GREATER CHINA
andy cheng
(he/him)
CET Beijing
Yale University
Class of 2027
Majors: Electrical Engineering, Computer Science
Hi! My name is Andy and I am a sophomore at Yale University majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. I’m from New Jersey and am so excited to visit Beijing this summer (and hopefully improve my Chinese as well)! I am part of the Yale Men’s Club Volleyball Team and am a research assistant for a robotics lab on campus. In my free time, I love to listen to vibey music, cook (and mainly eat) food, solve the NY Mini, and do anything outdoors, whether it be hiking or rock climbing.
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.
Maxim Lee
(he/him)
CET Shanghai
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Class of 2026
Major: Managerial Economics
Hey there! My name is Maxim Lee and I’m a junior at the University of Massachusetts studying economics. I’m more than excited to start my 2025 at Shanghai through CET. I choose China to further explore my cultural heritage and learn more about the vast differences between each province. As a social media creator, I hope to be able to share parts of my day that will encapsulate my stay here. My interests span from learning about horology (not to be confused with horoscopes) to volleyball, which I hope to continue in China.
Niklas Gamble
(he/him)
CET Taiwan
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Class of 2026
Major: Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
Hello! I’m Niklas, and I am a returning/transfer student to the University of Minnesota, majoring in Asian & Middle Eastern Studies with a focus on Chinese language learning. I am excited to study abroad this summer in Taiwan and improve my still fledgling Chinese language skills, as well as to experience the unique and storied culture of Taiwan. My hobbies include video games, tabletop gaming, and fiction writing. I have an interest in East Asian languages and literature, and am, at present, more proficient with Japanese than Chinese. I’m a bit of an introvert, but I intend to step out of my comfort zone to truly immerse in this experience—and to share it with all of you!
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!
Presley Privitera
(she/her)
CET Florence (Spring 2024)
Colby College
Class of 2025
Major: Biology
Minor: Italian
Hi! I’m Presley and I am so excited for my time with CET Florence this spring! I attend Colby College where I am majoring in Biology and minoring in Italian. I am a member of the Colby Dance Team, a leader for the Colby Outdoor Orientation Trip program, and I have worked as an Italian and Chemistry tutor as well as a Community advisor, and a research assistant on campus. In my free time you will probably find me reading a book in a coffee shop, solving the daily New York Times Games, or watching reality TV (my all time favorite show is Dance Moms). I love to travel, and freshman year I was lucky enough to study abroad in Genoa, Italy. I adore Italy, and cannot wait to document all the wonderful experiences it has to offer.
Eliza Ward
(she/they)
CET Siena
Meredith College
Class of 2026
Majors: International Studies, Political Science
Minor: Italian
Hi everyone! My name is Eliza and I’m a rising junior at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. I’m majoring in International Studies and Political Science with a minor in Italian. Fun fact, this will be my second time studying abroad in Italy! I traveled with my institution in the fall semester and stayed in the small town of Sansepolcro, and, of course, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and wanted to do it again. Some other facts about me, I enjoy traveling, learning new languages, reading, creating art, meeting new people, and getting tattoos. I can’t wait to share my journey and experiences with you all!
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
Nicholas Yee
(he/him)
CET Japan
Yale University
Class of 2027
Majors: History, Global Affairs
Certificate: Japanese
Hi! I’m Nick, a rising sophomore at Yale University! I am currently a History and Global Affairs major, seeking a certificate in Japanese! In my free time, I love playing volleyball, learning the guitar, upgrading my closet, and trying my hand at photography.
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
Harper Schrader
(she/her)
CET Jordan
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Class of 2026
Majors: Political Science, Global Studies
Minor: Arabic Studies
Hi! My name is Shahla Abrahim and I am a sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I was born in Iraq and lived there until my family moved to the United States when I was nine years old. Kurdish is my native tongue but I was able to pick up some basic Arabic when I attended elementary school in Iraq and after finishing high school in the US, I wanted to pick it up again because I think it’s a beautiful language. In my free time, I love reading, spending time with my cat, and telling my friends and family how much I love them. I’m so excited to be a part of the Student Correspondent Team and can’t wait to get to know everyone!
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!