Global Engagement and Education Abroad (GEEA)

Kitty is a first-year master’s student in Percussion Performance at the University of Michigan and is originally from Macao S.A.R. She enjoys meeting people from different backgrounds, learning about various cultures, and discovering new perspectives and ideas. Outside of school, Kitty enjoys exploring new restaurants, trying different pastries, and traveling whenever she has the opportunity.

A fun fact about Kitty is that she is a huge Minions fan. So if you would like to chat with her, anything Minions-related is a great conversation starter!

Bailey Hilliar is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Psychology and Economics with a minor in Dutch Language and Culture. She spent the summer of 2025 studying psychology in Prague, Czechia, and the summer of 2026 interning at a start-up in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. After she graduates in the spring, she’s hoping to move to the Netherlands and get a chance to practice her Dutch. In her free time, she can be found competing with the Michigan Ballroom Dance Team, reading a new book, going on walks, or cooking something new.

Paula is an Economics student at the University of Michigan and is originally from Monterrey, Mexico. She enjoys meeting new people, learning about different cultures, and helping students feel at home at Michigan. Outside of school, she enjoys practicing yoga, exploring new places, and spending time with friends. Paula is excited to be part of the International Center and looks forward to connecting with you!

Beatrice Utama is a graduate student at the University of Michigan School of Social Work in the Global Social Work Pathway. Beatrice did her undergraduate studies at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, where she served as International Student Association Committee President and Student Office Assistant for the Center for Intercultural Student Development Office for two years. She was born and raised in Indonesia but experienced living in other countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Singapore. She speaks both Bahasa (Indonesian) and English.

Kelly is a Master’s student at the Ford College of Public Policy and School of Environment and Sustainability. He is currently a first year student studying International Economic Development and Environment Security Policy. He completed his undergraduate degree at Michigan State's James Madison College of Policy where he majored in International Relations. Over the past four years, he has participated in International Academic and Professional exchange programs to Japan, where he developed his proficiency in Japanese.

Ruby Moss is a graduate student at the University of Michigan School of Social work in the Interpersonal Practice in Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Pathway. She has recently returned from serving 2 years in Ecuador as a Youth and Families Development promoter where she worked in projects focused on life skills education, parenting strategies, mental and physical health, climate control/food security, and financial security. She speaks English and Spanish. Outside of the office, Ruby enjoys running, listening to and playing music, reading, cooking, and dancing.

Laura is a third-year student from Bogotá Colombia, majoring in Computing Science and Linguistics. Her passion for connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures led her to get involved with the Michigan International Student Society and the International Center Student Council on campus. She loves learning languages and speaks Spanish, English and French. She hopes to use technology as a tool to make education more accessible for underrepresented communities. Her hobbies include digital drawing, video editing, practicing pilates, and going for walks.

Samantha joined the International Center’s Global Engagement and Education Abroad team after three years with U-M’s Northwood Graduate and Family Housing where she supported community programming. She previously served as a Senior Academic Advisor at Kent State University, leading global initiatives such as study abroad advising, ESL student support, and intercultural professional development. Her interests include development of intercultural competencies and expanding equitable access to campus and community resources.

Sofia is a second-year student in LSA studying International Studies with a sub-plan in Political Economy Development. Sofia is fluent in both Spanish and English and is learning Portuguese! On campus, she is involved in the Global Scholars Program, La Casa, ALPFA, and is a member of the Comprehensive Studies Program. Her hobbies outside of school include traveling, going to the gym, and spending time with the people she loves.

Cynthia Qian is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan majoring in communications. On campus, she is involved in SHEI Magazine and TedxUofM. In her free time, Cynthia enjoys traveling, spending time in the ceramics studio, and experimenting with new recipes with friends.