CAPA WORLD

A CAPA Study Abroad Alumna and Ambassador Interview with Sharon Sanchez

Meet Sharon Sanchez, a Riverside City College student studying to be a registered nurse. She studied abroad in Florence, an experience that helped her grow both personally and professionally. Below, she talked a bit more about her first impressions of the city, why she applied to be a CAPA Ambassador, and shares how this experience will impact her future career. 

An Interview with CAPA Institutional Relations Manager for Equity and Inclusion Initiatives: Darin Smith-Gaddis

Meet Darin Smith-Gaddis, CAPA's first Institutional Relations Manager for Equity and Inclusion Initiatives. Since his start with CAPA in 2014, Darin has focused on building relationships with institutional partners. Drawing from his experience in developing key programs for education and diversity and inclusion efforts, he is committed to helping others understand and expand access for underrepresented students to study abroad. Below, he shares what led to his current role at CAPA, why study abroad is important, and how educators and institutions can be more inclusive. 

CAPA WORLD: Tell us a bit about yourself and your work with CAPA.
DARIN SMITH-GADDIS: I work on Equity and Inclusion initiatives as an Institutional Relations Manager for CAPA. I’ve had the opportunity to travel most of my life, starting with many trips from my home, Anchorage, Alaska, to visit relatives and friends in other states and other countries. I participated in my first study abroad in high school, spending an academic year in Brasilia, Brazil. After that I guess I never stopped. I participated in two study abroad programs in undergrad to the Czech Republic and several former Yugoslav countries and just kept going. By 30 I’d flown over 1 million miles getting to know the diverse communities and cultures that make up our world. At CAPA my primary goal is to increase accessibility for students to study abroad. Working with faculty, administrators and students, I try to bring study abroad concepts to fruition, create connections that lead to programs, and develop solutions to challenges to break down barriers. This means making sure our partners are informed and supported as they pursue their respective institutional missions.

Claire Shrader is an official CAPA blogger for spring 2018, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Pre-Occupational Therapy major at Mississippi College, she is studying abroad in Buenos Aires this semester.

In this week's post, Claire meets with local Argentinian friends, Andres and Fernanda, and introduces us to them in this interview.

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Hola! Today’s post is brought to you by two of my dear friends. Andres/Andy was my mentor in a church retreat here in Buenos Aires in 2012. I remember having conversations about the wonderful Fernanda he wanted to marry back then, and tonight I got to go to their home to enjoy some delicious empanadas and to hear the rest of their story. It was truly a delightful night, and we laughed so hard. I hope you enjoy this interview they were gracious enough to participate in! Mil gracias, Fer y Andy!!

Fernanda, me, and Andres/Andy.

CLAIRE SHRADER: Can you introduce yourselves?

FERNANDA: Okay, I’m Fernanda, I love to laugh *laughs* I’m a teacher, I work in an evangelical Christian school, and I teach art. I’m 28 years old and I live in Floresta with Andres, my husband, who’s here beside me.

ANDRES: Floresta, Buenos Aires, Argentina, that is. The people from [Claire's] university probably don’t know where Floresta is. I work in digital marketing advertisement, in a huge industry referral here in Argentina. I’m the digital coordinator for the ABInBev client.

An Interview with Award-Winning Author, Acclaimed Travel Writer, and CAPA Visiting Professor Michael Meyer

Meet Michael Meyer, an award-winning writer who has published a non-fiction trilogy set in China. With experiences abroad as a journalist and as an acclaimed travel writer, and having contributed to The New York Times,Time, the Financial Times, Los Angeles Times, and Chicago Tribune among others; he is also an associate professor for the English writing program at the University of Pittsburgh. Below, he talks about how he got his start overseas, shares lessons from his writing and publishing experience, and reveals what students can expect from his Travel Writing course this summer in London.

CAPA WORLD: What sparked your interest in traveling?
MICHAEL MEYER: Both travel writing and China happened by accident. The Peace Corps sent me to the latter after I had rejected seven other countries, none of which spoke Spanish, my second language. China was their final offer. I was about to graduate, broke and without prospects. I majored in Education and worked as a journalist throughout college, but there was no job waiting for me. A plane ticket to China felt like a reprieve, even though I couldn't speak a word of Chinese, or even use chopsticks. I started writing travel stories after landing, an exercise in making sense of the newness around me.

A CAPA Staff Interview: Taylor Nolan

Meet CAPA admissions advisor Taylor Nolan. Below, she tells us more about her role, why her study abroad journey was the time of her life, and what her memorable experience is from working with students.

CAPA WORLD: Tell us a bit about yourself and some of your hobbies and interests and where you’re from originally. What’s the coolest thing about living in Boston? 
TAYLOR NOLAN: Hi I am Taylor! I am from Rhode Island, went to college in South Carolina, and now I'm back in the great white north. Ever since I was little and I took "vacations" to Boston, I knew I wanted to live here. I love the hustle and bustle of the city. My hobbies involve doing anything social. I love to meet new people and chat over coffee for hours. The coolest part about living in Boston is that there are endless possibilities of activities to do: going to museums, concerts, games, restaurants, views, tours, coffee shops, etc...

An Interview with CAPA Buenos Aires Resident Director: Marlena Reimer

Meet Marlena Reimer, the Resident Director of CAPA Buenos Aires. She joins CAPA after stints in the U.S. and abroad working in education and other fields, as well as volunteering. Below, she talks about the work she has done so far, why studying abroad opens doors, and how special Buenos Aires and its people are.    

CAPA WORLD: Tell us a bit about your work with CAPA. How long have you lived in Buenos Aires? 
MARLENA REIMER: I stumbled upon CAPA late last year, while searching for cross-cultural and international studies teaching opportunities here in Buenos Aires. It was pure luck that they happened to be searching for a Resident Director for their Buenos Aires program. I joined the CAPA team three weeks ago and, since then, have been learning the ins and the outs of CAPA's international programming and preparing for the arrival of our Spring term students.

An Interview with CAPA Sydney Resident Director: Samantha Grant

Meet Samantha Grant, the Resident Director of CAPA Sydney. With experiences and adventures from around the world, including key positions managing student welfare and cultural exchange programs at Victoria University and the University of Sydney, she joined CAPA to oversee student services and internships. Below, she shares how students can prepare for a fulfilling semester abroad, where the hidden gems and good food places are, and what you can look forward to at CAPA Sydney.    

CAPA WORLD: Tell us a bit about your work with CAPA. How long have you lived in Sydney? 
SAMANTHA GRANT: I started with CAPA as Sydney's Resident Director in November 2017, so I have only been with the organization a short while, but already love the people, the culture, and the reasons why the company exists. In my role as Resident Director I oversee internships and student services, as well as having the great pleasure of spending lots of time with the wonderful Sydney staff and our students.

A CAPA Staff Interview: Rachel Long

Meet CAPA London alumna and admissions advisor Rachel Long. Below, she tells us how reflecting on her study abroad experience led her back to CAPA, why there are many opportunities to study and intern abroad, and how she can help you (and your parents) with your study abroad dilemmas.

CAPA WORLD: Tell us a bit about yourself and some of your hobbies and interests and where you’re from originally. What’s the coolest thing about living in Boston? 
RACHEL LONG: My name is Rachel, and I'm originally from Hopewell Junction, New York. I studied and interned abroad in London with CAPA in 2016. I was also the CAPA Ambassador for SUNY Oswego (where I graduated in May 2017) and now I'm an Admissions Advisor! The coolest thing about Boston is, even though it's a smaller city, there is still plenty to do and explore. I also have family here so it's always great to see them. Some of my hobbies are: playing and watching sports, reading, and traveling!

Sarah is an official CAPA vlogger for fall 2017, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Fashion Retail and Merchandising major at Lasell College, she is studying abroad in Shanghai this semester.

In this week's post, Sarah does a Q&A with her fellow students and finds out about their experiences in Shanghai.

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Thanks Sarah!

Sarah's journey continues every Thursday so stay tuned.

Maureen is an official CAPA vlogger for fall 2017, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A BFA major at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, she is studying abroad in London this semester.

In this week's post, Maureen interviews her fellow study abroad students to get their perspectives on CAPA's Globalization conference in London.

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Thanks Maureen!

Maureen's journey continues every Monday so stay tuned.