Student Stories
Story Collections:
All | Study Abroad | International Internships | International Students | Exchange Students | Global Learners
“As a senior, I’m confident enough to say I am a global citizen, and I owe it all to the education that was provided to me within a diverse setting.”
Miralva Gusmao was looking to hone her writing skills through an internship someplace altogether different from her Brazilian upbringing and her life here.
“I love the traditions. The Orientation party was just plain silly fun. Mountain Day gave me a sense of continuity, being a part of something lasting.”
“I’ve become more cautious about viewing the experiences of others. I now prioritize, above everything, seeing the world through their perspective.”
Alheri Egor-Egbe ’17, who took part in the College’s 12th annual Stoling ceremony, honored a mentor who helped shape her journey.
For Olivia Lucas ’18, multilingualism was her gateway to a new culture and experience of identity.
I’ve never met so many cultures in one place before. I feel freer to share my own thoughts. Mount Holyoke has shown me that they matter.”
“Part of learning maturely is coming up with your own ideas, stepping out of your comfort zone and engaging with people who are different from you.”
Beyond the classroom: Javeria Kella ’19 discusses her internship with Gbowee Peace Foundation in Liberia.
“Interacting with international students gives me a broader perspective of the world outside Pakistan, the world that does not exist on news channels.”
“I found myself at Mount Holyoke. I learned self-reliance in a foreign country. I realized I have control over my life. I need to be responsible for it.”
“Berlin is perhaps the most international city in Europe, but I feel like I have had more interaction with more people from different cultures here.”
Cat Lamond ’18 spent six months of her junior year at the world renowned Monteverde Institute (MVI) in Costa Rica.
“What surprised me was the emphasis on well-being and taking time to learn about yourself and who you want to be — the true version of yourself.”
“My semester in Hong Kong challenged me to think about the U.S. in new and different ways. I began to see its the role within a global context.”
“I wanted to take courses that would help me advance but were not available at my college. I’m excited to return to my work with new ideas and skills.”
“As an international student from a small country, I am constantly learning so much more about different cultures through the people I interact with here.”
In her pursuit of peace studies, Julia (Juli) Kellerbauer has thrown herself into nearly every global learning opportunity.
“My views, perceptions, and opinions about the world have been turned upside down and inside out since my first semester here.”
Christina Elder ’18 began with a study abroad experience in New Zealand and then returned to that country for an internship studying addiction science.