Global Affairs Fellows Program

Milla Huang

Title: Senior OGA Fellow

Email: mldlc@uw.edu

Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

Hello! My name is Milla Huang, and I am currently a senior at UWT. I am a Psychology major, minoring in Asian Studies. Choosing psychology as my major came out of a place of compassion for others as well as compassion for myself; I want to help others understand themselves and practice compassion towards themselves as I am constantly learning and trying to do. 

I've studied abroad through UW Tacoma in Summer 2022 in the “Prague – The Psychology of Culture, Food, and Human Development” program. I had many worries and anxieties both during the application process and abroad. It was all worth it though; it was a life-changing experience that I want others to experience, and that's why I joined the Office of Global Affairs! I want to help students who want to study abroad and let them experience their own study abroad adventure 😆!

I've also studied abroad through UW Seattle in Summer 2024 in the CIEE Summer Accelerated Chinese Language in Taipei, Taiwan program. It was a unique experience to apply to study abroad through another UW campus, but I am glad to have more experience so I can better advise students who want to study abroad through other UW campuses. Getting the chance to improve my Chinese skills in a Chinese speaking country and the chance to focus on traditional Chinese characters in Taiwan was a wonderful experience.

Studying abroad has allowed me to have experiences where I grew and learned to understand both myself as well as others; whether that be my peers and program directors or the local culture and its people, I learned so much about my identity and myself, what it means to exist alongside others, and how to connect and understand each other. In the hopes that I can encourage other students to take the leap to study abroad, I share my own study abroad experiences. I am looking forward to meeting and connecting with everyone 😄!

Jessica Sellers

Title: OGA Fellow

Email: jns38@uw.edu

Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

Hi everyone! My name is Jessica Sellers! I am a senior pursuing a double major in IT and psychology with a minor in innovation and design. I am passionate about exploring the intersection of technology and human behavior, and I hope to use my unique skill set to create innovative solutions that improve people's lives. Outside of academics, I enjoy photography, painting, and scrapbooking.  

I've studied abroad through UW Tacoma in Autumn 2023 in the South Korea: Global Media and Cross-Cultural Psychology program. Applying for this study abroad was one of the best decision I have ever made. I was able to learn about different aspects of South Korean culture, explore the city, and make great friends along the way. 

Growing up overseas and studying abroad have both shaped my value of experiencing different culture and gaining a global perspective. My goal working here is to encourage other students to experience their own little adventure and allow me to help guide them along the way 😆!

Prarthana Durvas Kumaresan

Title: OGA Fellow

Email: Pdk5305@uw.edu

Expected Graduation: Spring 2027

Hello! My name is Prarthana, and I am currently a grad student at UWT. I am studying Nursing education and leadearship. Nursing is so diverse and vast with constant improvement in both practice and research, there is always more to learn. My love for learning and sharing that knowledge made me pursue an education degree.

As an OGA Fellow working specifically with ISSS, helping other students feel mroe integrated with American society and academic culture was important to me as an International student. I wanted students to feel a sense of community and belonging while studying here at UWT. These experiences are so valuable and even life changing, being a small part in their student journey feels very special.

I am excited to be an OGA Fellow and I look forward to meeting and connecting with you all this academic year!

Sungmin Cha

Title: OGA Fellow

Email: panda483@uw.edu

Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

Hello! My name is Sungmin Cha, and I am currently majoring Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics.

I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. I transferred to the UWT in September 2024, which also marked the beginning of my journey in the United States. While I am still learning and adapting everything in language and culture wise compared to those who have lived here longer, I was inspired to become an OGA Fellow with the hope of supporting international students who may be facing even greater challenges. With the mindset of learning and growing together, I am committed to supporting and connecting with you throughout this journey.

I’m happy to work as an OGA Fellow, and I look forward to creating a wonderful year together with all of you!

Cathy Jackson

Title: OGA Fellow

Email: ccj03@uw.edu

Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

Hi there! My name is Cathy Jackson, and I’m a senior majoring in Creative Writing with a minor in Innovation and Design.  

I’m excited to be an OGA Fellow this year because I want to help others take that leap and realize just how transformative studying abroad can be. I hope to show students that, while it might feel intimidating at first, the rewards are definitely worth it.

In Spring 2024, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Rome through a Creative Writing/Literature program at UW Seattle. Honestly, I had a lot of worries during the application process and before departure such as whether the coursework would be too challenging, if I would get pickpocketed in places like the Colosseum, or even if my roommates and I would get along (we were spending 10 weeks together, after all!). But those fears proved to be totally unnecessary. My time abroad was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life, and I want other students to know there’s no need to be intimated or afraid, but instead understand that there’s so much to gain from going.

Feel free to reach out if you want to chat or have any questions!