Celeste Zinmon-Htet

My name is Celeste, and I am currently a junior at the University of Washington studying Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. I am excited to be taking part in this year’s Corbett Virtual Exchange program, and hope to gain a deeper understanding of how Canadian and American cultures and policies have functioned alongside each other over time and have ultimately characterized the relationship between the two nations.

I am of Burmese descent, was born in Thailand, and lived in Hamilton, Ontario for a small portion of my childhood. Over the time I have spent living in Seattle, I have realized that my engagement with Canadian history and culture as a child was very limited. This was especially apparent to me after being exposed to the discussion-based nature of area studies classes at UW from which I learned immensely. I look forward to having the opportunity to immerse myself in the exchange of perspectives offered by this virtual exchange, and am excited to apply my knowledge in a level of depth I would not have been able to achieve otherwise.

I am incredibly excited and grateful to be a part of this year’s virtual cohort, and look forward to the experiences this program will offer!

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The Corbett British Columbia-Washington International Exchange Program Fund provides an opportunity for undergraduate students at the University of Washington to spend two semesters at the University of British Columbia or University of Victoria; and for students from the University of British Columbia and University of Victoria to spend three quarters at the University of Washington.