Meet our Peer Advisors

Sarah Barraclough

sarah.barraclough@wsu.edu
Junior. History Pre-Law.
Program(s) Abroad: AIFS Berlin Summer 2024, AIFS Berlin Spring 2025

Hello! My name is Sarah Courtney Barraclough. I am a current sophomore pursuing a degree in history education. I am very passionate about history and find Eastern European history fascinating! I extended my passion for learning that type of history in the summer of 2023 when I spent some time in Germany at Humboldt University of Berlin. I  grew up in Redondo Beach, Southern California. In my free time, I love to hang out with my friends and seek new places and adventures or go skiing with my family!

Ask me about: Eastern Europe, AIFS programs

Lara Palladino

lara.palladino@wsu.edu
Senior. International Business & Marketing, Art History, German
Program(s) Abroad: ISEP Direct Yonsei University Fall 2023

Hey, my name is Lara and I studied at Yonsei University during the Fall semester of 2023 in Seoul, South Korea! Definitely one of the best experiences I have ever had, the city, the people, and the food were all fantastic. I took little trips around the country with friends and slowly got comfortable doing things alone wielding my marginal Korean when I could. One piece of advice I’d give to language learners is to consider studying in a country where that language is spoken natively, because it’s such an immersive way to practice and perfect your skills. Don’t be afraid to talk to new people and always always be open to trying new foods. Reach out if you ever have any questions! 

Ask me about: ISEP Direct, visa processes, homesickness, trying new foods, Korean culture, solo travel

Sasha West

alexandra.west@wsu.edu
Senior. Spanish and International Business.
Program(s) Abroad: AIFS Salamanca Fall 2022, Faculty-Led Hospitality in Dubai Spring Break 2024, ISEP Direct La Trobe Australia Fall 2024

Hi, my name is Sasha and I am an international business and Spanish major. I studied abroad in Spain fall 2022 with AIFS, and I am abroad again in Australia in Fall 2024. Living in a different country with a host family was an amazing way to spend a semester, and I am excited to help other students reach their study abroad goals!

Ask me about: living with a host family, studying abroad multiple times, double-majoring abroad

Halie Harwood

halie.harwood@wsu.edu
Biochemistry
Program Abroad: SAI Florence Fall 2023

Studying abroad was honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Although I was initially scared to go, pushing myself out of my comfort zone made me a stronger and more independent person. It allowed me to see the world from a new perspective, opening my eyes to different opportunities. I also made lifelong friends and discovered a passion for travel. Now, I’ve caught the travel bug and even want to move to Europe!

Ask me about: Studying abroad in Italy, traveling in Europe, any concerns you have

Ellie Meyring

Ellie.meyring@wsu.edu
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Programs Abroad: API University of Stirling Fall 2023, API ISCTE Lisbon Spring 2024

Studying abroad for a full year was an invaluable experience that allowed me to immerse myself in two distinct cultures and environments. This opportunity not only broadened by global perspective but also enriched my personal and academic growth in ways that I will carry with me throughout my life!

Ask me about: studying abroad for a year, API programs, traveling through Europe, cultural changes within Europe.

Delayla Betancourt-Daza

d.betancourt-daza@wsu.edu
Marketing
Program Abroad: Faculty-Led Hospitality in Dubai Spring Break 2024

Studying abroad has been the most memorable experience of my life. I had the opportunity to explore UAE, and it was better than I could ever imagine. I experienced hospitality on an extreme level which made me feel so welcome, I networked with professionals, made new friends, I even had the opportunity to hug and ride a camel!

Ask me about: first time traveling, what to pack, getting involved during your program

Kacie Shannon

kacie.shannon@wsu.edu
Management
Program Abroad: Business in Spain Summer 2024

Studying abroad significantly boosted my self-confidence, showing me just how capable I am at solving problems and overcoming challenges. It also opened my eyes to the possibilities of travel, making the world feel much more accessible. Through exposure to new cultures and unique academic experiences, I gained valuable perspectives that continue to shape my outlook. The experience inspired a passion for travel, and I’m now very eager to continue traveling.

Ask me about: faculty-led programs, traveling in Spain, Spanish food and culture

Adri Rick

adrianna.rick@wsu.edu
Chinese Language and Culture
Program Abroad: CET Taiwan Fall 2023

Before studying abroad, all I could think about what sort of person I was going to be when I went back to the airport and returned to the States. Never would I have anticipated the amount of confidence I would end up finding in myself through language acquisition, solo-traveling, and finding an identity in a culture completely foreign to me. The friends I made and the experiences I may never replicate will always be my leading motivation in helping others find their identities abroad.

Ask me about: Language fluency abroad, studying in Asia

Thera Doukas

thera.doukas@wsu.edu
Public Relations
Program Abroad: Faculty-Led Storytelling in Greece Summer 2024

Studying abroad has opened my mind to a new culture and ideas. It helped me become more independent, adapt to different situations, and improve my communication with people from different places. Studying abroad has made me more aware of the world and helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Ask me about: faculty-led programs, Greece, traveling alone for the first time

Katie Flanigan

katherine.flanigan@wsu.edu
Plant Biology and Spanish, with Forestry
Program Abroad: Faculty-Led History and Environment in Ireland Summer 2024

Studying abroad was a dream come true! I was worried I wouldn’t be able to study abroad with my course schedule, but going through Faculty-Led made the process much easier. I got the opportunity to push myself outside my comfort zone and meet many wonderful people along the way. I came home with a deeper appreciation for Irish culture, a greater understanding of myself, and many new friends!

Ask me about: faculty-led programs, exploring Ireland, dealing with anxiety and mental health abroad

Aundine Janke

aundine.janke@wsu.edu
Construction Management
Program Abroad: TEAN University of Auckland Spring 2024

I had always known I wanted to study abroad, but after declaring my major as construction management I was told it was either impossible or incredibly difficult to do so! I wasn’t about to give up my dream to spent a semester in New Zealand though, so I spent a lot of time with the Global Coug advisors sorting out my schedule and making it possible! Though it was a difficult process initially, I wouldn’t trade my experience for the world. I loved my time abroad and made so many amazing friends and memories! I also managed to take a lot of cool international construction classes, which I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do here at WSU.

Ask me about: TEAN programs, New Zealand, studying abroad as a Voiland student

Madi Murphey

madiliyn.murphey@wsu.edu
Human Development, minor in Criminal Justice & Criminology
Program Abroad: ISA Florence Fall 2023

Studying abroad has impacted my life in a way I cannot even fathom. I remember getting there the first day and was overwhelmed and tired but after getting to know my roommates a little bit it was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I have learned so many new things about myself and the connections I have made are amazing. When there I found that I had gained so much more confidence than I had before. I got to travel and make connections with my roommates that I am still very close with.

Ask me about: ISA programs, physical disabilities abroad, return culture shock

Lauren Collins

lauren.n.collins@wsu.edu
International Business and Marketing
Programs Abroad: CEA CAPA Internship in Dublin Summer 2023, Bilateral Exchange University of Stirling Academic Year 2023-2024

Studying and Interning abroad has truly changed and impacted my life for the better. Getting to gain new life experiences and skills while also creating memories to last a lifetime for exceptional. Learning the nuances of a new culture, getting to travel, and making new friends were highlights for me. However, I had just as much fun getting to work, and having classes in a fresh, new, and exciting place was equally rewarding. Going abroad was an amazing experience!

Ask me about: studying abroad for a full year, interning abroad, CEA CAPA programs, studying in the UK or Ireland