Describe a typical day at work.
I get to work around 8.30AM. I check that all classes start to run smoothly and then I start with my administrative tasks. Typically I have a couple of informal conversations with professors and students. The Staff meeting occurs once a week and program evaluations every 3-4 weeks.
At the ALBA Center
Why do you do what you do?
As ALBA program manager I work in a wide variety of areas; including academic planning, faculty coordination, and students advising. My main tasks are related with the management of the center in Spain, while the program director is dedicated to the US part.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My academic profile is business administration and international trade. I apply it directly with the management of the program in both administrative and academic issues.
I've been working in the study abroad industry for the last 18 years in American and European institutions. I use my educational background everyday.
Personal picture
Why should someone choose ALBA over competitors?
Barcelona is a very popular city for study abroad and most programs are run by big organizations, running programs with up to 900-1000 students in some cases.
Here at ALBA we have a cap of 60 students per term. It ensures that our students get an unique experience and a full immersion in the city and in the local culture.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
ALBA strives to provide premier study abroad programs for U.S students that deliver the highest quality education while simultaneously promoting our student’s development of intercultural competence. We are focused on academic quality, continuous improvement, and in helping students understand and integrate themselves in the local culture. This is our mission.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Travelling abroad allows students to gain intercultural competence. This competence is essential and certainly will be applied directly to students’ future jobs or personal lives.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a second or a third language is becoming a progressively necessary and essential skill for anyone who wants to keep up with today’s rapidly increasing global economy. On the other hand, those who only speak one language will begin to get left behind. Society is moving towards a more integrated and connected global manner and learning a new language is the perfect way to adapt to its changes.
Travelling in Slovenia
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
As a former student abroad and as a professional in the field of education I would strongly recommend it to any undergraduate student for different reasons. It's an asset in the student's resumé. Students gain adaptability, language and intercultural skills. They meet a diverse range of people not only from the local country but even from their own country, making long life friends. They learn how to be more independent and understand their own culture by comparing it with the host culture. They acquire a global mind-set, and most importantly, they will have an unforgettable experience.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
One of my first pieces of advice to students is: "you are not a tourist, you are a resident in this new country". Meaningful travel is the combination of an experience that enriches your life and the support of the local community or environment during this trip. Being environmentally and socially responsible when travelling is also an important component.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope that international education will become more accessible to students with different cultural and economic backgrounds so the diversification of study abroad in terms of destinations and disciplines will continue to grow.
