What inspired you to work for the American University of Beirut -- Mediterraneo?
I have always sought to work in institutes of long-standing tradition that also have a modern and contemporary educational vision and practice. Having organized numerous university student trips in the U.S. and Europe, I have come to respect and believe in the liberal arts program that AUB Mediterraneo offers. I also respect that it is a non-profit organization and it seeks to assist its students in every way. It was also very appealing to be part of this amazing project starting from the ground up, a new venture, but with the experience of one hundred and fifty-eight years! Growing up in the Mediterranean, AUB was considered a beacon of light in education, so for me, this is a dream!
End-of-year beach party attended by the faculty and students of AUB - Mediterraneo
Describe a typical day at work
One of the best aspects of my work is that there is no ‘usual day’ and no two days that are the same! On weekdays I will go to campus with the students that have early classes. At the start of the term, I usually spend more time at the dorms, assisting the newly arrived students with bureaucratic issues like banks, or settling in, finding their way around the city, connecting them with local sports clubs, transportation, etc. Later on, I will spend most of my time organizing interesting and fun activities for our students for the weekends and reaching out to different organizations that can offer this in diverse ways.
Knowing what you know about travelling and relating to and learning about other cultures now, what would you tell your pre travel self?
The first time one leaves their own country to live abroad is always daunting, but having lived and travelled in numerous places, I would suggest to not have any preconceived ideas. There is no greater gift than travelling and especially to be able to reside in a new/ different country, to be able to immerse yourself in a different culture and see what it has to offer you; to enhance your self with new experiences and to exchange aspects of your own culture.
How do you use your education and background in your current role?
I believe that having attended an international school since kindergarten, having studied and lived abroad for the majority of my life has shaped my outlook and who I am completely. I have a strong sense of home, but I have great respect for all cultures and all things different. It has taught me to be resilient and has allowed me to think unconventionally, as well as given me the ability to connect with people from all around the world. Teaching and living alongside young adults has allowed me to stay focused on my professional goals and be extremely close to my students' needs and lives altogether.
Beach clean-up at the nearby beach attended by the student volunteers of AUB - Mediterraneo
Why should someone choose AUB Mediterraneo over competitors?
I would choose AUB Mediterraneo for several reasons:
It stems from AUB Beirut, one of the most highly regarded universities in the world. However, being a new venture, there is a lot of enthusiasm and positive input, and all staff and faculty are extremely committed and invested. For the coming years, our small number of students allows our professors and staff to know every student personally and provide teaching and service of extremely high quality.
Another deciding factor is the liberal arts program, where they broaden their perspective and knowledge during their studies. Many universities achieve the opposite by focusing solely on a rigid way of teaching; I believe that this is very important to create and retain a critical way of thinking.
The location must not be underestimated in any way; Pafos is an oasis in a turbulent world!
Cyprus, and especially Pafos is one of the safest places to live in. It was recently voted the best small city to reside in. Furthermore, it offers all the benefits of a small town, with the amenities of a big city; the climate boasts very mild winters and extended summers, a plethora of picturesque villages full of culture, an international airport, beautiful beaches, nature reserves, bustling nightlife, slow pace of living, and a true international population. In winter you can travel up to the mountains to touch the snow and back to the beach to swim within half an hour!
Haloumi workshop attended by the students of AUB - Mediterraneo
What do you hope students take away from their AUB Mediterraneo experience?
As an OSA officer, my wish is that our students graduate with a feeling of inner strength that comes from hard work, commitment, and achievement. I want them to feel resilient and confident to face the world and be able to dream big. I hope that other than the academic experience that AUB Mediterraneo offers them, they will leave having experienced the passion and support all of us here have for what we do. I hope they will have acquired the skill to be flexible and adaptive wherever they choose to settle; I want them to feel that when a group of people come together with a common goal, they can achieve anything.
Studying abroad is life-changing. What advice would you give to a student to optimize their time abroad?
Traveling abroad and immersing oneself in different cultures offers benefits and experiences that cannot be gained in any other way. It unravels and enhances aspects inside of us that help us discover who we are and who we strive to be. AUB Mediterraneo believes that there is a lot to be learned outside the classroom!
Greeting new students on the very first day they arrive, living beside them, and watching them grow and achieve their personal and academic goals is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. Most of us here at AUB Mediterraneo have come from different parts of the globe for a common purpose–to materialize this amazing project and see our students transform into their full potential is the best end result.
My advice to any student studying abroad is to keep their identity, values, and culture intact but to open their minds and hearts to absorb all the new experiences that a new country has to offer. It is a privilege to have this chance–make the most of it!
Marathon organized and joined by AUB - Mediterraneo.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
I advise individuals to seek destinations that are not necessarily obvious or popular and especially not very similar to where they have traveled before. Traveling and having a chance to live abroad requires research to make sure that the entire experience will be beneficial and constructive–not just pleasurable. I would strongly recommend embracing the culture and choose to live amongst the local community, to try the local food, traditions and customs, and to experience the local nature.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel for me, means to embrace all that is different from what I know and have experienced. To take on something new that I admire, to respect and acknowledge a better way of being, to challenge myself not to settle in what feels safe and to venture out of my comfort zone, and to be inquisitive.
