Isabel Aulicino
Study Abroad Program: Middlebury School in France: Paris (Université Paris Cité), academic year 2023-2024
Majors: Psychological Science, French
Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2025
Why Did I Study Abroad?
I knew right away coming to college I wanted to study abroad—the prospect of living and learning abroad was too exciting to pass up. That said, I had no idea where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do. Luckily, the IDPO resources allowed me to find a
program that perfectly matched all the random things I wanted to do, so much so I ended up applying to extend my semester long program into a full year. I cannot emphasize enough how much my year in Paris improved my language skills. Living
alongside other female, French students and directly enrolling in a Parisian university contributed to a very immersive and exciting experience. I am grateful that my program was such a good fit for me, as I believe it is essential in having an experience as
positive as mine. Thus, I am excited to help any students find their perfect program too!
Specific Topics of Interest: Being abroad for a year, foreign language living and immersion, mental health while abroad
On-Campus Activities: Pomona Personality, Psychopathology, and Relationships (PPPR) Lab, Pomona + Scripps Dance Departments
Favorite place at Pomona: Pendleton Upper Studio
Fall 2024 Hours: Thursday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Ben Brady
Study Abroad Program: Trinity College Rome, fall 2023
Major: History
Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2025
Why Did I Study Abroad? I always knew I wanted to study abroad. In high school I was fortunate enough to visit several European countries while performing with a choir. It sparked a curiosity for travel that never left me. When I had traveled internationally before, I loved the experiences, but I was never able to feel I was part of a community. I was just a visitor passing by for a short period of time. Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to immerse myself more in my experience abroad than any travel had before. I was able to practice the language regularly in everyday situations, become familiar with different neighborhoods, navigate the public transportation, and become more accustomed with the way life in Rome actually is. My classes were taught by Italian professors who commuted from the periphery of the city and would sometimes take us to neighborhoods few Americans think to visit. My social circle was a combination of fellow Americans and Romans, which helped us practice our language skills, distinguish tourist traps from authentic experiences, and become more familiar with different social norms. I was still an American, but I was becoming part of a community in Italy, rather than just being a tourist. I think studying abroad provides that opportunity in a way that other, shorter forms of travel never could.
Specific Topics of Interest: Religious History, Pre-Law Abroad
On campus Activities: Pomona Student Union, Claremont Colleges Debate Union, 5C Men’s Club Basketball
Favorite place at Pomona: Walker Beach
Fall 2024 Hours: Tuesday 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Liv Christy
Study Abroad Programs: CIEE Arts & Sciences in Seoul, South Korea, spring 2024
Major: Psychological Science
Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2025
Why Did I Study Away? After discovering K-dramas in middle school, I dreamed of studying in South Korea. As a first-generation, low-income student, this seemed impossible until I learned about the CIEE Arts and Sciences Program. With Pomona's funding support, my dream became reality. As a psychology major studying Korean, I aimed to enhance my language skills and cultural understanding. Through immersion, dance classes, and local connections, I achieved significant growth in both areas. While I enjoyed Korea's fashion, nightlife, and karaoke, the highlight was reuniting with a close friend I'd met during her exchange at Pitzer. Seeing the country through
her eyes provided invaluable insights. This experience not only fulfilled a long-held dream but also broadened my horizons.
Specific Topics of Interest: First generation and low-income students abroad, students of color traveling to homogenous places, first time travelers, POC abroad
On-Campus Activities: Captain of a dance team
Favorite place in Claremont: Lincoln
Fall 2024 Hours: Tuesday 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., Friday 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Mustajab Farrukh
Study Abroad Program: IFSA University College of London Partnership, spring 2024
Majors: English, Psychology
Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2025
Why Did I Study Abroad? Being an international student, in some ways I am already studying abroad at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. Yet, my love for traveling and my curiosity to explore and push myself beyond my comfort zone made me determined to pursue study abroad. I believed as I had already made such a big transition moving from my hometown, moving to a new place for a semester would be no big deal. However, I was mistaken and my move to London came with its own unique sets of challenges and obstacles that I had to overcome. Despite those challenges, I think studying abroad was the best decision I made for myself during my time at college. I absolutely fell in love with London as a city, so much so that it is making me consider attending graduate school in the UK! It was very interesting to delve into London’s vibrant history and learn about what the city had to offer and what I could offer the city as I formed diverse relationships and experienced an environment so different from what I grew up accustomed to and the one I found at college. Stepping outside of the Claremont bubble to catch a glimpse of that world truly allowed me to put my academic goals into perspective and as well as stimulated personal growth. I am happy to chat with you about my experience and answer any questions you might have!
Specific Topics of Interest: first-gen/low-income/international students abroad, navigating race, gender and identity while abroad, interdisciplinary studies abroad, mental health abroad
On campus Activities: Head Manager at Coop Store, ASPC Coop Committee, SASA and FLI member, Project Sunshine and Pomona Unified School District volunteer
Favorite place at Pomona: Crookshank library
Fall 2024 Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 - 10:45 a.m.
Meraal Hassan
Study Abroad Program: CIEE Arts & Sciences in Cape Town, South Africa, spring 2024
Majors: Economics, Politics
Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2025
Why Did I Study Abroad? When I learnt about Pomona’s study abroad opportunities, I knew I had to make the most of them. I moved countries many times while growing up, and while that had its challenges, I loved the sense of adventure and exploration that came with it. I chose to study in Cape Town because I was drawn to the city’s rich cultural tapestry, its complex history, and the incredible combination of beaches, mountains, and wildlife. As a politics student, Cape Town provided a unique setting to understand living in a city that has undergone significant social and political change and a chance to learn about important historical events outside of the classroom. My time abroad came with its challenges, but I would do it again in a second for all that it gave me; new relationships, newfound passions, and a renewed desire to push myself. My experience deepened my global perspective, and reinforced the idea that growth often comes from embracing the unfamiliar.
Specific Topics of Interest: experiential learning while abroad, cultural immersion while abroad
On campus Activities: Economic Journalist at Lowe Institute of Political Economy, Pomona Ventures
Favorite place at Pomona: The Coop
Fall 2024 Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Mustafa Khayam
Study Abroad Program: IFSA University of Melbourne Partnership, spring 2023
Major: Chemistry
Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2025
Why Did I Study Abroad? When I learnt about Pomona’s study abroad options, I immediately made up my mind that I would try my best to study abroad. My curious soul and search for new adventures is what brought me to Pomona as an international student, and that same spirit led me to studying abroad. I enjoy experiencing new environments, both academic and cultural, and so study abroad seemed to be a perfect opportunity to satiate this desire. I believe that while a change in setting brings new challenges, it is from those very challenges that you will learn and grow as a person. Studying abroad allowed me to experience these new challenges, make mistakes, and allow room for personal growth. Looking back, I am very grateful for my time abroad, the lessons it taught me, and all the memories it gave me! And if the idea of studying abroad ever pops into your mind feel free to chat to me about it anytime, I’m happy to help.
Specific Topics of Interest: International students studying abroad, STEM students abroad
On campus Activities: Chemistry Liaison, 5C Cricket Club, 5C Science Bus
Favorite place at Pomona: Seaver North
Fall 2024 Hours: Monday 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Isabel Ramos
Study Abroad Program: CIEE Tropical Ecology & Conservation in Monteverde, Costa Rica, spring 2024
Major: Biology
Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2025
Why Did I Study Abroad? Entering Pomona, I knew I wanted to study abroad and as I narrowed in on my interests, I gained a better sense of what study abroad experience I was looking for. As a Biology major with an interest in environmental science, the tropics are one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Thus, I wanted to gain a more well rounded and global perspective on ecology and conservation as well as learn about environmental policies of other countries first hand. Additionally, my program was very place-based and had an emphasis on experiential learning so many of my days were spent outside hiking and going on field trips to different parts of Costa Rica. I also knew I wanted to be in Latin America as my family is originally from Mexico and wanted the opportunity to practice and advance my Spanish speaking abilities. Overall, I had a wonderful experience abroad and am so grateful for all the resources Pomona provided that made studying away very accessible.
Specific Topics of Interest: STEM students studying abroad, finances abroad
On campus Activities: Pomona Farm Compost Assistant, Tour Guide, Ecology research
Favorite place at Pomona: The Farm <3
Fall 2024 Hours: Wednesday 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Aldo Ruiz Parra
Study Abroad Program: DIS - Study Abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, spring 2024
Major: Computer Science
Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2025
Why Did I Study Abroad? I became interested in studying abroad halfway through my sophomore year. After being on campus for over a year, I knew I wanted to try something new. This led me to research study abroad programs and talk to returning students about their experiences abroad. Hearing about the different places and experiences students had made me eager about the opportunity to study abroad. At first, I was nervous to apply to study abroad as a first-gen, low-income student, but the IDPO office and the peer mentors made the process significantly easier. My experience in Copenhagen was overall wonderful. I had an opportunity to live and immerse myself in a completely different city, and it changed my perspective on a lot of things. I also had the opportunity to travel to different cities around Europe, which I had never done before. Overall, I am grateful I had the opportunity to study abroad, and I look forward to helping other students in navigating the student abroad process!
Specific Topics of Interest: First generation and low-income students abroad, students of color abroad, finances abroad, first time travelers
On campus Activities: Vice President for Latinx in Tech, Academic Cohort Peer Mentor (PSM)
Favorite place at Pomona: The Skyspace
Fall 2024 Hours: Monday and Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.