Advising & Info Sessions

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:

Syliah is an Education Abroad Advisor and a recent graduate of South Alabama. Syliah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Modern and Classical Languages with concentrations in both French and Spanish. While attending South, Syliah served as editor and Social Media Chair for the Chi Omega Chapter of Phi Sigma Iota, the highest academic honor in the field of foreign languages, and received PSI’s Dr. Santiago Vilas Scholarship. She is also a recipient of the Gilman Scholarship, which allowed her to study virtually with Dr. Pettway in Argentina and also led to her being accepted in the TAPIF program, where she taught English in Nice, France for an academic year. Syliah is an avid travel and culture enthusiast and wants to promote traveling to everyone, regardless of background. In her free time, Syliah enjoys reading fantasy and dystopian novels, watching horror films/romcoms and collecting POP figures.

Quote:

Syliah loves living her life at the mercy of fortune cookies. Her last fortune cookie read “A woman who aspires to be equal to a man lacks ambition.” She would share her lucky numbers but she’s hoping to win the lottery.

Favorite destination:

Nice, France or Porto, Portugal

Next on her list:

Brazil, Senegal, Ghana…

Bio:

Chelé is a Mobile, AL native who graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2016  (Biology), 2020 (International Studies), and is finishing her Master of Education in 2023. She also has her second degree black belt in Taekwondo. After the pandemic interrupted her final attempt at completing a Study Abroad program through USA, she persevered and moved on her own after graduating to Seoul, South Korea where she continued intensive Korean language study at Korea University. After living abroad, she returned to South Alabama to help facilitate the same life-changing experiences for others, with a passion for students and study abroad. Chele’s current obsessions include travel planning, interior decorating, and entertaining her three children (cats) as a way to wind down each day.

Quote:

Even when you are scared you can’t, take the chance anyway. I guarantee you will surprise yourself.

Favorite destination:

The Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea; a place hidden within the center of the bustling modern city.

Next on her list:

Thailand, Switzerland, and everywhere else

Bio:

Sabrina is a graduate student from China and is currently serving as the Graduate Assistant at Global USA. Having received her B.A. in English (minor: Japanese) from China, she graduated from USA with a master’s degree in English Literature in 2020 and is currently working on her doctoral degree in Education (Higher Education Leadership). Prior to moving to the U.S., she was based in Beijing and has extensive international exchange experience in public sectors including education and performing arts. Sabrina has traveled across America and to Finland, Germany, Canada, and Australia. She enjoys meeting and working with people from all different backgrounds and cultures. When she is not reading, writing, researching, or advising study-abroad students, she may be found traveling, painting, baking, running, or attending musicals/ballets/plays/concerts/improvs, among many other things she enjoys.

Quote:

The hardest victory is over self. -- Aristotle

Favorite destination:

Sydney, Australia & Berlin, Germany

Next on her list:

UK, France, Italy, Dubai, Egypt, India, Japan, Brazil…