Advising & Infosessions

Bio:

Shawn is originally from South Carolina but grew up in the California Bay Area. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Los Angeles and her Master of Arts from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. Shawn has traveled to over 15 countries on three continents, including seven years of living between Ghana and Togo, West Africa. While living in West Africa she led customized faculty-led groups, global internship and service-learning programs. Some of her travel studies include French summer sessions in Paris, a conflict resolution fellowship in Tanzania/Kenya and a United Nations graduate-level internship in Geneva.  She enjoys exploring new places; especially scenic beach spots in her free time.

Quote:

“The only person I envy is the person who hasn’t traveled or studied abroad; you have so much to look forward to! I truly believe everyone deserves and needs a global perspective.  I know sometimes going abroad is easier said than done. But, as my mentor Marie Forleo says, ‘everything is figureoutable’.  I’m so excited to be in a role where I get to help students figure out a path to achieve their dreams”.

Favorite destination:

Portbou, Spain

Next on her list:

Thailand, Senegal, Cape Verde Islands

Bio:

Jan was born and raised in the Philippines until the age of 11 when she moved to the U.S. She lived in Michigan for three years before moving to Alabama in 2005. Jan graduated from South in 2016 majoring in Foreign Languages and Literatures with a concentration in French. Studying in Dijon, France was the highlight of her college career. She loves learning about different cultures and languages. She is proficient in English, Tagalog, French, Italian and some sign language. On her spare time, she enjoys drawing with charcoal, jamming to Disney songs, and watching re-runs of Friends.

Quote:

It’s not impossible, but I’m possible! I never thought my dream of going to France would become a reality. But because of the Office of International Education, I made it from Moulton Tower to the Eiffel Tower! Studying abroad teaches you things that you will never learn within the four walls of a classroom. It will give you answers you will not find in the pages of a textbook. What you reap from the experience is invaluable and life changing. Come visit our office and take the first step in making your dream come true!

Favorite destination:

Het Drielandenpunt (“Tripoint” where the borders of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands meet)

Next on her list:

Australia and the United Kingdom

Bio:

Jamie is originally from Daleville, Alabama. She moved to Mobile in 2014 to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree at USA. She graduated in 2018 with a major in Speech and Hearing Sciences and a minor in English. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Audiology. Jamie studied abroad while in graduate school, visiting Durban, South Africa. In her spare time she enjoys hanging in her hammock, reading a good book, and spending time with friends. 

Quote:

"Through study abroad, I was able to learn more than just what the classroom can teach. It provided me the unique opportunity to be exposed to things I thought I would never be able to see in practice. I was able to learn about myself and grow as a future audiologist. I am excited to help fellow South students find the right study abroad experience for them! Don't be nervous, come chat with me about study abroad!"

Favorite destination:

Durban, South Africa

Next on her list:

Puerto Rico, Canada, Italy