The School of International Service (SIS) Peer Advising Program was created as an additional unit of academic support for SIS undergraduates in the SIS Undergraduate Advising Office. Our Peer Advisors are upperclass students who are dedicated to assisting second-year students in their transition to SIS from First-Year Advising. Check out a Year 2 at SIS Academic Plan and the video here. 

SIS Peer Advisors have a wide range of internship, thematic, regional, research, and student organization experience. They specialize in providing second-year students with the student perspective on the regional and thematic options of the degree. They can also suggest cocurricular activities that can enrich your experience.

These upperclass students have been selected on the basis of their academic and professional achievements, their contributions to the SIS and AU community, and their dedication to helping their peers create the best undergraduate experience possible.

What We Do

Peer Advisors assist second-year students in their transition to SIS from First-Year Advising through:

• helping students explore thematic and regional areas
• providing insight on study abroad
• hosting various workshops to prepare student for research, internships, and study abroad
• making appropriate referrals to campus resources

Ethan Puc is a senior in the combined BA/MA program in International Affairs: U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security. His regional concentration is Europe/Eurasia, particularly focusing on Russia, but also has an interest in Latin America/Western Hemisphere. Ethan competes for AU's cross country and track team.

Anvar Ulanov is an SIS senior from Kyrgyzstan. His main focus of interest is Eurasia, while the main thematic area is conflict resolution. With the secondary thematic area being US foreign policy, Anvar is also pursuing a Russian translation certificate.

Lucy Lavigne is a junior from Dallas, Texas. She is pursuing a degree in International Studies with focuses on Italian, Europe and Eurasia, Global Health & Sustainability, and Peace Global Security & Conflict Resolution as well as a minor in Public Health. As a sophomore she was a member of the Olson Scholars Research Program and presented her research on the COVID-19 vaccine at the SIS Undergraduate Research Symposium. Outside of class & peer advising, Lucy is in Greek Life and is an AU Ambassador! In her free time she enjoys exploring the city, going to the Bridge, and traveling!

Mackenzie Skinner is a senior from Harrisburg, PA. She has spent the past three years at SIS with a focus on Justice, Ethics, and Human Rights in Europe but also has a background and studied Latin America. Last year she spent a semester studying in London with Boston University where she interned with a non-profit organization aiding those who have suffered from an acquired brain injury. Outside of her academic studies, Mackenzie enjoys snowboarding, thrifting, and spending time with her friends.