Hej(hello)! My name is Maria Alexeev, but my friends and family call me Masha, and you can call me Masha too. I am so excited to meet you! I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is often called the Land of 10,000 Lakes because there are so many of them! It is a very vibrant and diverse city full of people from many different cultures and backgrounds. My parents moved to the United States from Russia, so I am Russian American. Growing up with two cultures has made me especially curious about different people, traditions, and the ways we connect with one another.
Because Minnesota has so many parks and lakes, I love spending time outdoors. I enjoy hiking, relaxing in a hammock, doing arts and crafts, and visiting the farmers market on weekends. Minnesota is also famous for its long, cold winters. Sometimes it feels like winter lasts forever, but it makes spring feel even more special when it finally arrives.
I study at the University of Minnesota, where I focus on business and psychology, which is the study of how people think, feel, and behave. This year, I am traveling to Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark. While I am there, I will be taking a variety of classes related to psychology and well-being. I will also be living in a Kollegium, which is a type of student housing where many students live together and share common spaces!
Denmark is known as one of the happiest countries in the world and I am eager to learn what helps people feel happy, connected, and cared for. I hope to bring what I learn back home and share it with others. I can’t wait to explore a new country, experience Danish culture, and go on this adventure together with you!
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by clicking here!
