Meet the EAPAs!

Education Abroad Peer Advisors

Education Abroad Peer Advisors (EAPAs) are Babson students who have studied abroad for an academic year, semester, or summer. They are here to offer peer advice and answer any questions you have while searching for a program, while you’re preparing to go, while you’re abroad, and even after you’ve returned to campus.

Avery Butt '26

Semester abroad program(s): CEA CAPA: Florence, Italy

Academic interest: Accounting

Hobbies: Running, Golf, Yoga, Traveling

Favorite course abroad: Business Consulting

Favorite food abroad: Truffle Beef Filet in Florence

Contact me about: Babson Athlete abroad, budgeting abroad, course planning

During a typical day abroad I … would get a cappuccino and go to class, get a panini for lunch, go for a walk by the Arno River, and try new restaurants for dinner with my friends.

While abroad, I wish I had … spent more time exploring Florence. I was so caught up in trying to visit other cities and countries that I did not spend as much time in Florence as I wanted.

You should go abroad because … it will get you out of your comfort zone. You will have new experiences and face challenges that help you grow. You can live abroad and travel to new places all while fulfilling Babson credits!

Brianna Torres Reina '26

Semester abroad program(s): HEC-Paris & University of Edinburgh

Academic interest: Finance

Hobbies: Pickleball, Cooking, Hiking, Yoga, Traveling

Favorite course abroad: French

Favorite food abroad: Ratatouille, Crepes

Contact me about: Budgeting for abroad

During a typical day abroad I … would start my day with a walk up the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, which was down the street from me, then head to class in historic buildings that looked like castles. For lunch, I’d meet friends at the Meadows, and in the afternoon, I’d explore the city's many cafes or gardens. In the evening, I’d end the day by cooking dinner and going to the gym.

While abroad, I wish I had … explored more of the Scottish Highlands because they’re absolutely stunning! There are so many historic castles to discover and adorable Highland cows to see. (Yes, they’re even cuter in person!)

You should go abroad because … you’ll meet so many amazing people from all over the world with different interests and backgrounds. You can join so many societies and clubs. It’s also a chance to connect with people who aren’t on the business track, which gives you fresh perspectives and welcomes great conversations. The best part is getting to travel and explore so much. You’ll create some of the best memories while stepping outside of your comfort zone!

Cadence Cristobal '26

Semester abroad program(s): CIEE Seoul: Arts & Sciences;

Academic interest: Finance; Strategy & Consulting

Hobbies: singing, playing violin, hip-hop dance, baking, watching anime/k-dramas

Favorite course abroad: Korean

Favorite food abroad: 갈비탕 (galbitang)

Contact me about: Interning abroad, Scholarships to study abroad, Community service abroad, Academic planning - courses and concentration(s)

During a typical day abroad I … would attend a class in the morning like Treasures of Korea and spend the afternoon exploring unique neighborhoods in Seoul and trying new types of cuisine. On some weekends, I loved taking trips with friends to cities such as Busan and Suwon where we became immersed in Korea’s rich culture and history.

While abroad, I wish I had … taken more time to go on day trips to other cities in Korea.

You should go abroad because … it will be an incredible opportunity to gain many diverse experiences that will enable you to learn and grow. You’ll engage with new cultures and explore countries throughout the world, developing a global perspective, broadening your horizons, and creating lifelong friendships.

Caroline King '25

Semester abroad program(s): University of Manchester, Alliance Business School (Fall 2023)

Academic interest: Marketing, Strategy & Consulting

Hobbies: Working Out, Going on walks, Reading, Podcasts

Favorite course abroad: Marketing & Society

Favorite food abroad: Paella (in Barcelona)

Contact me about: Budgeting for abroad

During a typical day abroad I … would wake up and go to Pret to get a coffee, and then head to the library to get some work done or go to my classes. After that, I would cook myself a good meal then head to the gym!

While abroad, I wish I had … better budgeting skills and traveled to local areas.

You should go abroad because … It is truly a once in a lifetime experience. It changes you in the best way possible, and you will (most likely) never be in this great of a situation again to travel so effortlessly!

Ceri Finz '25

Semester abroad program(s): Babson Leadership in a Global Context: Berlin & Singapore

Academic interest: Entrepreneurship, Business Management

Hobbies: Soccer, Any Sport, Reading, Nature

Favorite course abroad: Business Ethics & Leadership

Favorite food abroad: Chicken Rice

Contact me about: Why you should go abroad and how to spend time abroad.

During a typical day abroad I … work out, eat well, and spend an extreme amount of time walking and exploring outside.

While abroad, I wish I had … some regrets so I could answer this question. Everything was perfect. If I were to do everything all over again, I wouldn't change a thing.

You should go abroad because … it is the perfect opportunity to grow. Go out of your comfort zone, take classes from a different culture, understand a different lifestyle and a different mindset. Maybe you'll discover a better version of yourself.

Charlotte Wadanoli '26

Semester abroad program(s): CIEE Barcelona: Business & Culture

Academic interest: Finance

Hobbies: Pilates, Yoga, Health & Wellness, Cooking, & the Beach

Favorite course abroad: Economics of Wine

Favorite food abroad: Tapas, specifically croquetas

Contact me about: Budgeting for abroad

During a typical day abroad I … would go to my class at The University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia, get coffee from local cafes, and walk along the beach close to my apartment. In the evening, I would explore new restaurants with friends, trying different cuisines and local specialties.

While abroad, I wish I had … made more of an effort to speak Spanish and connect with more locals. Looking back, I realize that the best way to truly experience a place is through the people who live there, and I wish I had stepped out of my comfort zone more often to practice the language and form more meaningful connections.

You should go abroad because …it is one of the best ways to grow and learn about yourself. Stepping outside of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a new culture challenges you in ways that staying home never could. You gain independence, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the world and your own values. It’s an opportunity for self-discovery, pushing boundaries, and finding out what truly excites and inspires you.

Chris Avallone '25

Semester abroad program(s): CIEE Open Campus Rome

Academic interest: Entrepreneurship

Hobbies: Golf, Football, Hockey, Real Estate, Volunteering

Favorite course abroad: Exploring Rome: the birthplace of the modern museum

Favorite food abroad: Cacio e Pepe

Contact me about: Budgeting, preparing, and questions about experience

During a typical day abroad I … would go to class in the morning which consisted of museum tours or field trips. Then would head towards my neighborhood and take in my surroundings and try to get a feel for the culture.

While abroad, I wish I had … became closer with the students in my program earlier. I eventually made all my memories with them.

You should go abroad because …It is a life changing experience to meet new friends, and dive into a new culture where you will never have the opportunity to travel again with no tie downs besides school and budgeting.

Christina Crochetiere '25

Semester abroad program(s): Babson Leadership in a Global Context: Berlin and Singapore (Fall 2023)

Academic interest: Entrepreneurship, Social and Cultural Studies, Hospitality Management

Hobbies: Singing, Improv, Planning trips, Exploring, Nature

Favorite course abroad: Entrepreneurial Ventures in Singapore

Favorite food abroad: pretzels at every train stop in Germany; kaya toast in Singapore.

Contact me about: Budgeting for abroad

During a typical day abroad I … would attend class in the morning, spend the rest of the day knocking things off of my "abroad experiences" list, and think of more things to add to the list while I'm out!

While abroad, I wish I had … taken more weekend trips to other cities.

You should go abroad because … now is your best chance! You will learn so much about the world.

Conner Adrian '26 

Semester abroad program(s): Waseda Spring 2024

Academic interest: Project Management and Entrepreneurship

Hobbies: Travel, Cars, Psychology, Fashion, Photography, Social Media, Cooking, Baking, Extreme Activities.

Favorite course abroad: History of Opera

Favorite food abroad: Sushi

Contact me about: LGBTQ+ abroad

During a typical day abroad I … biked to the train station, took the train, went to class, ate lunch with friends, had dinner with friends, worked on homework / projects, watched a show, and slept.

While abroad, I wish I had … gone out and traveled even more on day trips.

You should go abroad because … your life perspective will change.

George Guo '25

Semester abroad program(s): Waseda University

Elective Abroad/ Short-term Program(s): International Consulting Experience in Portugal

Academic interest: Supply Chain and Consulting

Hobbies: Fishing, Food, Gaming

Favorite course abroad: Characteristics of capitalism in various countries

Favorite food abroad: Sushi

Contact me about: Budgeting for abroad

During a typical day abroad I … wake up early in the morning and go through the plan for the day before I leave my dorm (my dorm is an hour away from school, if I forget something I can't come back and take it). After arriving at the metro station, I go to the nearby convenience store and buy something for a quick breakfast. Typically, classes take up an entire morning. After my morning classes, I meet with friends to have a quick lunch near school. I may or may not have classes in the afternoon, but in both cases, I explore the city of Tokyo after my last class in the day. Some days. instead of exploring the city, I participate in student organizations, which is a big part of Waseda's student life and a good way for me to learn the language.

While abroad, I wish I had … some type of more personal transportation like a car or a motorcycle while I was abroad. Commuting is Japan takes a long time (for me, an hour to and from school) and depending on the time of the day, trains can be very crowded and uncomfortable.

You should go abroad because … you will meet a lot of amazing people from many countries across the world. You will get an insight into the life in the country you are going to, which potentially expands your career possibilities in the future. Learning the local language is also an advantage, professionally and personally.

Ian Hammer ’25

Semester abroad program(s): Madrid, Spain – IE University, Tokyo, Japan – Waseda University

Academic interest: International Business and Finance

Hobbies: Trying new foods, playing/watching sports, building LEGOs, and reading

Favorite course abroad: Marketing and Video Games at IE University

Favorite food abroad: Tortilla in Spain and Abura Soba in Japan

Contact me about: Budgeting for abroad

During a typical day abroad I … would attend classes and do homework until a little after lunch. Then, in the afternoon through evening, I would either workout or attend a karate lesson, and go to dinner with friends.

While abroad, I wish I had … rested a little more. It felt like there was always another activity to do, sight to see, or another food to sample. However, sometimes I needed a break, and I wish I would’ve allowed myself to take them a little more often.

You should go abroad because … it will put you outside of your comfort zone. Every day of a semester abroad is filled with unique experiences, and through them you will grow so much not just as a student but as a person and be better because of it.

J.T. Rai '26 

Semester abroad program(s): HEC-Paris

Academic interest: Finance & Entrepreneurship

Hobbies: Tennis, Soccer, Fantasy Football, Stock Market, Traveling, Music Festivals

Favorite course abroad: French

Favorite food abroad: Escargots and Bifanas

Contact me about: Budgeting, Travelling, Eating, and Living Abroad

During a typical day abroad I … would finish any work I had left from my classes and go to the gym to workout. Then, I would take a shuttle into Paris where I would wander around the city either stopping at museums like the Louvre or parks before having an amazing dinner at a French restaurant with great wine. Afterwards, I would either head back to campus or enjoy the Parisian nightlife.

While abroad, I wish I had … been able to go on trips with some friends from Babson and explored Italy more.

You should go abroad because … it is very unlikely you will have an opportunity to experience and explore a new culture like this. Living abroad is different than visiting other countries for vacation as it rewards you with people from all around the world and a new culture far different than that of the US. You can travel to Spain one weekend and be in Germany the next. You come back home a changed person fueled with a new perspective on the world and a passion for enjoying the differences that may go unnoticed when living in the US.

Jonathan Howell '25

Semester abroad program(s): CIEE: Cape Town Arts & Sciences

Academic interest: Marketing

Hobbies: Sports and Painting

Favorite course abroad: Cinematic History

Favorite food abroad: Ostrich & Kudu

Contact me about: Obtaining Visas & Budgeting

During a typical day abroad I … went to campus for class, enjoyed time hiking/surfing/spending time at the beach, and hung out with friends.

While abroad, I wish I had … the ability to share it with some Babson friends.

You should go abroad because … it opens up your eyes to another culture and truly is an exciting experience.

EAPA Liliia Alieksanova 1lalieksanova1@babson.edu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liliia Alieksanova '25

Semester abroad program(s): Arcadia Internship in London 2023, API Paris 2023, IES Milan Business Studies 2024

Elective Abroad/ Short-term Program(s): Malaysia Elective

Academic interest: Ethical Entrepreneurship

Hobbies: Boxing, painting, DJing

Favorite course abroad: French Language and Literature

Favorite food abroad: Malaysian coconut chicken

Contact me about: Interning, budgeting, scholarship, first gen

During a typical day abroad I … spoke local language and ate local dishes, trying to look as less touristy as possible

While abroad, I wish I had … a friend who could share lifehacks about each country and city

You should go abroad because … It’s a perfect way to explore your identity and meet new friends from all around the world.

Manal Maigari '25

Semester abroad program(s): Umbra institute Perugia

Academic interest: Operations

Hobbies: journaling, cooking, and shopping

Favorite course abroad: Anthropology of Food and Eating

Favorite food abroad: Pasta of all kinds

Contact me about: What to pack

During a typical day abroad I … would normally wake up around 9:30am and have breakfast near my apartment by around 11. I live just 1 minute away from Piazza IV Novembre, so I have endless options, but my favorite one is Turan Cafe. After breakfast, I hangout with my friends, we normally go shopping, and by 7:30 we head to dinner at my favorite place, Taverna Il Tiesto, which has the best pasta in Perugia. By 11 pm I home.

While abroad, I wish I had … more phone storage, I took photos of everything. Italy is stunning, and I traveled to several other beautiful countries, I just wanted to photograph everything.

You should go abroad because … It is such a life-changing experience; the world is so much bigger than what people think. There are so many new cultures to explore, even in Italy itself. Each region has its own traditions, and it's just so fun to learn.

Tamar Salant '25

Semester abroad program(s): Arcadia: University of Westminster (Fall 2023)

Academic interest: Accounting

Hobbies: Nordic Skiing, Soccer, Travel, Going to Concerts

Favorite course abroad: Monarchy: A Royal History of London

Favorite food abroad: Gelato in Italy

Contact me about: Budgeting for Abroad and Solo Travel

During a typical day abroad I … would walk to class followed by some shopping on Regent St or Oxford St, explore a new area of London or local pub with friends and end the day cooking dinner and planning my next weekend trip!

While abroad, I wish I had … Utilized more resources Westminster and its faculty has to offer. Many professors have lived in London their whole life and would be happy to recommend hidden local spots or go with you!

You should go abroad because … It allows you to discover more about yourself and your interests on a whole new level. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to explore and get a taste for what’s out in this world— embrace new culture and experiences and meet people who may just become some of your lifelong friends.

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