What inspired you to work for SRAS?
When I was in Moscow in summer 2008, doing my SRAS program, I began taking on more and more student support tasks for SRAS and eventually became the SRAS Moscow Student Coordinator.
SRAS was very small then—only two other full-time employees and only a handful of students in each of our locations. SRAS has grown a lot since then, but we still have a small core team, which really helps us move quickly with innovations and pivot in moments of crisis.
And, I think, it gives our organization as a whole a “soul.” We do care about all of our students and the experiences people have with us.
I've been part of SRAS for more than 16 years, and I'm thrilled to have shared that history with SRAS, our partners, and our students.
Describe a typical day at work.
Since first starting with SRAS as a Moscow Student Coordinator, I've taken on a variety of other roles—from program advisor to program coordinator, to developing closer relationships with our partners, to helping streamline our study abroad pre-departure processes.
I’ve also managed our online programs, done site visits abroad, and directed our enrollment processes.
Up to this day, I do a mix of all of those things, and I can sincerely say there is no “typical” day—and life is always interesting!
Sharing a meal with students after visiting the stunning Geghard Monastery in Armenia, summer 2023.
Why do you do what you do?
I love to help others on their study abroad journey because when you choose to open yourself up to another language and culture, it truly sets you on a path full of experience.
I get to experience that from afar (living vicariously through our students!) on a day-to-day basis—and periodically firsthand when I do site visits in our locations abroad.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Being part of a smaller organization with an amazing team! Every day is different.
I love the flexibility in my schedule and choosing what to focus on each day. When you work for a smaller organization, you have greater influence over the direction different projects and undertakings take.
At SRAS, you never feel like you are just a cog in the wheel!
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Well, I would tell my young, pre-study-abroad self not to be afraid of making mistakes in the language. This specifically relates to those going to countries to study the language of the host country.
You will make SO much more progress if you are not embarrassed about making mistakes! As an introverted person, I tended to avoid conversation when possible (I much preferred working on reading, writing, and listening comprehension in a quiet, controlled environment, haha!).
But the truly enriching experiences happen when you force yourself to get over it, make mistakes, and actually connect with people. That is where the magic is.
Taking in the breathtaking mountain views during a site visit to Kazbegi, Georgia.
What makes your organization special?
SRAS has been a leader in innovative study abroad programming for over 20 years.
We work closely with local institutions to integrate cultural programming and experiential learning with a strong educational base.
We work with more than 400 participants a year, as individuals or in groups. We enjoy and believe in what we do.
It’s not just a job for us—it’s an opportunity for ongoing discovery, creativity, and shared possibility.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
Every part of your experience is important and will be unique. Tell us about yourself and your goals, and we will make sure you select the right location, classes, and activities to help you thrive.
You will live in a new culture, speak and dream in a foreign language, and learn from a new education system.
Phenomenal stories and photos, new friends, and enhanced language skills are only part of the picture. The true beauty of study abroad is the personal growth and resiliency you will gain as you meet the challenges and wonders—big and small—that are part of living in a different culture.
Are there any developments with SRAS that you would like to share with us?
When COVID hit, we developed online programs for Russian and Ukrainian language study—one-on-one study with our instructors who are native speakers.
We still offer those programs, which are fantastic opportunities both pre- and post-study abroad.
Pre-study abroad, it allows you to converse with native speakers—who are NOT your professors at your home university. One shock for many students when they first go abroad is that their professors at home knew what they had studied, so they kept the conversation to those topics. That gave students a false sense that their language abilities were much higher than they truly were.
When you go abroad, you are no longer in the “safety” of such conversations—you have no idea where things might go!
And post-study abroad, they are great for keeping up your language skills when you're back in an English-speaking environment.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Your growth fuels ours. We offer our participants opportunities to publish work, develop resources, and inform the direction of our programs.
We encourage you to explore and push your boundaries. You grow by doing so, and we grow through your feedback.
The world is changing, and we take note. We pride ourselves on being flexible and responsive to changing interests and needs.
We understand that we learn through trial and error. As an organization, we are nimble and passionate—eager to take on challenging locations and new approaches.
With students during our journey from Warsaw to Georgia and on to Armenia—sunny skies and great company along the way.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
We believe that education is the bedrock that forms capable professionals, prosperous economies, and peaceful, inclusive, and equitable societies.
We are proud to serve in a field that can create serious and positive effects, all while being exciting, fun, and encouraging to creativity, intellectual curiosity, and critical thought.
If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
Oh, that is such a hard question—I seriously want to do ALL of our programs!
When I first studied abroad, Russian language was my focus, so it was clear I wanted to study somewhere in Russia. Now that’s not an option, but there are so many other fantastic options for the study of Russian, where you can also explore a different culture and their relationship to Russian.
I think my top choice would be to do our Identity and Conflict in the Caucasus program, as that program really delves into the history and current identity of many post-Soviet states, including travel to Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
One of the big questions is about funding: "How do I afford this?"
I always point students to our funding page, where we literally list every scholarship—offered by SRAS as well as external sources—that we are aware of. That is a great resource.
I also point out that if they are considering a semester-long program, usually, you can apply any financial aid you're receiving from your home university to the program. This is different for each college/university, but we can help guide you through that.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It is easy to get "stuck" in your own life, and when you are young, you don't even realize you're stuck unless you've had exposure to other cultures and ways of thinking.
I think it is especially crucial in today's very polarized society to understand that not everyone shares the same experiences or beliefs.
Being transplanted into a completely new culture and environment very quickly relieves you of that fallacy.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
When learning Russian, one of my first and most profound realizations was that the structure of your native language influences how you think. That's amazing.
You have some incredible experiences when you study a foreign language. One of my favorite moments, after studying abroad and being immersed in the language, came maybe two months in: I started dreaming in Russian.
A few weeks later came another moment: I realized I was no longer translating what was said to me in Russian into English—I was just understanding the Russian without needing the internal translator. Learning a new language is truly enriching.
On a city run through the streets of Riga and along the Daugava—so different from trail runs!
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Start planning early and identify your objectives! Most people have a myriad of reasons for wanting to study abroad.
From a practical standpoint, I recommend focusing on your academic objectives first, as this will help narrow your options. Talk to your academic advisor about what you need for your degree.
Your professors and your study abroad office can also identify potential programs of interest. In looking at programs, consider academics, program length, level of immersion (especially if second language acquisition is a top priority), experiences outside the classroom, cost/financial aid/scholarships, program reviews, and housing options.
Eventually, one perfect program will begin to emerge!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means engaging with the local population and living as they do—not transplanting your life into a new community.
You truly have to be open to experiencing new things and seeing things from a new perspective.
One of the best ways to truly engage with your new community is via volunteer opportunities. Another way is through independent travel, which we highly encourage at SRAS.
