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 2024

Colbie Atlas

Office Hours: Mondays 12:00-2:00pm; Thursdays 11:00am-2:00pm

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!

Kesline Jean-Baptiste

Office Hours: Tuesdays 10-12pm; Thursdays 10am-12pm; Fridays 11-12pm

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!

Natalia Kirilova

Office Hours: Mondays 3-5pm; Fridays 12-3pm

My name is Natalia Kirilova and I am the Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador for the Global Studies Office this academic year. I am currently a senior studying International Relations with a minor in Environmental Science. I spent my sophomore year of college abroad: Sydney, Australia in the fall semester, Utrecht, the Netherlands in the spring semester, and then Fulda, Germany for one month in the summer. These opportunities were an unforgettable experience, and I think that every student who has even the smallest desire to study abroad should do so! My goal as the Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador is to help students explore all the ways to make studying away possible and to share the various program options offered by UMass Boston. I’m excited to be here, and I hope to see you at the study abroad office soon!

Mary Klein

Office Hours: Mondays 1:00-3:30pm; Tuesdays 1:00-3:30pm

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!

Stephen Litchfield

Office Hours: Wednesdays 9:00-12:00pm; Fridays 10:00am-12:00pm

My name is Stephen Litchfield, and I am currently in my fourth year at the University of Massachusetts Boston studying Political Science. During my second semester of my junior year, I made the best decision I've made and studied abroad! During my semester abroad, I studied at a school in London named London Metropolitan University. Throughout my time in London, I was fortunate to have knowledgeable professors while also making connections with other students that I will have for a lifetime. With being the Intercultural Exchange & Wellness Ambassador, I would love to help students become comfortable and familiar with the beautiful city of Boston. 

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