What position do you hold at GlobaLinks?
Currently I manage study abroad admissions and participant pre-trip services for students attending universities in New Zealand and Spain. I earned an M.A. in Intercultural Relations in 2010 from Lesley University and graduated with a B.A. in Spanish from Rollins College in 2005. Since college, I have run community service programs in Costa Rica and Peru, taught English in Spain, and worked with study abroad and exchange students at Middlebury College in Vermont.
Which study abroad destination is most underrated?
You can discover incredible people/places/phenomenon’s in every corner of the world, but I would encourage people to look past the most well known cities and dive deeper in to the off the beaten path locations that study abroad programs offer. Chances are you’ll get to know more about the local culture in a smaller town and even start to fit in as a local.
Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?
YES! I studied at the Universidad de Oviedo, in Oviedo, Spain. Oviedo is located in the province of Asturias which is just west of Basque country and sits along the Cantabrian Sea. This program was run by my alma mater, Rollins College. I was a Spanish major and my academic advisor, originally from Asturias, recommended the program. I lived with a host family which was in the end the best decision I made. The chance to be immersed in a Spanish family, participate in holidays, birthdays, and weekend excursions with my host family is something I will cherish always.
What is one piece of advice you'd offer a returned study abroad student?
Have patience with your family and friends. You’ve left the comforts of home, experienced the world, and returned with a new perspective on life. It will take them some time to catch up to you. Rely on your fellow international travelers for support when you want to reflect on your life changing experience.
What makes Globalinks' programs stand apart from other program options?
GlobaLinks provides students with an experience that has all the tools you need for a successful study abroad semester. Students are treated as individuals, and are encourage to seek out and discover what most inspires them in their host country. We provide students with the opportunities, but it is up to them to make their experience unique to their personal, cultural, social, academic and professional interests. I think acknowledging the individuals in our programs makes GlobaLinks different.