Peer Advisor Profiles

Carlee Lewis

Program: The Abbey Program, spring 2010

Major: Speech Pathology

Email Carlee to schedule an appointment

I studied abroad because it is something I have always wanted to do, but more so I wanted to live in the town I was studying in to truly expose myself to the culture. YOU should study abroad, to broaden your horizons and discover that there is a big world out there waiting for you to learn, grow, and experience what can not be learned in a classroom at Southern Miss.

Kadi Bishop

Program: The Abbey Program, spring 2010

Major: Elementary and Special Education 

Email Kadi to schedule an appointment

Studying abroad for me wasn't about seeing the sights, it was full-immersion in to the people, culture and language. I learned to speak and comprehend basic French in three months. It's not what you see that matters over there, its what you experience and who you are with. So take full advantage of these opportunities Southern Miss provides before it's too late!

Kristen Carter

Program: Summer 2011, Madrid Spain

Major: Graduate Student in the Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures 

Email Kristen to schedule an appointment

I have been studying abroad every summer for the past five years. I personally study abroad to practice speaking other languages. I have been to Spain a number of times, Italy, and Morocco and loved every moment. Studying abroad is definitely a life changing experience that encourage all students to enjoy. 

Kirsten Cooley

Program: The British Studies Program, summer 2010

Major: Dietetics

Email Kirsten to schedule an appointment

Studying abroad broadened my horizons and allowed me to see the world as a living breathing organism that relies on all of its members to function. It was life changing and I want to encourage and help other students participate. I wanted to be a Peer Advisor because I think so many students could benefit from the type of experience I had, and I want to help those students realize that it is nothing is impossible once you decide it is possible.

Nathan Harrell

Program: The Abbey Program 2010

Major: Communication Studies

Email Nathan to schedule an appointment

Studying abroad gives you a different level of learning you are not capable of getting in a normal classroom. For me, it was what I needed to reenergize; it was the kick I needed to get excited about learning and about going to class (not just abroad, but when I returned to the states too). I doubted going abroad because I was afraid I would miss out on opportunities here in Hattiesburg, and sure, I missed some social functions or deadlines for a few organizations, but I am in them now. Studying abroad made me a more well rounded individual and will forever be apart of what has shaped and defined my college career! 

Betsy Mullins

Program/s: France (spring 2009), India (summer 2010), Vietnam (summer 2011) 

Major: History

Email Betsy to schedule an appointment

Studying abroad has helped me to grow and see the world in a ways that I never knew I could. These programs have been some of the greatest experiences of my life. I learned so much about myself, and have been changed for the better because of these opportunities.

Hannah Shea Smith

Program/s: The Abbey 2009, Granada 2010

Major: History, French

Email Hannah Shea to schedule an appointment

I studied abroad the first time to prove to myself that I could do all of the things a normal student could. I had just gone through a leg amputation and was still in a wheel chair during the first meeting, but I was determined to go. I traveled to Pontlevoy on a brand new leg, not sure where I was going in life, and I found something in me that I would never have seen otherwise. I decided to study abroad again in Granada, Spain and I grew even more as a person. As students we are constantly trying to figure out how we fit into this world. I studied abroad and discovered who I knew I could be and you can too. 

Brian Street

Program/s: Spanish in Costa Rica

Major: Psychology, Spanish

Email Brian to schedule an appointment

I studied abroad because I understood the best way to learn another language was to immerse myself in an environment saturated with that specific language. If you really want a quality education in another language it is a necessity that you study abroad because there is only a limited amount that can be learned in an American classroom.

Amber Toper

Program/s: International Exchange Program, the University of Bonn, Germany 2010-2011 year

Major: International Business, German

Email Amber to schedule an appointment

More students should really get involved with study abroad, and step out of their comfort zone to experience different cultures and people which would make them more open-minded and senitive to other ideas and opinions. My year abroad was the best year of my life so far, but I also want people to know they don't have to be a foreign language major to get the most out of this experience. 

Cara Wells

Program/s: British Studies Program, summer 2011

Major: Psychology

Email Cara to schedule an appointment

There should be no hesitation when given the choice to study abroad in the country of your choosing. The answer is always YES! Think about it, you have the chance to travel to a different and exciting place that has produced those issues and ideas you often learn in the classroom. If you are interested in learning something new, if you want see those iconic images you have always desired see and you want to traveling the world at the same time, studying abroad can give you that experience. The most essential feature about whole experience is giving yourself the chance at having one of the greatest adventures of a lifetime. This will not be a decision you regret; that is only if you actually go. Wherever you go, go with an open mind to see and experience things many only dream of.