What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite travel memory was going to Greece for my fall break during my 3rd and final study abroad experience! I fell in love with the people, the food, the beaches and even the stray cats! It was definitely the vacation of a lifetime!
Which destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?
The most underrated destination in my opinion is by far Belgium! It is the capital of Europe. Brussels, the capital, is also a French-speaking city. It was a great alternative to being in France. The French is easier to understand and the people were more willing to help you with your French. Brussels is a great mix of the French language and German culture!
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I have learned a lot about the field of International Education while working for International Studies Abroad. There is a lot that goes into helping students fulfill their dreams of studying abroad. It is not just booking trips and picking classes, there are a lot of details to see to.
What unique qualities does your company possess?
One of the things I love about International Studies Abroad is how we are there to support students before, during and after their study abroad experience. I was a student who went through ISA and truly valued all the support I was given before departing for my program, during my stay in Belgium, and after my program. They helped me articulate my experiences of studying abroad on my resume and in my cover letters. It was a quality I found very useful!
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
As a student, I choose to study abroad through ISA. While I did not know what would come of my experience when I first arrived home, It opened the door for my current career. Upon returning from Belgium, I became a Global Ambassador on my university's campus. I really fell in love with the field of International Education. I decided that it fit well with my personality and that I wanted to pursue a job in that field upon graduation.
My campus representative from ISA knew of this wish and notified me when a spot had opened up with ISA in their Austin office! I am forever grateful to her and the company for making all of this happen for me. Without studying abroad, I would not be where I am today!