My passion for international education began as a study abroad student in Prague in Spring 2012. When I returned to campus, I became committed to promoting study abroad opportunities for other students based on the idea that international exchange and experience has a profound impact on people of all ages.
In addition to encouraging international education through my roles in EFL teaching, I also gained programmatic experience as a Senior Program Administrator at the Institute of International Education of numerous international exchange programs, including the Brazil Scientific Mobility Program, Study America, and the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
Most recently, I continue to advise and encourage cultural exchange in my position as the EducationUSA Student Adviser at the J.W. Fulbright Commission in Prague, Czech Republic.
Other Publications: International Education
GoAbroad Foundation: Why I’m Glad I Volunteered in Ecuador 9 Years Ago
October 2017
My junior year of high school ended, I had just gotten my braces off, and I was sitting at an airplane gate alone for the first time. At 16 years old, I was participating in a volunteer program in Ecuador, a country I had only barely heard mentioned in my high school Spanish class.
Looking back 9 years, I was extremely lucky that my parents supported me to go on this adventure beyond my comfort zone so early in my educational and personal development. Numerous solo travel experiences later, volunteering abroad in high school was a crucial moment to gain a perspective that continues to guide my decisions.
GoAbroad.com: How to Make ANY Internship Abroad an AWESOME Experience
August 2017
GoAbroad.com: How to Work Abroad: Words of Encouragement
July 2017
GoAbroad.com: How to Teach English Abroad
May 2017
Study Abroad Apartments: 10 Packing Tips When Studying Abroad
January 2017
If you’re one of the thousands of students who will be studying abroad this semester, it’s about time to start packing. While the thought of such a long stretch away from home (and your closet) is overwhelming, there’s no need to fear the cavern of your huge suitcase or the mountain of clothes you’ve prematurely plucked from your closet. Instead, use these 10 key packing tips to pack swiftly and smartly for all your upcoming adventures abroad.
Intern Queen: Your First 5 Post-Abroad Career Steps
September 2016
Coming back from being abroad is never easy. You’ve had the time of your life, learned so much, and now you’re back home wondering, what now? Whether intended or not, while studying, interning, volunteering, or even simply traveling abroad, you developed amazing career skills that are coveted in the job market today. Now that you’re home, it’s time to translate that abroad experience into your next internship. With your time overseas fresh in your mind, take these five post-abroad career steps.
Mariel Sporn Tavakoli 