Meet the Study Abroad Staff

Bio:

Dr. Bri Ard is the Executive Director of Global Engagement at the University of South Alabama, where her key responsibilities include collaborating with faculty and administrators to expand and support study abroad and exchange programs, providing the university’s chief international officer advice on strategies for internationalization of campus, assisting faculty and other personnel to advance international travel and facilitate cross-collaborations.  Bri holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Tulane University and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Instructional Design from the University of South Alabama.  Bri has traveled to 40+ countries and lived abroad twice, once as an English teacher in Ilsan, Korea and most recently on a Fulbright Fellowship to Bucharest, Romania.  She loves reading (mostly fiction), running (mostly slowly), and every dog she has ever met.

Favorite destination:

Mongolia

Next on her list:

Everywhere

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. In 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 within 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:

Felicia Cooley is the International Programs Assistant for International Education and Study Abroad at the University of South Alabama. Felicia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from The University of South Alabama. She participated in one of South's first study abroad programs in 1999.   She and her family (husband Tyler and their two sons John & James) enjoy traveling, South Alabama and Alabama football games, and anything outdoors.  She enjoys attending cultural events to increase awareness of our global community.

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. 

Fun Fact/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 Destination:
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 Destination:
Thailand, Switzerland, and everywhere else

Major:

Public Relations

Study Abroad Program:

USA Culture and Communication in Italy, Summer 2024

Most Memorable Experience Abroad:

Studying abroad this summer in Italy was my first time out of the country. While the entire trip was amazing, the most memorable moment for me was exploring the Roman Colosseum. It was breathtaking and humbling to experience history, so well preserved, with all of my senses-- not just reading it from a textbook. I already miss singing Ciao Bella with hundreds of strangers in the downtown square and riding mechanical bulls, cooking pasta and tiramisu from scratch, Sunday farmers markets, and painting pottery with centuries old techniques. Italy will forever be special to me.

Get to know Destani and learn more about her experience! You may reach her at: oiepeeradvisor@southalabama.edu

Major:

Biomedical Science

Study Abroad Program:

USA: British Contributions to Science and Medicine, Summer 2024

Most Memorable Experience Abroad:

My most memorable experience while studying abroad in England was visiting the small village of Eyam. Here I was able to learn about the lives of plague survivors in the 1600s. The village itself is in the beautiful countryside of England and is still home to the distant descendants and relatives of those who survived the deadly disease. I learned that the genes of plague survivors were passed on, and still today, used to understand immunity and how the body protects itself from disease. This village offered a unique perspective into the history of science and medicine in England and its influence today.

Get to know Geneva and learn more about her experience! You may reach her at: oiepeeradvisor@southalabama.edu

Major:

Biology

Study Abroad Program:

USA World Literature after 1650 in Italy, Summer 2024

Most Memorable Experience Abroad:

My most memorable experience abroad was the gondola ride I did with a few of the other students/friends I made on the trip while we were in Venice. The city is absolutely beautiful and being able to see it while we were slowly drifting through the water, which the city is surrounded by, was such a unique experience and way to explore the city. Outside of this one experience out of so many other amazing ones, my entire trip was so memorable and being able to explore Italy and even multiple cities in Italy was so insightful. I had the opportunity to see so many historical sites, meet so many great people, try so many cultural foods, and do so many other things. Study abroad truly allows you to immerse yourself in the cultural of the country you visit and will forever cherish my experiences and memories abroad.

Get to know Myra and learn more about her experience! You may reach her at: oiepeeradvisor@southalabama.edu

Major:

Theater Arts

Study Abroad Program:

USA Shakespeare in London and Stratford-upon-Avon, Summer 2024

Most Memorable Experience Abroad:

My most memorable experience abroad was being able to tour the city and see the many examples of theatre all around. We experienced the downtown theatre district and actors performing in courtyards, but the best part was seeing the National Theatre. I loved touring the National Theatre because it immediately felt like home. I wanted to stay there forever and to be able to watch the theatre come to life at night, was amazing. I hope in the future I can do an internship during the summer and learn all the different jobs and fixtures of the building. 

Get to know Autumn and learn more about her experience! You may reach her at: oiepeeradvisor@southalabama.edu

Major:

Computer Science

Study Abroad Program:

USA Physics in Europe, Summer 2024

Most Memorable Experience:

My most memorable experience abroad was during the first day we explored CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. We were having lunch at one of CERN’s cafeterias, sitting outside on the patio with my classmates and friends whilst other particle physicists were eating lunch next to us. What made it so surreal was how picture perfect that day was, with the patio overlooking the facilities on one side and a giant vineyard on the other side, tall hills and mountains surrounding all around us reflecting the sunlight, and a slight breeze to add the cherry on top. I remember thinking to myself “Wow, I’m really here. I’m actually in Switzerland right now.” I’ll always cherish this study abroad trip and will always be grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience

Get to know Reeshi and learn more about his experience! You may reach him at: oiepeeradvisor@southalabama.edu

Major:

Journalism

Study Abroad Program:

Internship Abroad with Barcelona SAE, Spring 2024

Most Memorable Experience Abroad:

My most memorable experience abroad was while I was visiting Morocco with my program. We were able to travel from their capital city to small villages, meeting locals along the way. Our conversations of their country, beliefs, and ways of life permanently changed my perspective and broadened it to a level beyond what I could believe. It made me understand just how much cultural differences can affect a mindset and way of life. It inspired me to keep traveling to be educated on the many cultures in our world and to celebrate and experience them personally. 

Get to know Abby and learn more about her experience! You may reach her at: oiepeeradvisor@southalabama.edu