Staff Spotlight: Emily Pacheco

She is a passionate international educator and student advisor with experience spanning student services to recruitment. Currently part of the international team creating and implementing a global engagement strategy for UC Berkeley Extension, International Programs. Emily loves helping students gain the opportunity to study at one of the best universities in the United States.

My favorite memory traveling most recently was climbing glaciers down in Patagonia. After a day of trekking through some of the most incredible views I have ever seen we enjoyed a drink over glacier ice. I've never seen anything quite like glaciers down there. Patagonia and the south of Argentina were in general really incredible.

During my time here at UC Berkeley, I've learned a lot about study abroad and short-term programs for international students. I've learned how programs like these can help transform students. Many students have the dream of studying at a top U.S. University, but completing a 4-year or 2-year degree is not something that will be possible. Short-term programs gives students the chance to really experience the campus during a semester or year.

Our students travel far and wide during the holidays! One of the popular destinations is Hawaii. Many students spend spring break or even a long weekend lounging on the beaches of Maui or my favorite, Kauai. Our location makes it an ideal launching point for travel adventures. Students are always renting cars and driving up to Lake Tahoe, Big Sur or picking up some great wine in Napa Valley. So many options for the holidays!

I would join the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program. It's a whole lot of a program in a short period of time. Students are taken on interesting excursions to fascinating companies in the area, getting to see the guts and the soul of some large and small Silicon Valley firms. The program offers a great academic program and complements it with other great activities!

We have grown a lot since I have joined the team and this growth has meant we can do so much more for our students. Our classes are more diverse than ever and we are accepting students from unique and varied backgrounds. I'm proud of our goal to diversity our programs and let more students know about these opportunities all over the world!

We have an amazing team behind an incredible institution. With this combination, we are set up to really serve our students both in the classroom and for their everyday student needs. From the first day on campus until we say goodbye, we are proud to offer exceptional support to our international students from all over the world!