Our People
Every member of our team has studied, traveled, volunteered, interned, and/or taught abroad, and we understand how life-changing an experiential program can be. We’re here to advise you, work with you throughout the application process, prepare you before your program begins and support you while you’re abroad.
Finding the right host organization in another country can be challenging, but our experienced team of on-site staff is devoted to matching you with a host organization that best fits your unique skill set, academic goals, and areas of interest. Our on-site staff provides support from the moment you arrive, helps orient you to your new country and host organization, and ensures that you are successful throughout your time abroad.
U.S.-Based Team
Director, Internships & Service-Learning
Hailing from San Jose, CA and eager to explore the world, Kristine studied abroad in Durham, England and Lund, Sweden before graduating from Santa Clara University in 2006 with a B.A. in Communication. Prior to joining ISA in 2011, Kristine lived and worked in Australia and South Korea. In 2014, she earned her M.B.A. at St. Edward's University with an emphasis in Global Entrepreneurship. As a veteran of the service-learning department, Kristine is excited by the growth of experiential program offerings and models. Observing student progress and development from connections made with host communities abroad is what keeps her ticking. Kristine has traveled to over 35 countries and hopes to travel to at least 35 more.
Program Manager, Internships
rachel.desmarais@worldstrides.com
Rachel is the Program Manager for Experiential Programs in Spain and Ireland. She graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with degrees in Spanish and sociology and is currently pursuing her master's degree in international education from SIT Graduate Institute. Rachel is passionate about experiential education and has been lucky enough to participate in a number of experiential education programs herself, including teaching in Spain, serving as a Team Leader in AmeriCorps NCCC, and working as a field instructor in East Africa for gap year students. She now strives to bring experiential education opportunities to future students. In her free time, Rachel can be found playing volleyball and trying to memorize the lyrics to new songs.
Program Manager, Australia, New Zealand, England, & Global Remote Internships
veronika.pesina@worldstrides.com
Veronika is originally from the north of the Czech Republic. As a European located in the heart of Europe, she always had easy access to international travel and has visited most of Europe. Last year she graduated from The University in Sunderland in the UK with a degree in Business and Human Resource Management. Thanks to studying abroad, she undertook a year-long Business and Hospitality Internship in Austin, TX. It was a life-changing milestone that completely influenced her life direction and helped her to permanently relocate across the world to Austin, TX. Outside of Europe, she has traveled to Egypt, the Asian side of Turkey, the USA, and Mexico and would love to explore more places in the United States and nearby countries. Veronika joined WorldStrides in April 2022 as an Executive Administrative Assistant and worked her way up to her current role of Program Manager for International Internships.
Academic Team
Senior Director, Curriculum & Academic Programs
Hailing from Northern California, Elizabeth graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a BA in English and French and then received her MA and PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Texas at Austin. Elizabeth first traveled to Switzerland as a high school exchange student, then studied abroad for a year in Lyon, France, where she enrolled in literature courses with local students and traveled throughout most of Western Europe during long vacations. After graduating from UCLA, she joined the Peace Corps and taught English in Madagascar. Before joining ISA, she taught French language and literature courses at Northern Illinois University and UT-Austin. She loves reading books in their original language (or translations), traveling, camping and going on adventures with her husband and daughter.
Assistant Director, Curriculum and Academics
Born and raised in Central Ohio, Michelle received an Individualized B.A. in Environmental Sociology from Otterbein University and an M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina. Despite being an avid solo traveler, she didn't collect most of her passport stamps until her late 20s. Now a self-proclaimed expert in optimizing 48-72 hours at a destination, she is always planning the next adventure. As an international educator who ""tripped and fell"" into the field, she is passionate about designing experiences that align with students' long-term personal and professional goals. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors (in moderation), supporting local businesses, and conspiring to take over the world with her cat.
Support Specialist
Hi! My name is Andrés, and I was born and raised in Merida, a small city in southeast Mexico, filled with places to see, people to meet, beautiful traditions and amazing history. I recently graduated from Law School here in Mexico, and one of my professional goals is being able to combine my legal background and my passion for travel. I’m also a big soccer fan and a history buff, which is one of the reasons I enjoy traveling and learning through traveling. Being born in Mexico, one of Latin America’s top destinations for tourism, I feel really lucky to have so many different places to see so close to me, and I’ve made it a personal challenge to see all of our 32 states before my 32’s. As for my international bucket list, my top destinations would be Norway, Scotland, Austria and Portugal, and I hope to be able to cross out those countries soon. I’m sure this experience abroad will be a lifechanging experience for you and I’m really excited to assist you through the awesome journey you’re about to start!
Resident Staff
Director of Operations, Australia & New Zealand
Born in Sydney, Dharma studied Environmental Sciences at the University of Wollongong where he lived with many study abroad students and formed life-long friendships. This led to a career in international education and travel, where he has worked for over 20 years at Australian universities, study abroad companies, and leading educational tours around Australia and Asia Pacific. A dual Australian/American citizen, he has lived in and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe, and is a keen surf and landscape photographer. Dharma has a passion for adventure and new experiences, and enjoys working for TEAN to help others have life-changing intercultural experiences that encourage personal and professional growth.
Internships Program Manager, Australia
Originally from Walla Walla, Washington, Joanna began traveling as soon as she graduated high school – working abroad in Italy, Egypt, and South Korea, and studying abroad in Scotland. She then spent over a decade in New York City working within cultural exchange, international education, and global mobility; followed by a career as an immigration attorney. Having now settled in Melbourne, Australia, Joanna believes life is an adventure – and we should treat it like one. She thoroughly enjoys being able to help students do just that everyday.
Internships Program Manager, Brisbane, Australia
Mark Owens, hailing from Rockville, MD, brings a wealth of diverse international experience to his role as Internship Coordinator for Global Markets. An alumnus of the College of Charleston's Arts Management program, Mark has honed his skills in negotiation, relationship building, and strategic planning through his background as an agent in the music industry. Before joining our team, Mark spent four years in China, where he wore multiple hats: world cultures teacher at an international high school, business English professor at Shanghai Finance and Economics, and founder of his own teacher placement agency. These roles allowed him to develop a deep understanding of cross-cultural communication and education while also showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Mark is passionate about helping students secure internships that pave the way for their future careers. When not helping guide future interns, he enjoys playing music and traveling globally, especially by motorbike.
Resident Director, Brisbane & Gold Coast, Australia
Originally from the United States of America, Carol grew up in both the hill country of Texas and the big city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating high school, she spent three years traveling the United States and volunteering in veterans’ homes and hospitals across the nation. Falling in love with travel, Carol was ready to see the world beyond her country and took the leap of studying abroad during her tertiary studies. While studying abroad with TEAN, Carol fell in love with the Gold Coast of Australia and found herself calling it home. After graduating from The West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Communication, she moved to Australia full time. Carol is keen to be on the path of helping other students fall in love with this city and country through interactive and culturally immersive experiences. She has experienced first-hand all the challenges and triumphs that come with studying abroad and is enthusiastic about guiding other students on their own journeys.
Resident Director, Cairns, Australia
Rachel Bradley is a proud Cairns local of 23 years. I moved to Cairns from Melbourne in 2002, travelling the open and free lands of beautiful Australia along the way with my young family. I re-established my makeup artistry and children’s entertainment business here in 2002 and from 2012- 2024 expanded my business to Owner operator of Cairns Costume Hire and Makeup. I was a nominee for Sole Trader businesswoman of the year at the 2016 Cairns Business Womans awards. I have worked as a Sales and marketing account manager for publications here in Cairns and the Herald Sun in Melbourne. I have two daughters who have studied degrees at James Cook University and I have enjoyed hosting international students in my home over the years. Due to the nature of my freelance work in hospitality and events, I have a great knowledge of our wonderful attractions here in Cairns and love sharing my experiences of our unique lifestyle and environment with our valued visitors and guests from around the world.
Resident Director, Melbourne, Australia
Ange’s love of people and traveling has taken her to parts of Southeast Asia, North, Central and South America, the U.K., Europe, some South Pacific islands, and around much of the huge, gorgeous continent of Australia. A native Melbournian, she feels lucky to call this vibrant, eclectic city her home and get to show her off to her study abroad friends. When she’s not showing people around Melbourne, she is busy dancing, hosting events, being silly on stage or taking adults through deep, emotional processes to re-find their power. She believes that life is full of magic if we just breathe it in, and she chooses to do just that!
Resident Director, Melbourne, Australia
Julie Sharpe has been entertaining crowds around Australia for over 30 years. In 1999, Julie came across ‘Draculaʼs Comedy Cabaretʼ (Newman Entertainments) and embarked on a 20 year career as head cast member and Artistic Director. She travelled internationally with Newman Entertainments to set up a franchise of Draculaʼs in South East Asia. This spawned a great love of travel and adventure. Working with the people, cultures and wildlife of other countries was something Julie became very passionate about. Julie grew up in a very small country town in central NSW. She always saw herself living in Sydney as an adult after school life, but a fateful trip to Melbourne saw Julie fall in love with the city, and within a few days she knew she wouldn’t be going back! Julie is very excited to be a part of the team and is looking forward to meeting all the students who chose to study abroad in Melbourne. I’m sure you’re all going to find it irresistible!
Resident Director, Perth, Australia
Originally from Chicago, Melissa is passionate about teaching, traveling and learning about the world. She attended James Madison University where she earned her Masters in Teaching and first studied abroad in Florence. After graduating, she spent a few years in Prague, Czech Republic teaching English and learning about life abroad. Her passion for travel then took her to live and teach in Taiwan, where she was able to really get out of her comfort zone and immerse herself in the culture. Her travels continued to Australia, where she lived in Melbourne and the Sunshine coast, but now calls Fremantle, near Perth, home. She continues her work as a teacher at the local schools, enjoys living near the beach and playing soccer. It’s through living and teaching abroad that she has found her passion helping others do the same.
Senior Resident Director, Queensland, Australia, Barcelona, Spain
Originally from Canada, Cole is a graduate of the Bachelor of Communications program at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus. Cole, just like many others across North America, decided to take his education international and start one of the greatest adventures of his life. Cole has been involved in communities around the globe through work within the Not-For-Profit sector, and in his personal time he enjoys travel throughout South East Asia, meeting people from different walks of life, learning about local cultures, and reading any work by Hunter S. Thompson, finding his work to be mind- strengthening through its creativity and realism. Taking on new challenges is something Cole greatly enjoys and is one of the reasons why he thrives being on the TEAN team.
Resident Director, Sydney, Australia
Originally from Boston, Cate now calls Sydney home after a semester abroad at the University of Sydney and falling in love with Australia in 2018. Cate graduated from the University of Miami, FL with degrees in microbiology and public health, but has found her passion in working with students to make the most of their time in Australia. In her free-time you can find Cate hiking in national parks, lost in a book, or chasing around her border collie. As a former exchange student in Australia, she is excited to show students everything Sydney and Wollongong have to offer!
Resident Director, Shanghai, China
Medusa is a native of Shanghai with over 13 years of experience in international education. Having obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English Language from Fudan University and a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Hong Kong, her academic background in international cultural exchange has provided a foundation for a career spent working with top-level universities and organizations from around the world. Prior to joining ISA, Medusa complimented her work with international students by teaching university coursework in English and Chinese Culture and Folklore.
Internships Program Coordinator - UK & Ireland, London, England
Eloise studied American History at the University of East Anglia which included a year abroad at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Ever since engaging in her own personal abroad adventures, Eloise has been passionate about getting others involved in pursuing their own study abroad opportunities. Eloise actively tries to visit as many European cities as possible and therefore is a great resource for students as she has lots of travel recommendations. She enjoys making and drinking coffee, as well as watching films and TV. Her favorite places within London are Shoreditch and the Wimbledon Tennis Club, and she has a great list for fun day trips outside the Capital as well.
Assistant Resident Director, London, England
Marina joined ISA in 2010 after graduating from King's College London with a degree in International Commercial and Financial Law. Marina has traveled extensively throughout Europe and believes that study abroad is essential to personal growth and offers fantastic opportunities to discover the world at large. Among her favorite places in London are the River Thames Embankment, Tower Bridge and Greenwich Park. Marina is very excited to show the ISA students London's diverse cultural and historic heritage.
Director of Operations - UK & Ireland, London, England
Born and raised in Malaga, Spain, Antonio attended the University of Malaga, where he obtained his degrees in Journalism and Audiovisual Communication. Passionate about cinema, photography and arts in general, he also taught himself graphic & web design. His curiosity and enthusiasm for other cultures led him to explore, and after living and working for a while in different places in Europe, he landed in Barcelona and immediately fell in love with the Catalan Capital and all it had to offer. In 2008 Antonio started to work with ISA, first in Barcelona for 8 years, then in Florence for a year and a half, and since 2017 he has been the Dublin Office's Resident Director. Antonio finds study abroad to be one of the best ways to “open minds” and is always happy to share tips about the places he has visited.
Student Services, London, England
Joseph studied Business Information Technology at Kingston University, including a study abroad year in Hong Kong, which is when he discovered his passion for study abroad. Upon graduating he began working for ISA’s London team. As a London native, Joseph enjoys sharing the city’s culture with students and helping them achieve their study abroad goals. Joseph is a keen traveler and loves exploring different cultures. Some of his other interests include football, technology, and photography. His favorite places in London are Richmond park and the British Museum.
Resident Director, Dublin, Ireland
Born and raised in Puerto Varas, Chile, Karen Appel Stefoni studied at the Duoc UC Professional Institute in Viña del Mar, where she graduated as a Public Relations professional with a minor in Marketing. Karen's dream has always been to improve her skills and learn other languages abroad. This is why she carried out her professional practice in Madrid, Spain. She has worked as Promotion Coordinator at the Duoc UC in Viña del Mar, she served as Alumni Coordinator at the Federico Santa María Technical University and, held the position of Public Engagement National Coordinator at the Santo Tomás University in Santiago. While her professional career was taking shape, Karen never gave up on her dream of going abroad. Therefore, she carried out all the procedures to obtain Italian citizenship and fulfil her greatest desire to emigrate from Chile, in search of better horizons. Once citizenship was obtained, in 2020 Karen travelled to Sweden where she spent two years learning Swedish and teaching English and Spanish at a school in Skellefteå in northern Sweden. However, fate would provide her with a much better opportunity in Ireland, where she currently lives and works at ISA by Worldstrides, in an area she is passionate about and motivates her daily. In her spare time Karen loves to cycle, work out, and do most activities that involve movement. Coming from warmer climates, when she gets the chance, she “runs away” to sunnier cities to worship the sun. She is an avid reader and a fan of Disney and Harry Potter. Her friends and family deem her as a very cheerful, loyal, responsible, hard-working person and a faithful friend
Student Services, Dublin, Ireland
Laura, a Granada native with a passion for creativity, has always danced to the beat of her own drum. She followed her heart and a few paintbrushes through degrees in Fine Arts and English Literature, eventually realizing that her true calling was surrounded by students, first as a teacher. But teaching wasn't the only dream she had; she always envisioned herself living abroad, so she packed her bags and headed to Dublin for a year of craic, culture, and green landscapes that took her breath away! After falling in love with the city and its rolling hills, returning to Spain just didn’t cut it. Laura realized her heart belonged in Dublin. So, she spent three years working in Granada, plotting her grand return. When the stars aligned and she landed a job at ISA by WorldStrides, she finally took the leap, making her Irish dream a reality. Laura is a multilingual gal with a passion for arts and crafts, exploring nature, and capturing landscapes in her sketches. She’s the life of the party, a loyal friend, and a responsible daughter. Outgoing, positive, and always up for a chat and laughter, Laura's love for meeting new people makes her the kind of person who turns strangers into lifelong friends. Whether she's hiking through the countryside or enjoying a quiet moment by the sea, Laura finds joy in the beauty of the world around her.
Student Services Coordinator, Dublin, Ireland
Alex, originally from California, has been living in Ireland for the past two years after completing a Master’s in Business Strategy from the University of Galway. He holds a B.A. in Leadership Studies from Cal Poly Humboldt in the U.S. Driven by a passion for international education, Alex made the decision to move to Ireland to expand his academic and professional opportunities. Prior to joining WorldStrides ISA, he gained valuable experience in Project Management, Marketing, and Nonprofit Coordination. He also held a role in student accommodations working with University of California, Davis where he contributed to various student initiatives. Outside of work, Alex enjoys nature hikes, traveling, and exploring new tech startups at Dogpatch Labs in Dublin and the PorterShed in Galway. His travels have taken him across several states in the U.S., as well as internationally to places like London, Scotland, Spain, Paris, and throughout Ireland. He looks forward to continuing his journey of exploring new cultures and connecting with people around the world.
Student Services Coordinator, Tokyo, Japan
Leina was born in Japan but spent her early years living in other countries like Singapore, France, Romania, and Thailand. She came back to Japan at the age of 10 and then studied in New Zealand during high school to learn English. After getting a Bachelor’s degree in Japan, Leina worked at a local company for two years before joining TEAN. During her free time, she loves singing, playing the guitar, and watching anime. Leina is enthusiastic about sharing her study abroad experiences and supporting TEAN students during their time in Japan.
Student Services Coordinator, Tokyo, Japan
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Riki returned to Japan when he was 18 years old to attend university in Japan. After graduating with a degree in Tourism, he worked with a travel agency for three years. His experience in the travel industry has driven Riki to be very passionate about intercultural excursions. Riki is excited to share his passion for travel and Japanese culture with TEAN students. In his free time, Riki enjoys outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, camping, and hiking.
Internships Program Coordinator & Resident Director, Auckland, New Zealand
With a tertiary background in business, accounting and commercial law, I have been working in the successful delivery of global internship programs for the last five years - managing study abroad, internship and e-service learning portfolios in the Pacific, Asia and North America. At WorldStrides my greatest contribution was leading the Pacific team to establish a loud and powerful market presence in the education sector. This was achieved through proactively identifying and fostering a vast network of meaningful partnerships with local authorities and institutions, community champions, startup communities and non-profit organizations. All things related to bringing about a unique and memorable internship experience is our mission here at WorldStrides.
Resident Director, Auckland, New Zealand
Ketaki grew up moving cities every two years in India and loved it! As a young adult she travelled across Asia representing Team India Women’s Rugby 7s for five years till 2012, and then helped set up a BBQ cafe in Djibouti and visited nearby Ethiopia and Kenya. She worked for Sri Lanka Rugby for a year before moving to New Zealand in 2013 to play rugby, fell in love and called it home! With a Bachelor of Sport & BA Sociology, and over 7yrs experience working with diverse communities and running programs for rugby unions, international students, and refugee youth; Ketaki is passionate about growth through travel and immersive experiences. She is excited to be a part of TEAN students’ journey as they are touched by Aotearoa’s breath-taking beauty, its rich culture and diversity.
Assistant Resident Director, Auckland, New Zealand
Kia ora! I’m proud to say I was born and raised in Auckland and I’ve been part of the WorldStrides team since 2018. While studying at Auckland University of Technology, I had my own study abroad adventure at Cardiff University, Wales and this ignited my passion for international education. After graduating, I was fortunate to start my role as an Exchange Coordinator at AUT, before working in a similar role at Massey University, followed by embarking on another passion: working with indigenous university students. I then moved to London to have stories to tell my future grandchildren and to cure my travel bug. I’ve since returned home and I’m enjoying sharing NZ (Aotearoa) with all TEAN students. Studying abroad is one of the bravest things you can do as a student, so I look forward to being your go-to person and welcoming you all to beautiful Aotearoa soon.
Resident Director, Christchurch, New Zealand
Born in Greymouth on New Zealand’s wild west coast and educated across the mountains in the city of Christchurch, Nick always wanted to travel and see the world. The first overseas trip was a one-way ticket to UK/Europe. Followed by another one-way ticket home 6 months later. After then studying tourism and working for Air New Zealand it was back off again overseas to live and work for the next 20 years. With stints in Australia, Middle East, UK and Europe, Nick firmly believes the education of experience abroad is vital for personal development and building an individual’s resilience.
Resident Director, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Dianne is based in Palmerston North where she has lived for many years! Graduating from Massey University with a master’s degree in business studies Dianne went onto work for the university in several roles including admissions, international recruitment and marketing, short course development and education and now part-time as a research administrator. Having travelled extensively through 65+countries around the Pacific, SE Asia, UK, Scandinavia, Russia, and South America and all New Zealand, Dianne has empathy for your challenges and can relate to the experience of living in another country and culture. For many years she volunteered supporting refugees and migrants in their first years in NZ. Still enjoying travelling with her family and free-time maintaining her little patch of self-sustainability in the city growing most of her families’ vegetables and raising hens for eggs. When not gardening, you’ll find Dianne following sports and vex robotics interests of her whanau. Dianne is excited for you all as you start on your Kiwi experience!
Resident Director, Wellington, New Zealand
Originally from the US, Fred worked for Rutgers College Office of Student Support as both a Resident Advisor and a Hall Advisor after finishing his BSc in Primatology and Hungarian. He currently looks after study abroad students and the coordination of ISA’s service-learning in New Zealand. Since moving to New Zealand, Fred has worked at Massey University, Victoria University in Wellington, and the University of Otago in various roles and enjoys working with students, especially those that have also chosen New Zealand as their new, though short term, home.
Senior Cultural Activities Coordinator, Barcelona, Spain
Cristina was born in Barcelona and graduated from the University of Barcelona with a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Management. Cristina has been working in ISA for more than 9 years, she is very passionate about her work as she enjoys helping students have the richest experience possible. In addition, Cristina speaks Catalan, Spanish, English, and some French. In her free time, Cristina is passionate about Barcelona, its culture and nature, loves to spend time with her friends, traveling and trying food from all around the world! One of her best experiences was to travel to India with his grandfather and doing volunteering service with Fundación Vicente Ferrer, an NGO that works in Anantapur, the poorest area of the country. Traveling abroad has change her life and the way to see the different cultures.
Senior Student Care Coordinator, Barcelona, Spain
Overall Support, Barcelona, Spain
Cristina was born in Barcelona, the city which has seen her grow. She studied Media and Communication at Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). That is why she always carries a camera everywhere. Cristina is passionate about culture and has a creative vision for everything. In her free time, she likes to travel and discover new places. She is in love with Barcelona, and believes the city has many hidden places she is eager to find and show to all the incoming students! Also, she loves holding themed-up parties and events to have fun with her family or (new) friends!
Housing Support, Barcelona, Spain
Arnau was born and raised in Barcelona in 1997. In the year 2016 he lived a GAP YEAR in California, USA, where he improved his skills in English language. He graduated from the University of Barcelona with a Bachelors degree in Tourism and Management in English. He loves to hang out with his friends and also make new friends from all around the world. He did previously some language Exchange with other international students, here in Barcelona. Moreover, he also likes to make international people feel comfortable and well adapted in Barcelona, he thinks that it is so important for them to be able to experience a good living. He likes to travel, get to know new cultures from different countries.
Student Services Coordinator, Barcelona, Spain
Irene was born in Barcelona and studied at the University Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), where she achieved a degree in Audiovisual Communication, she also completed a master's degree in television programming. She has many interests, including films, playing piano and painting. Although Irene has always lived in Premià de Mar, a small town next to the sea and close to Barcelona, she has spent a lot of time discovering the city and its beauty. Now she can’t wait to transmit her love for Barcelona and its surroundings to new students, who will definitely adore this unique region.
Resident Director, Barcelona, Spain
Daniel grew up in Washington, DC and graduated from the College of Charleston in South Carolina with a degree in Anthropology. He has gained a passion for international education, travel, and cultural understanding through his own adventures throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. As a college student, Daniel studied abroad with ISA in Granada, Spain. Later in 2001, he joined the ISA Granada team then in 2008 he became the Resident Director in ISA Meknes, Morocco until 2017. Since then Daniel has been coordinating housing in Barcelona. On his free time he enjoys biking, snorkeling, skating, hiking and yoga, however surfing is his obsession. When there are no waves you can usually find Daniel relaxing in one of Barcelona’s many outdoor cafes.
Student Services Coordinator, Madrid, Spain
Growing up with an American father and a Spanish mother in Catalonia, the Spanish northeastern region, Aitana has been exposed to different languages and cultural experiences since an early age which kindled her interest in this field. Having moved to the US when she was 14 where she met people with all kinds of cultural backgrounds and mastered her knowledge of the English language further encouraged this interest. While in the US, she graduated from the University of Florida with a double major in Criminology and International Studies and obtained some experience working in the legal field before moving back to Spain in 2022 to reconnect with her Spanish roots. Since moving back, she has been working as an assistant in exchange programs. This has led her to become a part of the ISA team as of 2023, where she works closely with her colleagues whom she shares this passion for cultures and languages with, to ensure that students have a rewarding study abroad experience in Madrid. In her free time, she really enjoys meeting up with friends, going to restaurants, but also staying home and watching movies. Furthermore, she loves meeting new people and learning about their culture, as well as learning new languages.
Cultural Activities Coordinator, Madrid, Spain
Anna was born in Italy and has always been passionate about foreign languages and cultures. This led her to focus her studies on translation, interpreting and literature. With her experience studying abroad, she's eager to help students discover a new city and all the amazing things Madrid has to offer, from its rich history and culture to its vibrant nightlife. She loves reading, music, sports and nature. Anna is fond of traveling and meeting new people.
Student Services Coordinator, Madrid, Spain
Rachael is from the US (born in Arizona and later moved to North Carolina). She earned a Bachelor's in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Appalachian State (Go Neers!) but upon graduating decided to spend a year abroad in Madrid learning Spanish and preparing for her Master's degree. But what was meant to be one year turned into 7, with no plans to return to the US. Rachael has fallen in love with Madrid and all the amazing things it has to offer. In her free time she enjoys grabbing some vino and tapas with friends on a beautiful, sunny terrace; exploring all the hidden corners of Spain and Europe beyond; growing her at home library and TBR list; and playing on a new softball team here in Madrid. She is excited to be a part of the ISA Madrid team and can't wait to help students explore this beautiful city.
Resident Director, Madrid, Spain
Although originally from Burgos, in Northern Spain, Neftalí has spent most of his life living around Spain and South America. He studied Social Education and Hispanic Studies at the University of Granada, after which he completed a master's degree in Cultural Management and Latin American Studies. He also worked as an educator addressing the needs of disadvantaged adolescents. Neftalí enjoyed his experience in the Andes, working for five years as a literature professor and Academic Coordinator of ISA in Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, and traveling throughout Latin America. After that, he returned to Spain to take over the position of ISA Barcelona Senior Academic Coordinator. In this role, he had the opportunity to interact with students and provide his support across a wide range of issues. In 2019 he finally assumes the position of Resident Director of our program in Madrid, a city he has been deeply in love with since his teenage years for its wide cultural offerings, deep history and vibrant and colorful social life. Nef is a literature and photography enthusiast who enjoys exploring the wonders of nature and riding his motorcycle across the continent.
Assistant Resident Director & Housing Coordinator, Madrid, Spain
A native of Granada, Carlos moved to Madrid in 2002. He studied Business Computer Science in high school and Labor Relations at the University of Granada. He worked at a bilingual (English-Spanish) primary school in Granada. Carlos is also a professional actor and a voice actor. He has participated in various short films, theatrical performances, musicals, and commercials for TV. He loves to travel, meet people, and learn about different cultures. Carlos is a dynamic and extroverted person who is accustomed to working in a team environment. He has been working for ISA since 2004, and is a wonderful addition to the ISA Madrid team.
Academics and Student Care Coordinator, Madrid, Spain
Matthew was born in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in the Southeastern United States, first in Mississippi and then in the Florida panhandle. The son of a Spanish mother and an American father, he was raised in a bilingual, bicultural home, and developed a love of geography and world cultures from an early age. Matthew earned a B.A. at Florida State University, double majoring in Marketing and Spanish Language and obtaining a certificate in International Business, where he also had his first study abroad experience in Valencia, Spain. He began working in international exchange programs, first as an intern during his summers home from college, and later as a Program Coordinator managing student and adult exchanges through US government programs. In 2017, Matthew moved to Madrid, Spain, where he taught English and began working with ISA in the Madrid Office. He also had the opportunity to live and work in A Coruña, Spain, for a year before moving to Barcelona and joining the ISA on-site team. In his free time, Matthew enjoys reading, swimming, exploring the unique neighborhoods of Barcelona, traveling throughout Spain and Europe, experiencing other cultures, and soaking up new experiences.
Resident Director, Valencia, Spain
Manuel "Manu" Gutiérrez Olavarría began working with ISA in 2001 as a Resident Director in several ISA sites: Sevilla, Santander, Barcelona, and is now in Valencia. Manu enjoys being surrounded by different cultures and believes this aspect of the job is the most rewarding.
Cultural Activities Coordinator, Valencia, Spain
Francesco was born and grew up in the center of Italy. He graduated from the Alma Mater University of Bologna with a degree in Foreign Languages translation. After his graduation, he first worked as a translator and then as a seafarer onboard cruise ships. Thanks to these experiences, he gained new professional skills and strengthened his cultural knowledge. After being at sea for several years, he decided to move back to Italy and joined the education industry by working as Erasmus + Project coordinator. Francesco loves travelling and embracing new cultures. Working in the education industry represents the perfect opportunity to keep widening his horizons and work in an international environment.
Student Services Coordinator, Valencia, Spain
Maria was born in Peru and moved to Spain when she was 5 years old. When she was 13 she took part in an exchange with an Italian School. Later, at 16 years old, she did another exchange with a school in the Netherlands and again at 18 with a school in the United States. After finishing high school she lived in London for 3 years to experience the culture and the lifestyle. She enjoys studying tourism and loves to travel, her latest adventure was a month long solo trip to Thailand. She loves to explore new countries and meet new people, with a burning desire to learn about different cultures and lifestyles from around the world. She is delighted to be working with ISA to give students the best possible experience during their stay in Valencia.
Internships Program Coordinator & Resident Director, Seoul, South Korea
I was born and raised up in Seoul, South Korea. After traveling to Europe during high school, I decided to study abroad for university. I am a graduate SUNY Plattsburgh, majored in Hospitality Management and also participated in National Student Exchange program in Hilo, Hawaii. Following graduation, I went to Tokyo, Japan on a Working holiday to explore different Asian cultures and fell in love with Japan. After my visit in Japan, studying Japanese, watching Japanese drama became of my favorite hobbies and I love to travel hidden part of Japan. I also have traveled to more than 30 countries and am still wanting to see more beauty of the world. Before joining ISA Seoul, I worked in the hotel business in South Korea and Canada for 5 years and it improved my quality of service skills.
Student Services Coordinator, Seoul, South Korea
Growing up in Bucheon, a mid-sized city in South Korea, Kyungshin – ‘Shin’ in short – dreamed of one day exploring the wider world. She pursued her college education in Seoul, where she majored in Economics and Public Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. During her undergraduate years, she took a year off to live in Ireland, where she fell in love with the experience of immersing herself in new cultures and meeting people from the other side of the world. Over the years, she has resided in several countries including Germany, Australia, and Malaysia, and has travelled to many other countries. After working for a non-profit organization in Seoul for the visually impaired, she has joined TEAN. In her free time, Shin enjoys reading books and discovering new music.
Student Services Coordinator, Seoul, South Korea
Born and raised in Seoul, Chowon has always loved meeting new people who have different cultures and experiences. She decided to start a journey in Seattle, Washington, then moved to Portland, Oregon where she earned a BA in International/Global Studies from Portland State University. So far, the journey has made her experience diverse views of global perspectives. Chowon is very excited to share her experiences and knowledge of Korea with TEAN students.Born and raised in Seoul, Chowon has always loved meeting new people who have different cultures and experiences. She decided to start a journey in Seattle, Washington, then moved to Portland, Oregon where she earned a BA in International/Global Studies from Portland State University. So far, the journey has made her experience diverse views of global perspectives. Chowon is very excited to share her experiences and knowledge of Korea with TEAN students.
Student Services Coordinator, Seoul, South Korea
Born and raised in Seoul. Chan majored in Nursing and participated in an internship program in Hamburg, Germany during her University. While interning, she realized that she liked to communicate in English with people from different cultures. After graduation, she went to Dublin, Ireland to improve her English proficiency and also worked at an Irish nursing home. During her time in Dublin, she gained plenty of opportunities to learn about diverse cultures and enjoyed it. With her previous experiences, she understands various cultures and loves to learn more about them. She is ready to meet the TEAN students and share with them her love of Korea.
