UMass Boston

The Global Student Ambassador Program in the Office of Global Programs aims to provide even further support from our students to other students interested in studying abroad, as well as create increased support for our incoming international exchange students. The goals of this program are to increase awareness on campus of the study abroad opportunities available to them and increase the level of support for new students coming from abroad to integrate into life at UMass Boston. The program will provide a space for outgoing study abroad students active in the application process to come and ask questions, advice, and work on applications with peers who have navigated the process in the past. It will also create a "buddy" program for those coming to our university from abroad partner universities. The students selected for this role in our office will be planning and organizing events on and off-campus for exchange students to learn about Boston, meet UMass Boston students, and will work to give our exchange students the best experience they can while visiting our city. 

Global Ambassadors Fall 2025-Spring 2026

Drop-In Peer Advising in the Globe (CC 2100) for Fall 2025

• Monday & Wednesdays 11:00AM-4:00PM
• Tuesday & Thursdays 9:30AM-11:00AM; 2:00-4:00PM

Colbie Atlas

Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30AM-11AM

My name is Colbie Atlas and I am an Anthropology major with a minor in Communications. I am currently between my junior and senior year as of fall 2024. This past summer, I worked in a field school in Belize for the Programme for Belize Archeological Project. I never imagined doing something like this, but when informed about the opportunity, I knew I should apply… and I had no idea how much of an impact it would have on me and my career. Not only did I make lifelong friends, but I also began a project, which I intend to complete this coming summer with a professor from USC. For anyone who is considering studying abroad, with my whole heart I’m telling you to just do it! While working here, I hope to help students find their program and support them along the application process. I work Monday and Thursday afternoons and am looking forward to meeting everyone that stops by!

Mika Donovan

Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays 11 AM - 1:30 PM

My name is Mika Donovan and I’m an intercultural exchange and wellness  ambassador! I’m in my junior year and an International Relations major, Professional Writing and New Media minor. I studied in University College Utrecht in the Netherlands last spring, and I had the time of my life. I always knew I wanted to study abroad, yet I was still quite nervous when the chance actually arose. Nevertheless, the experience completely transformed me as a person; there, I learned through being immersed in a new continent’s customs, meeting friends from all corners of the world, and enjoying the rich history of the Netherlands and Europe as a whole. As someone with an intense interest in different cultures and geography I took away so much from living outside of the US, but even if you aren’t particularly interested in travel I wholeheartedly believe that everyone has something to gain from studying abroad, especially those at a crossroads in their life. There are so many different worlds out there and you’ll never know what you’ll find and like unless you just go!! I’d love to chat with anyone about study abroad during my office hours, Mondays and Wednesdays from 11am-1:30pm :D drop in and say hi!

Kesline Jean-Baptiste

Hours: Tuesdays 2PM-4PM & Thursdays 12PM-2PM

My name is Kesline Jean Baptiste, and I’m so excited to be part of the Global Ambassador team this year! I’m currently a Computer Science major, working on 3D printing research with Mr. Kenneth. This past summer, I had an amazing opportunity to study abroad at Seoul National University in South Korea. It was an unforgettable experience, filled with adventure, learning, and exploring the tech scene in one of the most innovative countries in the world. As an introvert who loves both adventure and learning new languages, studying abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me lifelong memories and connections. It was truly transformative, and I believe it’s an experience everyone should consider for personal growth and career development. I’m here to help and support anyone looking to study abroad, and I can’t wait to share my journey with you. Feel free to stop by anytime—I’d love to chat!

Mary Klein

Hours: Tuesdays 12:30PM-2PM & Thursdays 12PM-3PM

My name is Mary Klein, I am so happy to be on the Global Ambassador team this year! I am a sophomore at UMass Boston majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Biology. Over the summer 2024 term I studied Marine Ecology and Blue Carbon Conservation for six weeks in Panama. Those weeks were some of the best of my life, constant adventures, lifelong connections and so much exposure and hands-on work in the environmental field. My goal is to influence others to study away as I believe it is a transformative opportunity to your careers, personal growth and global perspectives. I am looking forward to building new connections and supporting students along the way in their study abroad journeys! Our door’s always open, come visit us anytime!

Natalya Oscar

Hours: Mondays 1:30PM-3:30PM & Wednesdays 2PM-4PM

My name is Natalya Oscar, a third-year student at UMass Boston, and I am excited to be a Global Ambassador! I have recently returned from my academic year abroad in Tokyo, Japan. It was a mind-opening experience that taught me so much, not just about improving my language skills, but also communicating with others from all over the world and personal lessons I will always hold dear. I’d love to talk to you and help you fuel your interest in a journey abroad!

Anya Rule

Hours: Mondays 2:30PM-4PM & Thursdays 1:30PM-4PM

Hey Hey! My name is Anya Rule and I’m in my final year at UMass as a Sociology major and I am so excited to be a study abroad ambassador :D. I studied abroad in London for the Spring 2025 semester. I clearly loved it so much that I came back a few months later for a faculty lead trip during the summer. I highly recommend studying abroad to anyone considering it. You get to visit new places, meet new friends, and make lifelong memories all in the span of a few months.

Our Podcast:

The UMB Fall 2021 Podcasts aims to inform students about the opportunities of study abroad programs. We answer questions such as: why should I go? What will I do? And can I afford to do something as big as this? Most often the answer won't be what you expected, and reassurance is abundant in each episode we discuss. Come to find friends, answers, questions, programs and so much more this semester with Hao Tran and Allen Valentine, Global Ambassadors and your new hosts!

  Prologue - What is UMB Study Abroad Podcast?

   Episode 1 - Why study abroad?

   Episode 2 - Steps to study abroad?

   Episode 3 - Benefits of studying abroad

    Interview with UNAM student fellow from Mexico

   Interview with Brittany Dhooge, study abroad advisor

   Thanksgiving Episode  

Are you a UMass Boston student currently study abroad or want to share a story from your time abroad?

Submit a blog entry to be featured on our Study Abroad Blog!  

We are asking for all of our UMass Boston study abroad alumni to contribute to this blog to reflect on their experiences, share their stories, and provide insight to future study abroad students. For many, studying abroad is a life-changing experience. It changes the way we think, interact, and perceive the world. If you are a student interested in studying abroad, please use this site to learn from those who have taken the leap and returned to share their tale! To submit a blog entry, please email studyabroad@umb.edu. 

Check out photos from UMass Boston study abroad alumni on Instagram: @umb_studyabroad  #beaconsabroad