Dana Johnson

Dana worked for 20+ years in the wine business. Her final position was with an Australian wine company, which she represented in five US states. The wine business treated her well (& she still loves wine) but she was looking for something more meaningful and found that in IPSL. She is grateful to be working with the awesome people at IPSL as well as loving her interaction with students, faculty and site directors around the world!

What is your favorite travel memory?

I have had the good fortune to do a lot of traveling in my life. I have loved every trip that I’ve taken but perhaps my first, as a foreign exchange student to Turkey, has left the biggest imprint on my heart. It opened my eyes to our world and taught me a lot, including things about myself. I believe that it helped me become the person that I am today. While it wasn’t always a perfect situation, the frustrations, fears (& tears) and confusion, that I experienced, are never the memories that come to mind today.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have definitely been made more aware of the stresses that students are under (from school, family, general societal expectations) which has made me even more dedicated to helping them have the best study abroad experience possible.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Any time a student relays that an IPSL program has “changed their life”, “meant so much”, “opened them up for change”, “inspired them”, etc. and have continued to lead their life with service to others foremost in their minds…those are the best stories. And I’ve heard that a lot!!!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a part of many of IPSL’s programs around the world! And, I’ve enjoyed every single one of them. Each has its own highlights but it would be impossible to choose just one so I will say that Thessaloniki Greece, Cusco Peru & Cartagena Colombia hold a very special place in my heart. Our partners abroad are so awesome…I have always felt that I have not only departed a country with new insight and knowledge, I have departed having gained new friends.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Diversity in experience but commonality of beliefs & goals.