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!
Audrey Pegouske
(she/her)
CET Beijing
Kalamazoo College
Class of 2027
Majors: Business, Psychology
Minor: Chinese
I am a vintage fashion and film enthusiast who enjoys ’60s music, going for walks, and capturing the beauty of the world around me through photography and poetry. I am actively involved in the college newspaper and play the flute in our Philharmonic Orchestra. Proficient in French and Korean, I am excited to document my studies in Beijing to indulge my passion for traveling and foreign languages. Through this opportunity, I aim to better comprehend the world and my place in it as I draw inspiration for my future endeavors in product marketing and self-expression.
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
American University
Class of 2027
Majors: International Studies, Chinese Studies
Hi, my name is Ella and I’m a third-year student from Chicago. I can’t wait to explore China, and I’m excited to keep you all updated on my adventures! This fall I’m especially looking forward to immersing myself in Chinese culture and language, collecting trinkets, and trying new foods (hopefully building up my spice tolerance). As a recently retired competitive Irish dancer, I’ll be looking for ways to stay active like hiking and maybe even some dancing.
Paola Sigüenza
(she/her)
CET Shanghai
George Washington University
Class of 2027
Majors: International Affairs, Economics
Hi everyone! My name is Paola, I’m an international student from Mexico at George Washington University. When I’m not in class, you can usually find me practicing Krav Maga self-defense, dancing, trying out new cooking recipes, or watching a good scary movie. This fall, I’m thrilled to be heading to Shanghai, where I’ll sharpen my Chinese, intern at ZNShine Solar, and collect plenty of new friends, memories, and food adventures to share here.
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!
Max Fischer
(he/him)
CET Taiwan
Carleton College
Class of 2027
Majors: Political Science, International Relations
Minor: Chinese
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.
Ella Ramchand
(she/her)
CET Florence
Boston College
Class of 2027
Majors: Art History, Political Science
Minor: Management and Leadership
Hi! My name is Ella, and I’m a junior at Boston College studying Art History and Political Science. I am originally from the Washington DC area and will be studying abroad in Florence this fall. In my free time, I love traveling, visiting museums, writing, and spending time outdoors. I’m so excited to explore Florence over these next couple of months and share my experiences with you all!
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
Magdalena Marian Poling
(she/her)
CET Colombia
Carleton College – Northfield, Minnesota
Class of 2027
Major: Biology Major
Minor: Latin American Studies
Hey everyone! My name is Magdalena Marian Poling, and I’m from Richfield, Minnesota. At Carleton College, I work in our Office of Health Promotion and love being involved in student life through the clubs I help lead. I love to read, make art, volunteer, casually listen to music, try new foods, play soccer, and connect with new people. As a Colombian adoptee, I’m so excited to be participating in CET Colombia this fall. I’m looking forward to improving my Spanish, learning more about Colombian culture, and (hopefully!) getting better at salsa. I’m so happy I get to share this amazing experience with all of you as I explore Colombia!
Brazil
Reign Williams
(she/her)
CET Brazil
Syracuse University
Class of 2027
Majors: Sociology, Political Science
Oí gente! Hello everyone! My name is Reign but while I’m in Brazil I’ll be going by Chuva! My home university is Syracuse University, where I study Political Science and Sociology. When enjoying my free time, I prefer to read a book, discover new places to eat, or hang out with my friends on campus and my sorority sisters. I am so excited to see what the country of Brazil has in store for me, but I am more excited to share all the experiences with you all. Tchau!
Czech Republic
Eliot Advani
(he/him)
CET Prague
Claremont McKenna College
Class of 2025
Majors: Philosophy, Politics, Economics
Hello, my name is Eliot. I like you, I like Prague, it’s nice. I am from the Boston area, and I attend Claremont McKenna College in California, where I study Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. I love playing sports like soccer, tennis, and golf (I suck), and I am very excited to explore Prague and some random places in the Czech countryside! I am excited to keep the dedicated fans of the CET blog updated on my Czech adventures!
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!
Vanessa Levins
(she/her)
CET Film Production at FAMU
American University
Class of 2026
Major: Film & Media Arts
Minor: Spanish
Hi! I’m from Malvern, Pennsylvania and go to school in D.C. at American university! As a film major, I of course love videography and photography. But, otherwise, you can find me exploring (usually outdoors), thrifting, crocheting, or snuggling with my stuffies watching sit-com’s! I’m so excited to be studying abroad and sharing my journey!
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!
Diana West
(she/her)
CET Japan
College of Wooster
Class of 2027
Majors: Philosophy and Computer Science
I am a detail-focused, persistent, and nerdy person! I like to paint and write, as well as tinker and shop. Fashion is a passion of mine and I enjoy my careful pace. I always make sure to deliver the best perspective
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.
Hey friends, I’m Timo! I look forward to sharing my reflections in Amman with the community. When I’m not researching essays for class, I enjoy creating in other ways like producing music or writing for myself. I aspire to help connect people across boundaries, and I’m excited to build on that aspiration with CET Jordan!
barcelona
Brandon Casillas-Lopez
(he/him)
CET Barcelona
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Class of 2028
Majors: Marketing and International Business
My name is Brandon Casillas, and I am a student from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I am double majoring in marketing and international business. Outside of academics I enjoy traveling, swimming, and snowboarding. I am beyond excited to explore Spain and am looking forward to call Barcelona my home for the next few months!