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!
Alba Núñez
(she/her)
CET Beijing
Yale University
Class of 2028
Majors: Computer Science, Political Science
Hola a tod@s! My name is Alba Quintas, and I am an international student from Spain at Yale University. I am a double major in computer science and political science. Outside of class, I participate in Model UN conferences, organize events with the College Council, and produce and star in plays. In my free time, I love to dance, write, and explore the world. I am excited to discover a new continent with CET this summer! Stay tuned for more details about this new adventure!
I’m a junior at Yale College. From Arkansas and North Carolina, I am doubling in History and East Asian Studies. I’m interested in law and public service and hopes. I love playing music, working out, and being outdoors. I’m always down for an adventure and trying new things, but in my free time you can usually find me reading a good book, journaling or just hanging with friends. Don’t be stranger, say hi!
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!
Aurora Willow
(she/her)
CET Shanghai
University of Michigan
Class of 2026
Major: International Studies PED & Asian Studies
Hello, my name is Aurora. I am a rising junior at the University of Michigan! I am a life-long learner, artist, fashion enthusiast, and aspiring polyglot. In my free time, I love doing philosophy, creative writing, singing, and studying Japanese or Chinese. I also love working out and healthy eating!
Chris Walker
(he/him)
CET Shanghai
Cornell University
Class of 2026
Majors: History and Government
Minor: English
Hi! My name’s Chris, and I’m from Matthews, North Carolina. I’m currently a junior at Cornell, studying history and government, and I’m super excited to spend the semester in Shanghai! In the little free time that my Chinese class affords me, I enjoy rock climbing, running, writing, and reading.
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!
Isaac Frank
(he/him)
CET Taiwan
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Class of 2026
Majors: Chinese, Computer Science
Hey! My name is Isaac, and I am majoring in Chinese and Computer Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I love trying new experiences, listening to people’s stories, and learning in all kinds of fields. I love the outdoors, whether it’s running, backpacking, or camping, and I also enjoy playing tennis, reading, listening to podcasts (both Chinese and English), and playing cello.
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.
Emma Wiggleton
(she/her)
CET Florence
Vanderbilt University
Class of 2026
Major: Human and Organizational Development
Minor: Business
Hi, my name is Emma, and I am a junior at Vanderbilt University studying Human and Organizational Development and Business. You can often find me trying new recipes, walking my dog, reading at a coffee shop, shopping and traveling. So far, my favorite place that I have traveled to is Tokyo, Japan! I am so excited to study abroad in Italy with CET this semester. While abroad, I hope to explore new cultures and capture the beauty that I experience!
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!
Ann Matthew
(she/her)
CET Siena
Vanderbilt University
Class of 2026
Major: Computer Science, Climate Studies
Hi! My name is Ann, and I’m a junior at Vanderbilt University. I am double majoring in Computer Science and Climate Studies. I’m really passionate about exploring the intersections of technology and social good, and I’m excited to see how my experiences in Siena will inspire new perspectives in both fields. I chose CET Siena because I’ve always dreamed of exploring Italy, and I wanted an immersive experience where I could truly adapt to a new culture and environment. Siena’s rich, well-preserved history and culture make it the ideal place for me. In my free time, I love traveling, singing, painting, and hanging out with my sisters and friends. I can’t wait to share my experiences in Siena and beyond with you through the blog!
Colombia
Jasbeth Medrano
(she/her)
CET Colombia
University of Texas at San Antonio
Class of 2026
Major: Political Science
Minor: Criminal Justice and Criminology Certificate: Data Science
Hola amigues! My name is Jasbeth and I am a third-year Political Science student at the University of Texas at San Antonio! I was born and raised in Dallas, TX, but my family is from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. I love spending time with friends and family, dancing, singing, cooking and taking a ton of pictures with my Sony Cybershot! I am super excited for the adventures Colombia will bring this semester!
Brazil
E aí, gente! My name is Ashton Brown, a junior honors Economics major, Spanish minor studying at Howard University, originally from Houston, Texas. I am proud to be studying in Brasil, the land of palm trees! I am passionate about cultural exchange and language, so being in one of the most diverse countries in the world is the opportunity of a lifetime. I am an extreme extrovert and social gatherer, I love to bring people together and meet new folks. I believe experiences and friends are currency, and I’m excited to share my grind on the path to wealth. I love politics, culture, music and art, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I look forward to telling you all about my time in São Paulo.
I’m a student at Columbia College studying Political Science on a pre-law track. I’m super excited to practice Portuguese, and to share São Paulo through photography.
Czech Republic
Marian Caballo
(she/her)
CET Prague
Cornell University
Class of 2026
Majors: Information Science & Cognitive Science
Hi everyone! I’m Marian, a junior at Cornell University studying Information Science and Cognitive Science. I’m proud to be Filipino-American and from New York City. I’m beyond excited to be heading to Prague in 2024! At Cornell, I’m the Multimedia and Data Science editor for our paper, The Cornell Daily Sun, where I explore the intersection of technology and storytelling. I can’t wait to bring my passions to Prague—whether that’s through documenting my adventures, diving into the city’s rich culture, or discovering hidden gems along the way!
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!
Sekou Cherif
(he/him)
CET Film Production at FAMU
Franklin & Marshall College
Class of 2026
Major: Film & Media Studies
Minor: Economics
Hey, I’m Sé! I’m a filmmaker from NYC, currently a junior at Franklin & Marshall College studying Film & Economics. This upcoming semester, I’m thrilled to be studying in Prague. Beyond movies and editing, I love staying active–dancing, hiking, the whole shebang. I also dabble in podcasting and am a Big Brother Superfan (the CBS social strategy Competition show). Can’t wait to share my Prague adventures with you all!
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!
Hi, I’m Lucas Hong! I am a junior double majoring Computer Science and Art. In my free time I like to dance, play video games, and take pictures. Can’t wait to study in Japan!
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.
I love to create—whether through writing, art, or music. I enjoy writing personal essays, drawing calligraphy and mandalas, and playing Chopin and Liszt on the piano. I love sharing what I learn through teaching. I am always excited to explore new places and let my curiosity lead the way.
Annette Hochstadt
(she/her)
CET Jordan
American University
Class of 2025
Major: International Affairs
Minors: Arabic, American Studies
Hi! My name is Annette and I am a junior at American University! I love to play rugby, read, do crafts, and explore! I am originally from Denver, Colorado and I can’t wait to study in Amman this spring!