Hi everyone! I'm Yehalah and I'm a '26 coming all the way from Colombo, Sri Lanka. My academic passions lie in Energy Engineering and Environmental Studies. I am a first-generation and low-income student, actively involved with the community. I love to paint and read during my free time. I'm excited that you're here, and I hope you enjoy this account of my life at Dartmouth!
Taking an art class has long been a dream of mine. Drawing 1 with Professor Enrico Riley exceeded my expectations greatly! He is an inspiring instructor who allowed us creative freedom, while guiding us in the right direction. We drew in different forms of charcoal, with colour introduced towards the end of the term. I loved my experience and I cannot wait to take another Studio Art class!
The sequel to Drawing 1 with Professor Enrico Riley! We worked in oil paint, which I was completely new to and admittedly afraid to use. I ended up falling in love with the medium and the flexibility it gave me to adjust and refine my paintings at any point in the process. I am sad to finish this class and I hope I get to take another Studio Art class in the future!
Moving to America was a drastic adjustment, especially considering the difference in perception of race and ethnicity. This class gave me a insight into past and current American oppression against Black and Indigenous communities. I loved how much I learnt through this class, which was also my First Year Seminar requirement.
My first language class at Dartmouth! Taking German was intimidating, especially because of the fast-paced and rigorous learning method that Dartmouth uses. It was so interesting to learn the different grammar and rules used in the German language. I cannot wait to use my Beginner German skills in Berlin next Spring!
The Sacred Architecture of Asia is one of the most incredible courses I have taken at Dartmouth! The course is primarily discussion-based, with Professor Seher explaining and initiating conversation about the course material. The material assigned was incredibly inspiring and taught me so much about South Asian religions and their beginnings. Everywhere I travel now, I think about the lessons I have learnt in this class and I am truly grateful to Professor Seher for facilitating an incredible learning experience!
Learning about German history in Berlin was a great way to explore the city and culture! The class had weekly excursions where we visited important sites in Berlin, which was so informative and helpful. Overall, I learnt so many new aspects of Germany and the people who played a significant role in German history.
SummerPerrysburg, Ohio
Interning at First Solar, a solar panel manufacturing company! I work on the Application Engineering team under Product Management, developing ways to better serve our clients and enhance our products. It has been an amazing experience so far, I have learnt so much and I am so grateful for this opportunity!
Travelling back home after an entire year of being away feels like a blessing. Nothing can compare to the Sri Lankan sun, sand and sea. Dartmouth has helped me travel to so many places in 2024. Through my study abroad program in Berlin, Germany I also travelled to Prague, Czech Republic and Nice, France. I then spent a summer in Ohio at my internship program, which I got by attending the All-Ivy Environmental Career Fair through Dartmouth. Financial aid at Dartmouth covers all expenses depending on need, including travel. Students receiving 100% financial aid will receive a $1500 stipend for travel every academic year! This allows most students to travel home for the break annually. Since I aim to intern every summer, I take the opportunity to go home for the winter break. Dartmouth runs on a quarter system, which means that all classes and exams finish before Thanksgiving, leaving us with a six-week break, perfect for international students to travel home!
During one weekend this break, my family and I travelled to the South of Sri Lanka! Our first stop was the natural pools at Thalpe Beach.
The natural pools at Thalpe
Moving to Dartmouth as an international student means a lot of tearful goodbyes. I still find it hard to believe that I now live halfway across the world from home. The community I have made at Dartmouth makes me feel at home every day, and I am so grateful for the wonderful individuals I have met here. However, I really took these six weeks at home to spend as much time with my family as I could.
My mum and I enjoying lunch by the seaside in Polhena, Sri Lanka
On campus, the International Student Association is very active and organizes many events to help students connect. There are also multiple student-led organizations to bring together students from specific parts of the world! When I feel homesick, I love to cook some food from home, which is easy to organize as there are kitchens available in every dorm. I am constantly surprised by the many opportunities that Dartmouth presents for travel. Browse through this website for more details about the countless study abroad programs available to undergraduate students!
Join me as we attend a Brovertones concert during Winterim! The Brovertones are just one of Dartmouth's many amazing acapella groups. I saw them perform during their East Coast tour.
An international student's perspective on Dartmouth's unique and inclusive Greek life culture, exploring the diverse motivations, experiences, and social dynamics behind joining a sorority.
Winterim well spent: from dog walks to nearly skiing in Norway (emphasis on nearly), I've collected my stamps and stories—ready to trade them for textbooks back at Dartmouth.
Starting college in a new country is a big leap, but with orientation programs, cultural connections, and helpful resources, Dartmouth quickly became more than just a campus—it became home.
