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.
Aiham Nishad '27
Semester abroad program(s): CIEE Madrid: Business & Culture, Spring 2026
Elective Abroad/ Short-term Program(s): OIM3501/7506 Global Tech Innovation Lab: Brazile & FIN 3504 Global Context of Business: South Africa
Academic interest: Strategy & Consulting, Global & Regional Studies
Hobbies: Golf, padel, soccer, music
Favorite course abroad: Spain and the EU
Favorite food abroad: Pastel de natas in Lisbon
Contact me about: Budgeting for abroad, traveling abroad, practicing faith abroad
During a typical day abroad I … would take the train to Getafe and grab a cafe con leche on my way to class. In between classes it was either trying a local restaurant around campus or heading back to Sol for some Honest Greens if we had more time. Evenings consisted of the gym, then a walk around Chamberí before cooking with my roommates while we planned our next trip. Most nights would end with some frozen yoghurt at Kreta and practicing my Spanish with Marta, the owner.
While abroad, I wish I had … experienced more of Spain. I wanted to go to Cádiz's beaches, try San Sebastián's cheesecake, and visit Córdoba's Mosque-Cathedral, but assumed there would always be another weekend.
You should go abroad because … it pushes you outside your comfort zone and the bubble of Babson. Living in a new continent for months means immersing yourself in local culture and creating experiences and relationships you won't get as a tourist. You'll leave with independence, cultural literacy, and memories you won't have the luxury of making later in life.
Ben Atkinson '26
Semester abroad program(s): CIEE Rome: Open Campus, Fall 2024
Academic interest: Entrepreneurship
Hobbies: Soccer, tennis, exercising, reading, coffee
Favorite course abroad: Migration and Mobility In A Global World
Favorite food abroad: Croissants & espresso
Contact me about: Budgeting for abroad, living abroad
During a typical day abroad I … would start my morning with an espresso or cappuccino before heading to class in the historic Palazzo Capizucchi. After class, I’d grab lunch at Trastevere or the center of Rome. In the afternoon, I’d go to the gym in Prati, then meet friends for a local dinner. If it was a weekend, we’d usually head back to Trastevere for the nightlife.
While abroad, I wish I had … explore more of rural Italy.
You should go abroad because … It challenges you in a really impactful way. You’ll meet people with completely different stories and see how culture shapes everyday life. Those experiences change how you see yourself and your place in the world.
Harry Richards '27
Semester abroad program(s): University of Edinburgh, Spring 2025
Academic interest: Real Estate, Human Resources, and Politics
Hobbies: Traveling, Hiking, Writing, Music, and meeting new people
Favorite course abroad: Understanding and Delivering Public Services
Favorite food abroad: Irish Spice Bag in Dublin
Contact me about: Budgeting for abroad
During a typical day abroad I … would begin my morning by having breakfast with my roommates, then head to school by walking past the historic Bruntsfield Links, where the first ever recorded game of golf was played. I would spend most afternoons in the historic Harry Potter-esque buildings of the University of Edinburgh, meeting other exchange students as well as countless Scottish locals. After class, I would walk across the stunning Meadows on my way back to my apartment, where I would finish my evenings by cooking dinner and debating with my roommates and friends.
While abroad, I wish I had … taken advantage of the lifelong connections I made with my peers before I had to come home.
You should go abroad because … you will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to start fresh, meet new people, and most importantly, explore a new place. If you are willing to take the risk, you will have the chance to truly step out of your comfort zone and discover yourself. The struggle and emotions of living somewhere new can and will bring immense value into your life. You will learn independence, time-management, responsibility, and a new unknown culture, all the while meeting new and friendly faces. If you want to make the most of college, the experience of studying abroad is the perfect fit for you.
Harshman Sarin '27
Semester abroad program(s): IE University, Fall 2025
Academic interest: Concentration in Entrepreneurship and Marketing
Hobbies: Exploring cafes and good food especially while travelling
Favorite course abroad: Customer Experience and Innovation
Favorite food abroad: Gambas pil pil
Contact me about: Budgeting for abroad & Travelling abroad
During a typical day abroad I … jumped between classes throughout the day and spent the rest of my time shopping, trying new food spots, discovering bars, and making the city part of my everyday routine
While abroad, I wish I had … realized earlier that spontaneity is the whole point.
You should go abroad because … It’s the fastest way to grow up, loosen up, and realize the world is way bigger (and more fun) than your routine back home
Jordan Quillen '27
Semester abroad program(s): CEA CAPA Study Abroad In Florence, Spring 2026
Elective Abroad/ Short-term Program(s): EPS3524 Made in Japan: Culture & Opportunities - May 2025
Academic interest: Operations and Sales
Hobbies: Rock Climbing, Hiking, Scrapbooking, Foodie, Letter Writing, Water color
Favorite course abroad: Beginning Italian
Favorite food abroad: fried pierogis filled with potato and bacon, topped with sour cream, and goulash both in Warsaw, Poland.
Contact me about: First Gen abroad, Budgeting for abroad, Scholarships to study abroad, Maximizing program involvement
During a typical day abroad I … started my morning by making my bed and grabbing a quick breakfast before heading to class, then returned home for lunch and spent my afternoons grocery shopping, cooking with friends, exploring the city, or attending sports and activities hosted by my program. Evenings were my favorite as we gathered in our apartment's common area to cook, play music, study, and plan weekend trips before meeting friends for gelato by the Duomo, taking in the city on the walk home, and getting everything ready for the next day.
While abroad, I wish I had … invested in a sturdy travel bag that fit Ryanair's carry-on size requirements. They really do check bag dimensions, and if your bag is too big, you'll end up paying extra fees I learned that the hard way after going through several cheap bags whose straps broke in the middle of weekend trips, when I would have been much better off buying one high-quality bag from the start.
You should go abroad because … it gives you the opportunity to experience new cultures, perspectives, and ways of life that can change how you see the world and yourself. You'll compare life abroad to what you're used to at home, build friendships with people from around the world that can last long after the program ends, and, while you're still discovering who you are, those experiences will help shape the person you become.
Kashaf Iftikhar '27
Semester abroad program(s): IES Milan Business Studies, Fall 2025 & API Abroad in Sharjah, UAE, Spring 2026
Elective Abroad/ Short-term Program(s): International Consulting Experience (Lisbon, Portugal) - Winter 2024
Academic interest: Corporate Finance & Management and Strategy Consulting
Hobbies: Reading, traveling, running, hiking, discovering new cafes
Favorite course abroad: Life of Prophet Muhammad (Seerah)
Favorite food abroad: Without a doubt it would be Miscusi Pasta (I might have been back every week while I was in Milan).
Contact me about: Interning abroad, Budgeting for abroad, Scholarships to study abroad, Practicing faith abroad, First Gen abroad
During a typical day abroad I … would head to class, spend afternoons at my consulting internship in Milan or exploring festivals in Sharjah with friends, then end my day by cooking, studying, and planning weekend trips. Every week brought something new, from museum visits and cooking classes to cultural festivals and field trips across Italy and the UAE.
While abroad, I wish I had … spent more time exploring underrated cities and countries instead of focusing primarily on the popular tourist destinations. I loved experiencing Europe's iconic landmarks, but looking back, I think venturing off would have given me an even deeper understanding of local cultures and everyday life.
You should go abroad because … it challenges you to grow in ways that are difficult to experience at home. You'll learn to navigate unfamiliar cultures, become more adaptable and independent, experience new cuisines and perspectives, and build friendships with people from around the world. Beyond the academics, you'll return with lifelong memories, greater confidence, and stories that will stay with you long after your semester ends. Studying abroad isn't just about seeing the world; it's about discovering more about yourself.
Khadija Raza '26
Semester abroad program(s): CIEE Barcelona: Business & Culture, Fall 2025
Elective Abroad/ Short-term Program(s): EPS 3542: Innovation Ecosystems of Spain
Academic interest: Legal Studies & Finance
Hobbies: Shopping, going to the beach, running & traveling
Favorite course abroad: Culture and Cuisine in Spain
Favorite food abroad: Poffertjes in Amsterdam
Contact me about: Budgeting for abroad, Packing tips, Housing, Course selection/planning
During a typical day abroad I … would wake up, grab a coffee, and take the train to class. We often went on class field trips to famous sites around Barcelona like the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, Casa Batlló, and Museu Tàpies. After class, I’d meet up with friends for brunch or an açaí bowl (my favorite), then spend the afternoon shopping around Las Ramblas or walking along Barceloneta when the weather was nice. Later on, we’d usually find a spot for dinner and just enjoy being out in the city. I’d end the day heading back to my residence, getting my homework done, and winding down for the night.
While abroad, I wish I had … more time to explore other cities in Spain.
You should go abroad because … it pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best way and helps you grow as a person. You will learn so much about yourself and make memories you'll never forget.
Natalia Demesa '27
Semester abroad program(s): Bocconi University, Fall 2025
Academic interest: Strategy & Consulting
Hobbies: Figure skating, pilates, running, hanging out with friends, traveling
Favorite course abroad: Technology and Innovation Management
Favorite food abroad: Pasta
Contact me about: Budgeting for abroad & Practicing faith abroad
During a typical day abroad I … I would go to class, have lunch near Bocconi with other exchange students, then go to my last class. In the evening I would do something fun in the city and would hang out with my friends.
While abroad, I wish I had … visited every place I had planned early in the semester instead of thinking I could do it another day since time goes by really quickly and at the end, I did not have time to do everything I had originally planned.
You should go abroad because … It pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible, lets you meet people from all around the world, and gives you experiences you simply can’t have staying in one place. You get a chance to step out of your routine and create memories and friendships that will stay with you long after the semester ends.
Pang Manavutiveth '27
Semester abroad program(s): Copenhagen Business School (Exchange), Spring 2026
Academic interest: Economics and Strategy
Hobbies: Exploring new places, going to cafes, hiking, volleyball, badminton, tennis, trying new things!
Favorite course abroad: Philosophy of Leadership
Favorite food abroad: Paella in Madrid!!
Contact me about: Budgeting for abroad
During a typical day abroad I … challenge myself to learn something beyond the classroom. Whether it's trying a new café, exploring a new neighborhood, or simply having conversations with people from different cultures
While abroad, I wish I had … I had worried less and said "yes" to more opportunities. Looking back, I realize the moments that changed me the most were the ones that felt unfamiliar at first. Growth begins the moment you step beyond what feels comfortable.
You should go abroad because … it teaches you lessons that no textbook ever could. It pushes you to become more independent, open-minded, and resilient while helping you build lifelong friendships across cultures. Long after the semester ends, it's not just the places you'll remember, it's the person you'll become!
Shivani Kaura '27
Semester abroad program(s): University of Manchester (AMBS), Fall 2025 and Waseda University, Spring 2026
Elective Abroad/ Short-term Program(s): Honors International Internship Program (Stockholm, Sweden) - Summer 2025
Academic interest: Strategy & Consulting, Healthcare, and Marketing
Hobbies: Solo traveling, manga/anime, video games, and going to museums, cafes, and concerts
Favorite course abroad: Principles of Public Health in Manchester
Favorite food abroad: British flapjacks, souffle pancakes, and udon
Contact me about: Interning abroad, Budgeting for abroad, Academic planning to study abroad
During a typical day abroad I … UK: I would wake up in my dorm, get ready, and walk along Oxford Road to class. After class, I usually studied at Blank Street or Caffè Nero with friends, ordering an iced vanilla matcha or a hot chai. Later, I would take the bus further into the city to shop and grab food at the Arndale mall. I'd end my day by heading back to my dorm or meeting up with friends at Navarro Lounge. Japan: I would wake up in my apartment in Ikebukuro, get ready, and take the Sakura Tram to Waseda (usually getting a 7-Eleven acai smoothie on the way). After class, I loved to head back to Ikebukuro to browse my favorite K-Books (anime/pop culture thrift store). In the evenings, I would meet up with friends in Shibuya to shop at Shibuya 109 and eat Oreryu Shio ramen or conveyor belt sushi.
While abroad, I wish I had … more time. But these cities will always be there, so I can't wait to go back.
You should go abroad because … it pushes you out of your comfort zone, broadens your worldview, and offers new challenges that spark tons of personal growth. No matter where you go, you will come home proud of the new memories and lifestyle you created for yourself then.
Zoe Pulido '27
Semester abroad program(s): Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan (Spring 2025)
Academic interest: Business Analytics
Hobbies: Oil Painting, Collecting CDs, Rock Climbing
Favorite course abroad: History of Mime and Pantomime
Favorite food abroad: Sashimi, Malatang, Mochi
Contact me about: Budgeting for abroad, Scholarships to study abroad
During a typical day abroad I … would grab a matcha and then walk to my afternoon classes. After my classes, I would take the train to Shinjuku or Shibuya with my friends to grab lunch and try to win something from the claw machines, before ending the night either at the rock climbing gym or the Jazz Spot next to my apartment..
While abroad, I wish I had … joined a student club at Waseda and made more connections with non-exchange students.
You should go abroad because … you’ll build lifelong connections with students from all over the world. You’ll have the most beautiful conversations and learn so much, not just about the place you’re visiting, but also about your friends’ home countries, through sharing endless stories every day.