What inspired you to work for Authentica?
I was excited by how Authentica empowers students to learn beyond the classroom and grow into global citizens. Authentica’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals really speaks to me. I wanted to be part of an organization that doesn’t just talk about study abroad, but designs experiences that create positive social and environmental impact. Being part of that transformation really motivates me.
Describe a typical day at work.
At Authentica, we work on three different time zones; this keeps us pretty busy during the day. Usually, it starts after a good cup of coffee, reviewing emails and messages that have come in during the night from international partners, faculty, students, and colleagues.
During the day, I have meetings and calls to plan logistics for in-country or upcoming programs. I coordinate events or activities with local communities
In the afternoon, we usually have a team meeting to discuss upcoming programs, student experience design, or we work on sustainability projects.
Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do at Authentica because I believe education goes beyond the four walls of a classroom. It is about connecting students with diverse playgrounds for learning. I want to help students discover the world, connect across cultures, and create positive change. Authentica is a great platform to make that happen.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Over the last 25 years, I’ve had the fortune of seeing countless students step into experiences that challenge them in completely new ways. Countless students who arrived hesitant and unsure, and by the end of the program, they were confidently engaging with local communities, asking thoughtful questions, and sharing insights they had never considered before. Moments like that never fail to amaze me. Watching students step out of their comfort zones, embrace uncertainty, and return with a fresh perspective on the world is truly why I love what I do.
Sharing stories and perspectives with students at the end of a nice hike — where history, nature, and learning come together.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
With a background in hotel management and years working internationally, I have spent the last 25 years in study abroad programs in Florence, guiding students to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new cultures, and gain transformative personal and cultural growth through immersive experiences.
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
A common challenge is helping students adapt to new cultures, languages, and unexpected situations. I believe dialogue is key, listening carefully, understanding their perspective, and guiding them builds trust and confidence, helping them overcome obstacles and fully embrace their study abroad experience.
What are some current projects you are working on?
Currently, I am working closely with our entire team to launch Authentica’s new semester programs in Florence and Barcelona. This includes securing all logistical aspects as well as building the academic framework to ensure that students gain a complete and immersive experience in both cities. In addition, I am supporting the finalization of faculty-led programs in Italy and Spain with a strong focus on sustainability, giving students the opportunity to engage deeply with global challenges while learning abroad.
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
If I could advise my pre-travel self, I’d say: be open to everything and don’t fear challenges. Every new culture, person, and unexpected situation is an opportunity to grow, learn, and discover strengths you didn’t know you had. Embrace the unknown, stay curious, and trust that even difficulties will lead to unforgettable, transformative experiences.
What makes Authentica special?
Authentica stands apart through three core pillars: sustainability, where all programs align with the UN SDGs to create a positive global impact; holistic pedagogy, offering immersive experiences that go beyond traditional classroom learning; and career development, equipping students with skills and perspectives that employers value. We don't just offer study abroad - we develop globally-minded professionals ready for tomorrow's challenges.
Climbing heights, clearing minds
Why should someone choose Authentica over competitors?
Students should choose Authentica because we're the only organization that integrates all three elements they need: meaningful impact through UN SDG-aligned programs, transformative learning via our holistic pedagogy, and career advancement through targeted professional development. We deliver complete transformation - students return not just with credits, but as globally-competent professionals equipped to lead in an interconnected world.
What hopes do you have for the future of Authentica?
We envision Authentica becoming the global leader in purpose-driven education abroad, where transformative learning goes hand in hand with meaningful action. Every student experience will be designed to create measurable, lasting, and positive impact on communities worldwide, fostering responsible global citizens and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Are there any developments with Authentica that you would like to share with us?
We're expanding into popular student destinations like Europe, but with a key difference - we're ensuring these programs remain purpose-driven. Students get to study in the locations they desire while still creating meaningful impact, proving that popular doesn't have to mean superficial when it comes to international education.
What makes Authentica easy to market to potential participants?
Today's students actively seek meaningful experiences that align with their values - they don't want generic study abroad, they want purpose. Authentica delivers exactly that through our three-pillar approach: UN SDG-aligned programs that create real impact, holistic pedagogy that transforms perspectives, and career development that translates experience into professional advantage.
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Authentica’s mission is to provide transformative study abroad experiences that foster cultural understanding, personal growth, and global citizenship, while emphasizing sustainability, peace, and justice. We work toward this by designing immersive programs, supporting students throughout their journeys, and ensuring every experience is meaningful, ethically engaged, and connected to the communities we visit.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants take away self-discovery, cultural awareness, and confidence. By stepping out of their comfort zones, they gain new perspectives, form meaningful connections, and carry forward the sustainability lessons and enrichments that Authentica emphasizes, making every study abroad experience truly transformative.
How do you help support participants?
Together with Team Authentica, we support participants from pre-departure and guide them throughout the entire program, preparing them for cultural differences, helping them navigate challenges, and providing encouragement and resources. We aim to create a safe, supportive environment where they can grow, learn, and fully embrace their experience.
Not everything is about what meets the eye… It’s about how you can read the world around you
If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I wish I could have had this opportunity when I was younger. If I could participate today, I’d visit Vietnam, immersing myself in the culture with curiosity and openness. Sustainability wasn’t such a focus when I was younger, but now I would engage deeply in local projects and experiences that promote it.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Once participants learn I’ve traveled extensively, they often ask about my favorite country. I explain that every country is diverse and enriching, whether for a short business trip, a study abroad experience, or your own hometown. It’s how you see it, the experiences you have, and your ability to adapt and apply what you learn that make it truly meaningful.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures is important because, like in my own journey, it broadens perspectives and builds empathy. Living and working in different countries teaches adaptability, exposes you to diverse ways of thinking, and provides experiences that foster personal growth and global awareness.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Speaking languages breaks down walls and opens borders, giving access to new cultures, ideas, and perspectives. Learning languages is important because it lets us connect authentically, understand others’ experiences, and grow personally while embracing the wider world with curiosity and openness.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
My advice is to go with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to embrace challenges. Step out of your comfort zone, engage fully with new cultures, and remember you are never alone; you’ll always be part of a supportive community. Equip yourself with knowledge of the geography, history, politics, and economy of the countries you visit, as understanding the context will deepen your experiences and enrich your personal growth.
Every stone has a story, and today, I had the joy of sharing some during a fantastic city walk
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, for me, is about more than visiting new places; it’s about connecting deeply with people, cultures, and communities, and learning from those experiences. As Bruce Chatwin wrote, travel is about ‘the fascination of difference,’ noticing the small details that reveal a place’s true character. At Authentica, meaningful travel means designing experiences where students don’t just see a country, but engage with it through local communities, cultural immersion, and sustainability projects, so every moment becomes a learning opportunity that broadens perspectives and fosters personal growth.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
To me, ethical global engagement means acting with respect, responsibility, and awareness in every interaction. Even small actions—a gesture, a choice, or a word can reflect on others and create a ripple effect, like a drop forming an ocean, especially when grounded in real, immersive experiences that connect deeply with people and cultures.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope the future of international education encourages curiosity, openness, and ethical engagement. Students should embrace challenges, connect deeply with cultures, and carry forward sustainability, peace, and justice lessons. I hope for a future where global mobility is as free as possible, accessible to all global citizens everywhere.
What qualities in program & host community relations are essential to you? (And Authentica?)
We see too many programs treating local communities as backdrops for student experiences rather than true partners. The biggest issue is extractive tourism disguised as education - students consume cultural experiences without contributing meaningfully to local development. At Authentica, we reject this entirely through genuine community partnerships, UN SDG alignment that addresses real local needs, and measuring success by both student transformation and positive community impact.
