Student Staff

Arleigh has long been familiar with a nomadic lifestyle. Growing up in a military family, his childhood consisted of moving frequently across states and even overseas. And turning that experience into a strength, he learned to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and to explore the wider world. This upbringing sparked his curiosity about cultures, languages, history, and geopolitics, as he strives to understand as much as he can about the world around him.

He continues to look up to his parents, who have always encouraged him to explore and step beyond his comfort zone. Inspired by their example, Arleigh was eager to become a peer advisor at the UCI Study Abroad Center so he can help other students embrace new and exciting environments. And he hopes to guide them through the financial, mental, and academic challenges that might otherwise hold them back from life-changing international experiences to be had.

Anastasia’s interest in travel began at a young age, when her parents would tell her stories about visiting family and friends around the world. Although she had traveled around the US, she wanted to explore new countries and cultures for herself. Since then, studying foreign languages and traveling the world have been her passions. She wanted to continue nurturing these interests throughout her academic career, which led her to major in International Studies and study abroad. During her study abroad experience, she prioritized delving deeper into her own cultural roots and learning about cultures far different from her own, guiding her to participate in three programs in South Korea, Italy, and Thailand. She considers her time abroad to be the most valuable time of her undergraduate journey, and now wants to help others have the same opportunities and experiences during their time at UCI.

Aremy just returned from a spectacular study abroad experience in Kyoto, Japan. Aremy studied abroad for a semester at Doshisha University under a Japanese language program. The experience not only allowed her to learn a new language and culture but she also gained friendships with people who she will never forget. Aremy returned with a newfound admiration for fostering incredible international experiences! As a first-generation financial aid recipient, Aremy did not think she would be able to study abroad, but it later became an experience of a lifetime for her. She holds a passion for the journey of studying abroad! Aremy wants to be the stepping stone and motivation that students may need to launch their study abroad journey!

Growing up as a missionary kid, travel and adaptability have always been a natural part of Junehee’s life. Having lived a nomadic lifestyle, Junehee developed a passion for exploring cultures and connecting with people across borders. During sophomore year, Junehee spent a year studying abroad in Korea, an experience that deepened her commitment to global learning and cross-cultural exchange. Junehee received the Chris Borton Memorial Scholarship Fund in support of her goal to become a global leader; with a strong desire to give back, Junehee sought to serve as a peer advisor at the study abroad center, supporting students who share the same passion for fostering global citizenship. Junehee especially hopes to encourage those who feel hesitant or fearful about going abroad to step into the transformative journey of international education with confidence and curiosity.

Kalie is a senior at UC Irvine, majoring in International Studies and double minoring in Chinese Studies and Asian American Studies. She has always had a passion for learning new languages and that led to her learning Mandarin Chinese right here at UCI. She started from the very beginning level of Chinese and continued to study with UCI for her first two years of college. She is always looking to challenge herself and explore the unknown, which led to her choosing to study abroad in Tainan, Taiwan on a 10 week intensive Chinese language program. She has made lifelong friends and memories through this experience, making international connections. This experience also allowed her to serve as the president of the Taiwan Alumni Association (TAA), an association of returnees from the same program as hers. This year as a peer advisor, she hopes to help other students find the right program that fits their needs and guide them on a smooth journey.

Nate Haut is a Peer Advisor at the UC Irvine Study Abroad Center, excited to help students explore opportunities beyond the classroom. While studying abroad in Madrid, Nate traveled across Spain, visiting islands like Mallorca and Ibiza as well as cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, and San Sebastián. His travels also took him beyond Spain to Italy, Portugal, and Morocco. Highlights included riding a camel in the Agafay Desert, seeing Calvin Harris perform in Ibiza, watching the sunset over a volcano in Tenerife, and exploring world-class museums in Madrid. These experiences gave him a deeper appreciation for cultural exchange, global learning, and the ways travel pushes students to grow in confidence and perspective. As a Peer Advisor, Nate enjoys sharing his story, answering questions, and helping students realize that studying abroad is both possible and rewarding.

Born and raised in Southern California, Toni sought to push beyond her familiar environment and studied abroad at the National University of Singapore last spring. There, she pursued coursework in public health and Southeast Asian studies, enriching her academic foundation and deepening her interest in health equity and management. Beyond academics, she explored six other countries and reconnected with her Vietnamese heritage along the way. From trying local cuisines at hawker centers to taking solo weekend trips to Malaysia, Toni discovered the value of slowing down, embracing the unfamiliar, and finding growth in unexpected places. She returned home still the same type-A, detail-oriented student, but now with a collection of experiences and stories that reflect her new perspective.