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!
It is now my second week in Berlin! Living in an entirely new city is daunting, especially financially. Dartmouth is a bubble of convenience and is very student-friendly. I am able to go from the library to the dining hall within 10 minutes. Most of my expenditures I have are for things I choose to spend on, not anything I need to. Berlin, on the other hand, is a sprawling city. I have to commute for 20 minutes on public transport to reach my classes. I am also responsible for getting lunch on weekdays.
However, Financial Aid at Dartmouth carries over to all study abroad programs. I am receiving 100% of financial aid for my time in Berlin. This aid covers my plane ticket, meals and miscellaneous expenses. While living in Berlin involves many hours of public transport, all students receive a free student ticket for public transportation. I am responsible for getting lunch on weekdays, but my aid covers that cost too.
There is extensive guidance by the Guarini Institute about budgeting and financing a study abroad. While the first week was definitely more expensive, as I needed to purchase basic amenities, the second week has been fine. My host family provides me with most meals and all excursions through the program are free. We are enrolled at Freie Universität, a university in Berlin and we have access to their cafeteria, which provides a variety of affordable food options.
To be completely transparent, I was worried about costs before I came to Berlin. However, with careful budgeting, I feel confident to navigate the program without worry. I spoke to many financial aid officers before I left Dartmouth, to fully understand the extent of my aid.
If you are a low-income student worried about the cost of study abroad programs, I would suggest consulting a financial aid officer to understand how your aid travels with you! Taking preemptive measures and planning will help greatly with financial concerns on study abroad programs!
Every Dartmouth student is required to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Here's my experience navigating the language requirement!
Learn about the different programs Dartmouth offers prospective students to explore campus life, learn about Dartmouth, and enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to Hanover!
