New Worlds, New Ways
Students expand world views with new Asia Internship Program.
by Eric Malanoski
When 10 Hartwick students boarded flights to Japan and South Korea this summer, they weren’t just beginning internships – they were making history. What started as a handful of individual experiences became a defining milestone for the College, expanding Hartwick’s global footprint and opening new opportunities across Asia.
That milestone took shape with the launch of the Freeman Foundation Asia Internship Program, a new opportunity that, through a $60,000 grant, connects students with professional experiences across Asia. Additional support was provided by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation.
“This is exactly the kind of program that helps students translate classroom learning into global experience,” said Noah Goldblatt, Hartwick’s executive director for global engagement. “It’s a natural extension of Hartwick’s experiential learning model.”
The student placements reflected Asia’s dynamic role in the global economy. Internships spanned various sectors, including technology, medicine, law and agriculture.
“Along with the United States, Asia is a hub of innovation,” Goldblatt said. “Gaining experience there equips students with the intercultural skills essential for the modern workplace.”
Aiden Fatta ’27, a computer science major, interned at Mindfully More Japan, where he blended technology and health.
“My official title was IT intern, and while I did some IT support, my day-to-day (work) was closer to that of a web developer,” Fatta said. “Most days, I would be programming scripts and widgets for a web application.”
Outside of work, Fatta immersed himself in local traditions, such as attending the Mitarashi Matsuri at Shimogamo Shrine and participating in a Shinto cleansing ritual.
“It was a unique experience that I could really only experience because of multiple factors,” Fatta explained, “including the time of year the program took place, Hartwick giving me the opportunity to take part, and the generosity of my supervisor, Chief Executive Officer Sami Seghers.”
The success of the first Freeman cohort has already set the stage for what’s next. Hartwick has been awarded a renewal and expansion for summer 2026, including a new site in Vietnam and additional funding.
“International programs like this ensure that cost isn’t a barrier,” Goldblatt said. “They make global learning possible for every student willing to take the leap.”
The 2025 Freeman interns included:
Seoul, South Korea
- Rishpa Baidya ’26, Human-Inspired AI Research Centre Company
- Lily Hagy ’26, East Meets West
- Sarah Matumbura ’26, GoWonderfully
- Jack Reichel ’26, Human-Inspired AI Research Centre Company
- Jeaicha Sylvain ’27, Rockliffe Law
- Halle Wimette ’26, KOTE Art & Space
Kyoto, Japan
- A’Laura Copeland ’26, MatchHat
- Aiden Fatta ’27, Mindfully More Japan
- Yoleydi Figuereo Pineda ’26, Midori Farm
- Pepita Graham ’27, New Horizons Education
