My name is Yilan, and I’m from Beijing, China. I’m a double major in Film, Media & Theatre and Art Studio at Mount Holyoke College. This spring, I’ll be studying abroad in Prague at FAMU’s film program, where I’m excited to work with analog filmmaking and shoot on 35mm film. I’ve been using photography and videography since middle school, often working with black and white film to document moments and everyday life. I’m especially interested in documentary and experimental media. Outside of visual work, I’ve loved singing since I was young and have a soft spot for jazz music. I can’t wait to share pieces of my life and creative journey abroad!
Kieran Garvey
(he/him)
CET Film Production at FAMU
Trinity University
Class of 2027
Majors: Computer Science, Film Studies
Hey everyone! My name is Kieran Garvey, and I’m a rising junior at Trinity University with a double major in Computer Science and Film. I love photography, watching movies, and exploring new cities. I can’t wait to immerse myself in my film classes and adventure in the beautiful city of Prague!
japan
Ilana Goldman
(she/her)
CET Japan
William & Mary and University of St. Andrews
Class of 2027
Major: English
Hello! My name is Ilana; I’m a rising junior studying English at both William & Mary and the University of St. Andrews. My undergrad program has given me the wonderful opportunity to experience both the American and UK education systems, and I’m thrilled to gain even more perspective by studying abroad through CET! When I’m not battling jet lag, I enjoy thrifting with friends, finding new music, baking, and tackling my non-exhaustive reading list. Thank you for joining me on this journey!
Sam Lam
(they/them)
CET Japan
Maryland Institute College of Art
Class of 2027
Major: Animation
Minor: Illustration
I’m an experimental animator and interdisciplinary fabricator. I like cats and hopping around mediums in my free time and explore various themes through photography, gouache, and illustration. possible and there is always a place in my heart to give compassion to each and every person in the world.
jordan
Ismail Khalid
(he/him)
CET Jordan
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Class of 2026
Major: Economics
Minor: Arabic
I love to workout and play basketball with friends, photography and try new restaurants when I’m not spending my time studying. I also like sharing content on my Arabic Instagram and TikTok pages, as it’s a fun way to connect with others and practice my Arabic speaking skills. I’m excited to deepen my study of Arabic in Amman, Jordan, both to advance my academic goals and to begin my journey into religious studies in Islam.
Paloma Dean
(any except he/him)
CET Jordan
American University
Class of 2027
Major: International Studies
Minors: Arabic, History
Hi everyone! My name is Paloma, I am a second year at American University. I am super excited to be able to share my thoughts and experiences from Jordan with this community. I am a really creative person and when I am not spending my time researching and writing for school publications, I love to create in other ways. I have been embroidering and sewing for quite a few years, and I have recently started crocheting. I love to spend my free time either reading or hiking. I am so excited to experience everything Jordan has to offer and I cannot wait to share my experiences with you all!
barcelona
Emily Elletson
(she/her)
CET Barcelona
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Class of 2027
Major: Marketing
Minor: Strategic Management
Hi everyone! My name is Emily Elletson, and I am studying Marketing at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. In my free time, I love playing volleyball, working out, getting coffee, and traveling. I’m especially excited to study in Barcelona to experience a new culture, meet new people, improve my Spanish, and explore how marketing is different in Spain, and how I can bring those insights back home after my time abroad!
Kristina Mortenson
(she/her)
CET Barcelona
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Class of 2027
Major: Psychology
Minor: Spanish
Hey! My name is Kristina and I am a third-year student at the University of Minnesota. My major is Psychology with a minor in Spanish! I love dancing, meeting new people, the outdoors and s’mores. I cannot wait to explore all the richness of Barcelona, Spain over the next few months. I am so very hype and grateful to be studying abroad in Barcelona, and I am excited to share my adventures.