Semester in Tokyo -
J.F. Oberlin University

Hailing from Toronto, I spent the first part of my life in Canada. Armed with a BA in Philosophy, I eventually joined the JET Programme as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) to explore my Japanese-Canadian heritage. I anticipated a brief 2-3 year stint, aiming to pursue an MBA thereafter, but shifted course and transitioned from rural Japan to Tokyo. My trajectory encompassed two roles in private education companies. I'm thrilled to be partnering with CIS Abroad. Family inspires me, and I'm a sports enthusiast who cherishes karaoke and onsen - major factors that tied me to Japan, along with meeting my wife and starting a business.

I received my BS in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. After my exchange program to Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea I decided to pursue a career in international education. I worked for VCU School of Business as the Academic Coordinator for the International Consulting Program, and had the opportunity to do company visits in Tokyo, Japan as the Staff Advisor for the graduate students. I also served a dual role as the Student Services Specialist for the Office of Student Engagement. Shortly after, I found myself itching to return to Korea, so I earned my international TESOL certification and spent a year teaching English to kindergarten and elementary students in Bucheon, South Korea. Frankly, any opportunity to encourage students to explore another country gets me super excited - namely to East Asia. I'm especially passionate about seeing minority students have and pursue the opportunities, resources, and confidence to study abroad. While I've only been to Japan and South Korea, I'm eager to travel to my other laundry lists of countries - maybe Europe is next...? In my downtime, I'm usually drawing, playing video games, and hanging with my family/close friends - if not resting, we're more than likely engaged in an intense battle of Uno, trying new food, or a chaotic battle in Mario Kart. Also, I love all things art - whether it's digital illustration, destroying a blank sheet of paper with doodles, struggling with watercolor or having art time with my friends, illustration is my favorite way of self-expression. Oh, and Spongebob seasons 1-5 are top tier comedy.

Alex studied  abroad in the French Alpes when earning her BA at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Following graduation she taught English abroad in China, France, and South Korea. After returning to the states she earned her MA in International Education at SIT Graduate Institute. Alex enjoys exploring culture through food, art, and conversation and has been known to plan travel around best recommendations for street food and immersive museum experiences. In her spare time, Alex participates in community activism through art, repairs vintage typewriters, and gently annoys her cats.

Received a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in Business Administration from Ohio University. It was there where I discovered CIS Abroad and got the opportunity to study abroad twice; in Paris, France and Stirling Scotland as well as become an Alumni Ambassador. It was during my time in the Scottish Highlands where I discovered my passion for travel. On top of studying in Paris and Stirling, I've been blessed to have traveled to Australia, Canada, Ireland, England and Italy as well! I have a passion for hiking and visiting all of the National Parks in the United States. Also enjoy spending time with my cat, Mumford.

I am the daughter of an Argentinean immigrant so all of my dad's family still lives in Argentina. I grew up in South Dakota but attended high school and undergrad in the northern Chicago suburbs. I graduated in 2023 from Lake Forest College with a degree in Neuroscience and Psychology. I balanced life as a women's soccer student-athlete, dance team captain, president of the Neuroscience club and working as a medical assistant and babysitter. I studied abroad in Sorrento, Italy and traveled all throughout Europe during my time there. I also frequent Argentina to visit family but my dream destinations are Tokyo, Spain, Seychelles and sooo many more! I feel inspired to work in international education because I want to share the impact that international travels have had on my life and help provide resources for others to travel and gain a world perspective. Outside of work, I love going to concerts, dancing, reading and meeting new people. I am an empathetic and social butterfly that has a lot of compassion for others. At the same time, I value my 'me-time' and am extremely determined to be the best version of myself.