In a small group conversation on February 2, students spoke directly with OCS advisers about study abroad options at Harvard. The conversation was facilitated by Cathy Winnie, Director of International Education at Harvard; Matilda West, Study Abroad Coordinator for Harvard Summer School; and Tricia Hughes, the Program Coordinator for the Undergraduate Fellowships Office. Joining these study abroad counselors in the discussion was Yvette Ramirez, a senior in Mather House and recipient of the Rockefeller Grant.

A theme throughout the discussion was the study abroad culture at Harvard, and how the study abroad advising here differs greatly from that of other universities. “We have a very individualized program in helping students figure out what they want from a study abroad experience,” Ms. Winnie explained. Because Harvard is not a school in which all students enter their freshman year knowing they’ll go abroad, the advising itself caters directly to each individual’s exact wants and needs.

“Nobody does the same program twice,” Ms. Winnie assured her audience. Raving about the unique programs completed by students in the past, Ms. Winnie encouraged interested students to take a look at the binders in her office with descriptions of various programs. In addition, the Office of International Education website has lists of students who have gone abroad and details about their experiences organized by house and concentration. Ms. Hughes highlighted the availability of fellowships and grants available for international programs, but mentioned that the deadlines are fast approaching.

Yvette Ramirez served as the cornerstone of this discussion because of her exemplary experiences abroad throughout her time at Harvard; she is a prime example of how students can utilize Harvard’s study abroad opportunities to enrich their education and open their eyes to a larger world beyond the brick facade of Harvard’s campus. Yvette first went to South Africa after her sophomore year, teaching English through WorldTeach and funded by a David Rockefeller grant. After her incredible experiences there, Yvette could not wait to return – and then studied abroad during the semester in the same region of South Africa. This past summer, Yvette did thesis research again in South Africa, receiving funding and course credit for an independent study.

Though the broader culture of Harvard does sometimes deter students from going abroad because of a fear of missing out, Yvette assured her audience that was never a concern for her. “Like my other friends who went abroad, I came back feeling that I had a totally different perspective on my work at Harvard. Going abroad taught me to remember to enjoy myself while studying here, and helped me regain a sense of purpose,” she discussed. Her experience in Africa also informed some of her course decisions in the remaining semesters – for example, she began taking many more African studies classes and is now writing her thesis based around Africa.

Despite the Harvard culture that does not immediately encourage students to take a semester abroad, Ms. Winnie commended those who take the initiative to do so. “You guys are the ‘chancers,’” she commended her audience. “You guys are the ones who will be glad they took the risk.”

— Julia Eger, ‘14