What inspired you to work for EESA-Eastern European?
I was a study abroad student myself. I am passionate about exploring new cultures and I was looking to work somewhere where I could help others live through these great experiences.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy speaking with perspective students and advising them about different study abroad opportunities with EESA. I also help them make decisions regarding suitable dates and types of accommodation. I like the policy of our company of taking an individual approach with each student. We always find ways to make studying abroad possible for all students, including financial advising and customizing some programs. The favorite part of my job is seeing the excitement and satisfaction of our students.
Walking city tour with newly arrived students
What are some current projects you are working on?
I am working on planning the cultural activities for our language students this summer in Kharkiv, Ukraine. We've partnered with many NGOs in the city, and it's great to see how we can get the EESA students involved in so many projects and social events on-site.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I would advise myself not to be afraid to meet local people and practice my language skills! Prior to departure, I would advise myself to read more information about the new country or check the main addresses and places on the map before going there, so that I could prepare for the journey. Recognizing the places I’ve previously read about and seeing them with my own eyes is very exciting!
Visiting Kharkiv Philharmonic Orchestra with students
Why should someone choose EESA-Eastern European over competitors?
We care about our students and develop individualized opportunities. EESA provides unique programs at affordable prices. No other program in Europe takes students to seven cities in five countries in one semester for less money. Our greatest asset is our people, those who help students in the U.S., and all the people on site who make their experience unforgettable.
What makes EESA-Eastern Europeaneasy to market to potential participants?
We offer study abroad programs to many destinations, but our semester program is based in Kharkiv, Ukraine, which is also my hometown. All of the students who came to Kharkiv have fallen in love with this city!
EESA is the only study abroad provider in Ukraine.
For anyone with family connections to Ukraine or a general interest in the area, EESA is the way to go!
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad is the easiest and most exciting way to learn a foreign language. Experiencing new cultures will help you become more independent and teach you how to adapt to a new environment. You will make new friends and meet new people from around the world and learn their culture and mentality. All of this will widen your horizons and enhance your communications skills, which is truly priceless.
In the classroom with a student from Canada, Toronto
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Now the world is increasingly globalized, where a lot of people are interacting and communicating among and between multiple cultures each day. It is very important to learn a new language and it becomes self-evident. Learning a new language helps you to communicate across cultures and to conduct business in many considered viable markets. It also helps you to address customers in the language that they understand best and in which they are most comfortable communicating. Additionally, the importance of learning a new language is emphasized every day when we see the diversity of earth’s cultures and nationalities. It also helps to make new connections and understand the world from the perspective of another culture and gain an appreciation for human society in all its diversity.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Going abroad is a great opportunity to measure your life. Knowing about other cultures, customs, people, food, and ways of living is a great chance to discover what you like, what you want to be involved with in your life, and what you don’t. Being far away from home forces you to be independent. Going through tough situations strengthens our character and those good moments create memories that no one can take away. It’s important to say yes to everything – engage in as much as possible, even if you are unsure, feel homesick or feel outside your comfort zone. It’s not just about learning and living in another place, it's about building friendships and engaging with people from outside your ‘own world.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
The purpose of travel is to build social relationships, opportunities to learn, grow, and commit. It gives me the chance to be truly engaged in an activity, to develop new skills, and to discover new cultures. It brings me closer to myself and others. It deepens my life and shifts my perspective. It opens possibilities, horizons, conversations, and experiences. It changes how I see and interact with nearly every aspect of the world around me.