STUDENT MENTOR BIOS
We are a team of students who have all studied abroad. Here are our stories!
Mentors are chosen upon completion of their programs abroad and dedication to helping others experience similar adventures!
Ayan Rahman
CLUB CO-FOUNDER
BTHS CLASS OF 2020
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
CHILDREN'S RIGHTS AND EDUCATION
2017
Hi everyone! My name is Ayan and I had the honor and privilege of studying abroad in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic the summer after my freshmen year. Alice and I started this club because we felt the experiences we had while abroad were invaluable, and we felt more students at our school should be aware of such opportunities available to them!
In the DR, we worked closely with a group of students who were living in impoverished conditions at a school in the Cristo Rey community. We did many things ranging from arts and crafts, dances, and more. As we stood together in solidarity, hoping we could make a change in the lives of the students, I realized that I received more than I gave. The experience wasn't me giving much at all; but rather me gaining a new perspective on the world and the people that inhabit it. It allowed me to realize that there are problems much greater than the first world issues we constantly complain about. And most importantly, it has paved a path for me to use my voice in a more profound way back home to advocate for issues on a global scale, such as children's' education.
We want more of our fellow classmates to learn and develop an interest in studying abroad, and we hope this club can make that possible! Even if you think it'll be impossible to make this dream into a reality, but have the slightest bit of interest, come to our meetings and see where they'll take you!
Alice Goyer
CLUB CO-FOUNDER
BTHS CLASS OF 2020
FERRARA, ITALY
LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
2017
Hey! I’m Alice and the summer before my sophomore year I had the amazing chance to spend a month studying Italian in the beautiful city of Ferrara. Studying abroad allowed me to make memories for a lifetime, meet many new people, enhance my language skills, especially my spoken Italian, and discover a new country with a new culture. Ayan and I created this club with the intention of sharing this amazing experience with others by helping them create their own adventures abroad.
In Ferrara, we had Italian lessons taught solely in Italian every morning, and had planned activities in the afternoon, such as pasta making and scavenger hunts around the city. Every weekend we discovered a new city in northern Italy, including Florence, San Marino, Ravenna, and, my favorite city, Venice. Throughout my stay, I lived with a loving and very generous host family who had two daughters, one of whom was my age. Through the oldest daughter, I had the privilege of getting to spend my evenings with her and her friends, and learn Italian from kids my age.
Through this amazing experience, I learned to adjust to a new culture within a host family whose life style was different from mine. I also learned that language barriers aren’t a problem if you persevere and aren’t scared of making a mistake. To become fluent in a target language you have to practice and immerse yourself...and what better way to do that than to study in the country where that language is spoken?
Our goal is to convince you that studying abroad is invaluable when it comes to learning a new language, a new skill or simply discovering the world. If studying abroad, or simply traveling to a foreign country interests you, come to a meeting or reach out to us!!
Daniela Parsley
STUDENT MENTOR
BTHS CLASS OF 2021
CREATING CHANGE THROUGH SOLIDARITY
GUANAJUATO, MEXICO
2018
Hey, I’m Daniela! The summer before my sophomore year I had the opportunity to study abroad in Guanajuato for 3 weeks. As a service and leadership program, not only did we work with 3 organizations to help them in their work with giving back and helping the community, but we also had a strong emphasis on leadership. We had the privilege of seeing how these incredible leaders were able to create these organizations from nothing and learn from them. Working side by side with the leaders of these communities helped me see how I could come home and apply these lessons to my home and school communities. Alice asked me to join this club as a mentor and I happily accepted. I’m very excited to share my experience and help others get the chance to see and learn as much as I did!!
STUDENT MENTOR
BTHS CLASS OF 2020
LANGUAGE & CULTURE
NANJING, CHINA
2018
Hello, I'm Sophia Chok and I was given the opportunity to study abroad in Nanjing, China for a month during the summer of 2018. This experience was unforgettable, and I hope everyone out there will one day have a chance to experience the wonders of studying abroad.
I participated in session II of CIEE's Chinese Language and Culture Program in Nanjing. Students spent most of their mornings studying at Nanjing University in their respective classes, which depended on their Chinese language level. Afterward, students would be taken to different parts of the city to explore, like the City center, Xinjiekou 新街口, and the Ming City Wall. If there wasn't a place to visit, there would be tai-chi or Chinese calligraphy class to attend. On the weekends, students would spend time with their host families and do whatever they pleased. On our third weekend, we were taken to Shanghai via bullet train to see a different side of China. My description is only a snippet of the crazy adventures I had and hopefully convinced you that Nanjing is worth your consideration.
Nanjing is one the lesser known cities within China, but nonetheless, it captivated my heart. To experience an authentic taste of China, Nanjing is a must. Nanjing, in my opinion, is a hidden gem among the nation. The luscious trees at every street, the cheap eats sold at every corner, the perfect balance of crowded main roads and quiet alleyways are only some of the many great qualities of the city.
Through this opportunity, I was able to further develop myself and meet different people from different parts of the world. The world is so much larger than it seems, and programs like CIEE helps students to navigate it. Studying abroad was eye-opening in so many ways and the conversations held and friendships made cannot be replaced.
If you have any questions about studying abroad, feel free to reach out to me or other mentors. Tech Treks' mission is to help encourage students to take the leap and apply for study abroad programs to experience an opportunity of a lifetime. Stop by at a meeting or simply reach out!
Sophia Chok
Sarah Eisenberg
STUDENT MENTOR
BTHS CLASS OF 2020
BARCELONA, SPAIN
SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
2018
Hello everyone! My name is Sarah and the summer before my junior year I was lucky enough to study abroad in the wonderful city of Barcelona, Spain. Through CIEE's Language and Culture program, I felt totally immersed in Spanish life in a way I could never achieve in my daily Spanish classes in school. My summer experience was incredible, and one I want to share with every one. I asked Ayan if I could mentor in his club because I want to help other students who are dreaming of taking on this experience.
Through the language and culture program, I had a unique experience from my other peers in CIEE who did community service or volunteer work. Everyday, I explored the city with the group, learning about the rich history, architecture, art, and food in Barcelona. In addition, I gained some political knowledge in seeing and hearing about the Catalonian independence movement firsthand.
By far my favorite part of the trip was the homestay experience, where my language skills truly blossomed. My host mom did not know a single word of english, so my roommate and I had a blast communicating, and sometimes acting to get our message across. The best moment was preparing an "American dinner" for our host family, where we made ramen, pizza, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They loved it!
I am so excited to be able to share my memories, and hopefully be able to help some of you guys in the future with your applications! Please email me anytime and I'll be there for you!
Hello! I'm Annie and I traveled to Rome, Italy during the summer before my junior year (2019)! You have no idea what I would give right now to go back. It was a super eye-opening and one of a kind experience! In Rome, I was immersed in the arts and culture of both ancient and contemporary influences. Not only did we learn Italian, we also learned a certain type of dance and music originating from Southern Italy! We took various classes about the arts, such as mosaic, fresco, photography, and film class. Outside the classroom, we explored the city of Rome itself and more! We had the opportunity to witness an amazing light show in Julius Caesar's forum. Imagine reading or learning about Julius Caesar and being able to say, "I've stood where he had once stood before!" And of course, we visited the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain, all iconic symbols of Rome. There were also various day trips to places such as Ostia Antica, Florence, and Tivoli (which is home to beautiful Renaissance villas and fountains). I developed many meaningful relationships during that month. In regards to housing, we stayed at the Grand Hotel Olympic, where I had the opportunity to stay with two amazing friends! This is a trip where you can look forward to making life-long relationships.
To study abroad is to open your view of the world, to learn more about others, and to learn more about yourself. Knock on the door and see where it leads!
Luci Doogan
STUDENT MENTOR
BTHS CLASS OF 2020
SEVILLA, SPAIN
SPANISH LANGUGE AND CULTURE
2018
Hey! My name is Luci and I studied abroad the summer before my junior year. The month that I spent in Sevilla, Spain was truly a memorable and enjoyable experience. I stayed with a friendly host family in the center of the city surrounded by the main attractions and completely immersed in the culture. Every morning we began with “Mission ñ.” We would spend an hour chatting with locals in various locations to practice our Spanish outside of the classroom. Then we would attend a cultural activity. These included tours of landmarks, cooking classes, kayaking, and even flamenco classes. In the evening, we attended three hour Spanish classes and each week we gave oral presentations. Not only did my Spanish improve, but also my confidence in public speaking. We had the opportunity to travel to Granada and Cadiz on weekends.
I want to share with others the incredible experience I had. The friends that I met on the trip have become several of my best friends. I have met up with them several times over the past year to partake on more adventures. Everyone should have the opportunity to travel abroad and make their own memories.
Veronica Wu
STUDENT MENTOR
BTHS CLASS OF 2020
LISBON, PORTUGAL
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS & SUSTAINABILITY
2019
Hi! My name is Veronica and I was given an amazing opportunity to study abroad in Portugal for three weeks the summer before my senior year. Those three weeks were the best experience of my life (as of today). While in Portugal, I was able to expand my knowledge of environmental studies (specifically, aquatic ecosystems). We traveled to two other cities (Aveiro and Lagos) to study the different aquatic ecosystems there as well and it was stunning! We participated in many different activities that involved these ecosystems such as visiting a hydroelectric dam, kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, and participating in a beach clean up! We worked alongside biologists to perform tests and experiments to help the ecosystems nearby. When we weren't studying, we were venturing out in the city. Given some free time to explore, we were able to attempt to converse with the locals in Portuguese and try different local foods (still missing my bacahlau). On my three week journey, I was able to share my experience at least once a week through the member blog.
Being part of a school of over 6000 students and only a small fraction have been able to take advantage of this opportunity and study abroad. Hopefully, I'll be able to help you with your application, so you'll be able to experience a unique trip. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out or come to a meeting!
Vicky Li
STUDENT MENTOR
BTHS CLASS OF 2020
NANJING, CHINA
CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
2018
Hi! My name is Vicky and in the summer of 2018 I was given the best opportunity of my life to travel to Nanjing, China. This month of my life is for sure the best experience of my life.
While I was in Nanjing, I was able to improve my Chinese through the best way of learning a language: living in the country of the language. Not only were we taught how to read and write many chinese characters, we were also exposed to everyday conversations in Chinese. In Nanjing, we were also constantly encouraged to speak in Chinese, regardless of how much we knew, and it definitely boosted our improvement. Additionally, I was also finally able to directly reconnect with my culture after 12 years. Despite living in America for a huge portion of my life, I felt super comfortable living in Nanjing and I’m sure the others felt the same. Although there are some people who may be too fascinated by foreigners, there are many many many more people who are more than happy to welcome us. Honestly, Nanjing is pretty much a second home to me.
Through the program, I met some of my dearest friends. We were with each other almost everyday, and for most of the day too, went on trips together, navigated through the unfamiliar country together, and even went on an overnight trip together. My memories with them are endless and full of happiness. And this is all thanks to CIEE. Everything I mentioned above was only possible thanks to CIEE. Many people don’t put Nanjing down but honestly I’m so glad I did. If I could change just one thing about this trip, I’d do anything to make more than 4 weeks. I hope everyone can experience the happiness I experienced through traveling abroad. If you have any questions or need help with anything regarding studying abroad, feel free to contact me or another mentor! We are here to help you and we are super excited to hear your experience abroad!
Katherine Yenna
STUDENT MENTOR
BTHS CLASS OF 2021
FERRARA, ITALY
ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
2019
Hey, my name is Katherine. This summer I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study abroad in Ferrara, Italy for the Italian Language and culture program. I applied for the program because I wanted to improve my skills in Italian; what I got out of the program was so much more than I ever would have expected. Not only did my language skills improve immensely, but I also made some amazing lifelong friends. My experience in Italy was something incomparable to anything I have ever done. Everyday we would go to class to practice our Italian, something I found to be super fun. After, the program leaders always had fun activities planned, including pizza making. We also had a lot of free time, in which I got to ride around the city on by bike. Ferrara, by the way, is known as the city of bikes. I had some amazing times, including with my host family. I really got to practice my Italian with my host mom because she didn't speak any English. My host family was always so nice and hospitable, and they made amazing food.
I am so happy to be a mentor for Tech Treks this year because I would love to show you guys how amazing it is to study abroad. If you are considering it at all, I seriously recommend it because studying abroad could end up being one of the greatest experiences of you life.
Annie Lin
STUDENT MENTOR
BTHS CLASS OF 2021
ROME, ITALY
EXPLORING ROME THROUGH THE ARTS
2019