Student Spotlight

Salma Abedullah, India & Nepal ’23

Salma recently graduated with her BA in Neuroscience and Behavior from Rutgers University-Newark. Eager to experience the rich cultures of India and Nepal, she participated in a program that allowed her to engage with local organizations and communities. “The experiential learning we took part in the field helped me fully grasp the concepts we had learned in the classroom. For example, visiting the Kevin Rohan Memorial Eco Foundation deepened my understanding of sustainability within a non-profit context. This experience gave me a newfound appreciation for sustainability in every aspect of my life and the world around me.” – Salma

Abhinav Pandey, India & Nepal ’23

Abhinav recently graduated with his BS in Political Science and International Affairs from Rutgers University-Newark, where he focused on global politics and pursued an accelerated master’s program. Intrigued by the caste systems prevalent in his birth country, he eagerly joined the ILE study abroad program in India and Nepal. During this program, he had the opportunity to interact with organizations and leaders actively working to address social issues in these countries. Abhinav’s goal is to gain insights and knowledge from his experiences abroad to apply to his field of study. “Firstly, regarding the caste systems, it was encouraging to hear that none of the NGOs discriminated based on caste. On a personal level, learning more about my cultural background deepened my understanding of the long and powerful history we had before independence.” – Abhinav

Destiny Ramirez, India & Nepal ’23

Destiny graduated in Spring 2024 from Rutgers University-Newark, driven by a passion for cultural understanding and social change. For her, joining the study abroad program in India and Nepal is about more than travel; it’s a chance to confront misconceptions and immerse herself in the country’s rich diversity. She looks forward to engaging with local communities and non-profit leaders, believing that these experiences will help her grow both personally and professionally. Destiny is particularly excited about exploring daily life in India and hopes to bring back insights that will enhance her efforts in Jersey City, NJ. Committed to volunteering, she believes that young adults have the power to support those in need. With a keen interest in international business, she aims to apply her experiences to empower communities locally and globally. As she puts it, “India is a place that leaves a lasting impact on those who visit. I’m eager to deepen my understanding of different cultures and foster compassion, using my journey to drive meaningful change.” – Destiny

Ronald Nayda, Ecuador ’24

Ronald couldn’t pass up the chance to study abroad in Ecuador, a country he had visited before but only through its cities. This time, he connected with Ecuador’s natural beauty and biodiversity. His most memorable moment was hiking in the mountains, being within the clouds, and taking in the stunning landscape. “I often close my eyes, take a deep breath, and feel like I’m still there,” he recalls. The experience boosted his confidence and academic goals, making him more willing to take initiative. Thanks to the program and Professor Walton, he now feels ready to face challenges head-on. While familiar with Ecuadorian culture through family roots, the hardest part for Ronald was leaving. His advice for others? “GO FOR IT.” He describes the experience as life-changing, a “reset” that pushes you out of your comfort zone while offering fulfillment.

Margaret Marino, Ecuador ’24

Margaret Marino, a recent graduate in Spanish, Latin American Studies, and Latina(o) Studies, embarked on a life-changing trip to Ecuador that deepened her love for Latin American culture and social justice. During her time there, she learned about local economies and the sustainable practices of Indigenous communities. A highlight was hiking Cubilche Mountain, where she engaged with Tupac, a Kichwa Karanki leader, discussing identity and the connection between the land and its people. This experience reshaped her views on education, emphasizing the value of learning beyond traditional classrooms. It also heightened her awareness of her privilege as an American and fostered a deeper respect for diverse ways of life. As she reflects, “Ecuador enriched me as a knowledge seeker, a daughter of Earth, and a member of humanity,” illustrating how the trip strengthened her bond with nature and her commitment to social advocacy.

Samuel Lee, Ecuador ’24

Samuel is an undergraduate majoring Computer Science with a minor in Data Science, and he’s a returning alum of our programs. His recent experience in Ecuador this August was particularly transformative, allowing him to deepen his understanding of Latin American culture and the connection between communities and their environments. During his time there, he explored local economies and engaged with Indigenous communities, learning about their sustainable ways of living. One of the most impactful moments for him was hiking Cubilche Mountain, where he conversed with local leaders about identity and the relationship between land and culture. This journey shifted Samuel’s view on education, highlighting the importance of learning outside traditional settings. He returned with a greater awareness of his own privilege and a deeper respect for diverse lifestyles, feeling that Ecuador enriched him as a scholar and global citizen, while igniting his passion for cultural understanding and social advocacy.