Meet the Study Abroad Staff

Bio:

As the Director of the Office of International Education, Holly oversees the English Language Center, International Affairs, Study Abroad, and Immigration Coordination for the University. Previously, she served as the Director of Capstone International Academic Programs for the University of Alabama, where she managed international programs, including faculty-led study abroad and international exchange partnerships. Holly holds a master's degree in Economic Development from The University of Southern Mississippi, where she developed and coordinated international programs for 8 years prior to joining the University of Alabama.

Holly has always been passionate about international education. As a student she participated on many study abroad and exchange programs. Post-graduation she spent time teaching English as a Second Language in Taiwan. She is mother to three boys and a large golden retriever (also a boy). She loves loud people, new adventures, strong coffee, and stinky cheese.

Quote:

“Traveling abroad is one of the most important and life changing adventures you can take. Give yourself the opportunity to be in unfamiliar surroundings and experience the feeling of being different. Observe other cultures, explore unknown lands, and make new friends. You will learn unique lessons about yourself and return home as a citizen of the world.”

Favorite destination:

Cortona, Italy

Next on her list:

Ghana and Argentina

Bio:

As the Director of the Office of International Education, Holly oversees the English Language Center, International Affairs, Study Abroad, and Immigration Coordination for the University. Previously, she served as the Director of Capstone International Academic Programs for the University of Alabama, where she managed international programs, including faculty-led study abroad and international exchange partnerships. Holly holds a master's degree in Economic Development from The University of Southern Mississippi, where she developed and coordinated international programs for 8 years prior to joining the University of Alabama.

Holly has always been passionate about international education. As a student she participated on many study abroad and exchange programs. Post-graduation she spent time teaching English as a Second Language in Taiwan. She is mother to three boys and a large golden retriever (also a boy). She loves loud people, new adventures, strong coffee, and stinky cheese.

Quote:

“Traveling abroad is one of the most important and life changing adventures you can take. Give yourself the opportunity to be in unfamiliar surroundings and experience the feeling of being different. Observe other cultures, explore unknown lands, and make new friends. You will learn unique lessons about yourself and return home as a citizen of the world.”

Favorite destination:

Cortona, Italy

Next on her list:

Ghana and Argentina

Bio:

Bri is originally from Florida and spent six years in New Orleans earning her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Liberal Arts degrees at Tulane University. She has traveled to over 20 countries on 5 continents, including a year of living abroad in South Korea. While living overseas, she taught English as a Second Language to elementary school students and wrote articles for several Korean magazines. In her spare time she loves to read, write, and play with her dog, Cheese.

Quote:

“I am thrilled to be here at USA to help students explore other countries and cultures. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or thinking about going abroad for the first time, we can help you find a program that will meet your needs and change your life. I am eager to meet you when you are ready to start thinking about studying abroad – it’s never too early. Go Jags!”

Favorite destination:

Mongolia, Italy

Next on her list:

Namibia, Egypt, Thailand

Bio:

Bri is originally from Florida and spent six years in New Orleans earning her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Liberal Arts degrees at Tulane University. She has traveled to over 20 countries on 5 continents, including a year of living abroad in South Korea. While living overseas, she taught English as a Second Language to elementary school students and wrote articles for several Korean magazines. In her spare time she loves to read, write, and play with her dog, Cheese.

Quote:

“I am thrilled to be here at USA to help students explore other countries and cultures. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or thinking about going abroad for the first time, we can help you find a program that will meet your needs and change your life. I am eager to meet you when you are ready to start thinking about studying abroad – it’s never too early. Go Jags!”

Favorite destination:

Mongolia, Italy

Next on her list:

Namibia, Egypt, Thailand 

Bio:

Jess is a Mobile native, who graduated from South in December, 2015 with her bachelor's degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures. During undergrad, Jess studied abroad in Spain. She was an inaugural member of the International Education Ambassador program and presented at the 2015 NAFSA Regional Conference. Jess is an IEP, or International Education Programs Advisor. She enjoys the beach, sports, Mardi Gras, Mexican food, dancing around carelessly to Spanish music, and spoiling her two pets Rugby and Messi, named after the one and only Leo Messi.

Quote:

Being back at my alma matter means a lot to me. Although my entire college experience helped me develop into the young adult that I am today, it was study abroad that really boosted the transformation. Traveling and studying abroad allows you to see the world from a whole new perspective: your own. It's not until you are abroad that you can actually form your own ideas and express your opinions about a country and its culture. I am so excited to be back at South giving back and spreading the word about study abroad!

Favorite destination:

Barcelona, Spain

Next on her list:

Bolivia, Argentina

Bio:

Jess is a Mobile native, who graduated from South in December, 2015 with her bachelor's degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures. During undergrad, Jess studied abroad in Spain. She was an inaugural member of the International Education Ambassador program and presented at the 2015 NAFSA Regional Conference. Jess is an IEP, or International Education Programs Advisor. She enjoys the beach, sports, Mardi Gras, Mexican food, dancing around carelessly to Spanish music, and spoiling her two pets Rugby and Messi, named after the one and only Leo Messi.

Quote:

Being back at my alma matter means a lot to me. Although my entire college experience helped me develop into the young adult that I am today, it was study abroad that really boosted the transformation. Traveling and studying abroad allows you to see the world from a whole new perspective: your own. It's not until you are abroad that you can actually form your own ideas and express your opinions about a country and its culture. I am so excited to be back at South giving back and spreading the word about study abroad!

Favorite destination:

Barcelona, Spain

Next on her list:

Bolivia, Argentina

Bio:

Jan was born and raised in the Philippines until the age of 11 when she moved to the U.S. She lived in Michigan for three years before moving to Alabama in 2005. Jan graduated from South in 2016 majoring in Foreign Languages and Literatures with a concentration in French. Studying in Dijon, France was the highlight of her college career. She loves learning about different cultures and languages. She is proficient in English, Tagalog, French, Italian and some sign language. On her spare time, she enjoys drawing with charcoal, jamming to Disney songs, and watching re-runs of Friends.

Quote:

It’s not impossible, but I’m possible! I never thought my dream of going to France would become a reality. But because of the Office of International Education, I made it from Moulton Tower to the Eiffel Tower! Studying abroad teaches you things that you will never learn within the four walls of a classroom. It will give you answers you will not find in the pages of a textbook. What you reap from the experience is invaluable and life changing. Come visit our office and take the first step in making your dream come true!

Favorite destination:

Het Drielandenpunt (“Tripoint” where the borders of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands meet)

Next on her list:

Australia and the United Kingdom

Bio:

Jan was born and raised in the Philippines until the age of 11 when she moved to the U.S. She lived in Michigan for three years before moving to Alabama in 2005. Jan graduated from South in 2016 majoring in Foreign Languages and Literatures with a concentration in French. Studying in Dijon, France was the highlight of her college career. She loves learning about different cultures and languages. She is proficient in English, Tagalog, French, Italian and some sign language. On her spare time, she enjoys drawing with charcoal, jamming to Disney songs, and watching re-runs of Friends.

Quote:

It’s not impossible, but I’m possible! I never thought my dream of going to France would become a reality. But because of the Office of International Education, I made it from Moulton Tower to the Eiffel Tower! Studying abroad teaches you things that you will never learn within the four walls of a classroom. It will give you answers you will not find in the pages of a textbook. What you reap from the experience is invaluable and life changing. Come visit our office and take the first step in making your dream come true!

Favorite destination:

Het Drielandenpunt (“Tripoint” where the borders of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands meet)

Next on her list:

Australia and the United Kingdom

Bio:

Cammie is currently a graduate student studying to get her clinical doctorate in Audiology. She is from Tallahassee, FL where she received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Science & Disorders from Florida State University. She is an advisor for students and loves answering questions and helping them choose study abroad destinations! She enjoys exercising, going to the beach, and being outdoors.

Quote:

Studying abroad helped me understand how other clinicians practice in a different country. I gained independence and confidence while learning how to navigate a big city like London by myself. Being there for four weeks allowed me to immerse myself in the culture and try a melting pot of different types of food. I now appreciate the history behind all the old beautiful buildings, such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.

Favorite destination:

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Next on her list:

New Zealand

Bio:

Cammie is currently a graduate student studying to get her clinical doctorate in Audiology. She is from Tallahassee, FL where she received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Science & Disorders from Florida State University. She is an advisor for students and loves answering questions and helping them choose study abroad destinations! She enjoys exercising, going to the beach, and being outdoors.

Quote:

Studying abroad helped me understand how other clinicians practice in a different country. I gained independence and confidence while learning how to navigate a big city like London by myself. Being there for four weeks allowed me to immerse myself in the culture and try a melting pot of different types of food. I now appreciate the history behind all the old beautiful buildings, such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.

Favorite destination:

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Next on her list:

New Zealand

Program Name

USA in Costa Rica: Business (Summer 2016); Midwestern State British Studies (Summer 2017)

Major

Business Management

Favorite Memory Abroad

Taking my first Gondola ride through the canals of Venice, Italy

Program Name

USA in Costa Rica: Business (Summer 2016); Midwestern State British Studies (Summer 2017)

Major

Business Management

Favorite Memory Abroad

Taking my first Gondola ride through the canals of Venice, Italy

Program Name:

USA in Spain: Language and Culture (Summer 2017)

Major:

Spanish

Favorite Memory Abroad:

My favorite memory abroad was when I hiked to the top of the mountain by myself and could see the entire city and watch the sunset. It was breath taking and beautiful.

Program Name:

USA in Spain: Language and Culture (Summer 2017)

Major:

Spanish

Favorite Memory Abroad:

My favorite memory abroad was when I hiked to the top of the mountain by myself and could see the entire city and watch the sunset. It was breath taking and beautiful.