About Us
Mission & Staff
USF Education Abroad Mission Statement
The Education Abroad Office promotes global competency by supporting and creating high-impact, innovative, and accessible international experiences for students.
Leadership
WENDY BAKER
Interim Director, Global Learning and USF World Campus Director, St. Petersburg Campus
(located on the Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses)
Wendy has extensive higher education administration experience at the University of
South Florida, served as the Advisor in Residence for the USF Know Europe education
abroad program, and as a Program Leader for the Doing Business in the Baltics (Lithuania)
program. Wendy holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree from the University of Georgia and an MBA
from the 最新天美传媒. She is currently a doctoral candidate in the
Ed.D. in Program Development at the 最新天美传媒, where her research
focuses on global learning. Wendy is a graduate of the AIEA Senior International Officer
Academy and completed leadership training with the Accendo Advisory Group. She is
a recipient of the USF Award for Global Engagement and was selected to travel to Spain
to participate in the Study in Spain Workshop sponsored by ICEX Espa帽a Exportaci贸n
e Inversiones and the association EDUESPA脩A, with the collaboration and support of
FULBRIGHT ESPA脩A. Wendy presents nationally on international education topics and
is a Fulbright International Education Administrators program grant recipient to Taiwan.
Areas of Responsibility: Wendy is responsible for managing global learning and education
abroad for USF World as well as operations on the St. Petersburg campus.
Favorite Travel Location(s)/Experiences: London, Paris, Bali, Ice Hotel in Sweden
Email: Send A Message
Phone: 727-873-4851
RENE SANCHEZ
Assistant Director of Education Abroad
Rene joined the Education Abroad Office in the fall of 2001. He is a USF graduate,
with a Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology and a minor in International Studies. He
completed his Master of Education with a focus on Instructional Technology and Curriculum
Design. His passion for international education led him to complete study abroad programs
in Greece, Italy, Turkey, Switzerland, Peru, and the United Kingdom; later leading
programs to the United Kingdom and France.
Areas of Responsibility: Rene oversees the education abroad recruitment and advising
team (faculty-led programs, exchange, and affiliate programs), faculty-led education
abroad development team, exchange partnership development and management, agreements
and contracting, Peace Corps Prep, Global Citizen鈥檚 Award, and Career Accelerator
programs. In addition, he co-leads USF鈥檚 Virtual Global Exchange initiative with Wendy
Baker.
Favorite Travel Location(s)/Experiences: Cusco, London, Sevilla, Dyffryn Gwy
Email: Send A Message
Phone: (813) 974-3104
BRANDON MCLEOD, PH.D.
Sarasota-Manatee Campus Director
Brandon is responsible for leading internationalization and global engagement activities
for USF World at the Sarasota-Manatee campus. Additionally, he oversees Education
Abroad Scholarships and Visiting Scholar Programming for all three campuses. He holds
a Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi in Higher Education with a graduate minor
in Applied Statistics. His dissertation is titled "". He also co-authored the chapter "" with Dr. George S. McClellan, which appears in Shephard and Perry's "". Brandon also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching Languages (TESOL) from the University
of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Arts in English and Writing from the University
of South Alabama, and a Bachelor of Arts in English, with minors in French and Philosophy
from Spring Hill College. 鈥疨rior to joining USF, he served as the Assistant Director
for International Programs at the University of Mississippi and, prior to that, taught
English to speakers of other languages in both the US and Japan. His research interests
include international and comparative higher education, instructional technology and
online learning, belonging, and widening participation.鈥�
Areas of Responsibility: Brandon is responsible for supporting global learning programs
on the Sarasota-Manatee campus. He oversees the education abroad scholarship award
process.
Email: Send A Message
Phone: (941)359-4314
Education Abroad Recruitment and Advising Team
RAHELEH "RAHI" DAYERIZADEH, PH.D.
Assistant Director of Education Abroad
Rahi has diverse experience in higher education as an academic advisor, instructor,
coordinator, and leadership that she brings to her role as assistant director for
student services in Education Abroad. As an academic advisor for Pre-law, Political
Science, International Studies, Africana Studies, and an Adjunct Professor in the
School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, Women鈥檚 and Gender Studies, and the Judy
Genshaft Honors College, with over 17+ years of experience in public higher education,
Dr. Dayerizadeh brings a unique interdisciplinary critical perspective to curriculum
and global learning and program development. During COVID, through the Global Citizen
Project, she directed a global virtual program called Operation: Global Action which
connected over 1000 students together from USF and UniNorte to collaborate on projects
promoting the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 鈥疧ver the years, she
has taught 25+ courses in the areas of World Perspectives, Comparative Politics, Geo-perspectives,
Conflicts in the World, Politics of Developing Areas, Women in the Middle East and
North Africa, and Women in Development. Furthermore, she has studied abroad in Argentina
and has helped direct education abroad programs in the UK and France. She is well
traveled, and speaks fluent Farsi, and has proficiency in Arabic, and Spanish. She
has served on multiple committees including co-chairing the UGS Diversity Equity and
Inclusion Committee and has been nominated for the USF Inclusive Excellence Award.
Her passion for promoting global competency and the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals drives her to inspire students for academic success at USF and empowers them
to study abroad.
Areas of Responsibility: Rahi oversees the education abroad recruitment and advising
teams on the Tampa campus.
Email: Send A Message
Phone: (813) 974-8450
DANA ALMASRI
Education Abroad Marketing and Communication Specialist
Dana serves as the marketing and communications specialist for Education Abroad at
the 最新天美传媒, where she combines creativity and strategy to inspire
students to explore global opportunities. A proud USF alumna, Dana earned her bachelor's
degree before advancing her expertise with a master鈥檚 degree from Georgetown University,
specializing in public relations and corporate communications with a focus on strategic
marketing. Her professional experience is rooted in graphic design, social media content
creation, and storytelling, crafting compelling campaigns that engage and captivate
diverse audiences. Passionate about the transformative power of international education,
Dana leverages her skills to connect students with enriching study abroad experiences,
fostering cultural exchange and global awareness
Area of Responsibility: Education abroad marketing and promotion
Email: Send A Message
TERESA FLAITZ
Student Programs Coordinator
Teresa is a proud USF alumna, Teresa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with
a minor in Computer Science and a certificate in Visualization & Design.
Teresa's journey into international education began with her own transformative study
abroad experience at Florence University of the Arts in Summer 2019. After graduating,
she taught English for two years at Yeocheon Elementary School in Yeosu, South Korea,
followed by three months of backpacking across Asia and Oceania. Additionally, Teresa
has worked with ESOL students in the U.S., providing targeted support to help them
enhance their English skills.
Passionate about helping students grow through travel and cultural appreciation, Teresa
is dedicated to inspiring others to explore the world through study abroad opportunities.
Area of Responsibility: Teresa advises on direct enroll partner programs via affiliated
partner providers and universities, international internship programs.
Favorite Travel Location(s)/Experiences:
Favorite Travel Location(s)/Experiences: Snorkeling for the first time in Koh Nang
Yuan, Thailand and surfing for the first time in Canggu, Indonesia.
Email: Send A Message
JOSEPH KENNY
Student Programs Coordinator (located on the St.Petersburg campus)
Joseph is a Tampa Bay area native. He has a B.A. in History from Boston University
and studied abroad at Fudan University in Shanghai China.
Areas of Responsibility: Joseph advises and manages program enrollments for select
faculty-led study abroad programs in addition to USF flagship program 最新天美传媒 in London.
Email: Send A Message
Phone: 727-873-4270
CHLOE KING
Student Programs Coordinator
Chloe is a Tampa native and alumna of USF, where she graduated with a Bachelor of
Arts in Psychology with a minor in Communication. Chloe began her study abroad experience
in Italy with the Summer 2022 program with Florence University of the Arts. During
her undergraduate years, she served as a student recruiter for Education Abroad where
her passion for international education began. Chloe brings her experience as a USF
Education Abroad alumna to her role, where she supports students throughout each step
of their study abroad journeys. She is currently located in the Global Student Hub
in FAO 011 and encourages anyone interested in studying abroad to stop by and start
their journey.
Areas of Responsibility: Chloe advises and manages program enrollments for select
faculty-led study abroad programs in addition to USF flagship program 最新天美传媒 in Florence.
Favorite Travel Location(s)/Experiences: Italy and Austria
Email: Send A Message
VICTORIA KEITEL
Student Programs Coordinator
Victoria鈥檚 passion for international travel and education began in high school, when she participated in two separate Student Ambassador programs, which took her to Italy, Greece, France, the Netherlands, England, Belgium, Wales, and Ireland. She further deepened her global experience by studying abroad in Florence, Italy, during her college years. She is excited to help students embark on their own global education experiences.
Areas of Responsibility: Victoria advises and manages program enrollments for outgoing
semester exchange programs and selected direct enroll programs.
Favorite Travel Location(s)/Experiences: Grindelwald, Switzerland & San Gimignano,
Italy
Email: Send A Message
Faculty-Led Program Development Team
NANCY DI BELLA
Education Abroad Program Developer
Nancy develops USF faculty-led programs which entails taking faculty proposals from an idea to launching a program for students to apply. Born and raised in Venezuela, she grew up bicultural and bilingual completing a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Venezuela and a Master鈥檚 at USF. Beginning in 2005 she led many Education Abroad programs to Costa Rica and Ecuador as faculty before joining the Education Abroad Office in 2014. She has seen students鈥� experiences abroad from many angles yet she never ceases to be amazed by study abroad鈥檚 transformative power.
Areas of Responsibility: Faculty support, program development, partner relations, budget development for select faculty-led programs and USF鈥檚 flagship program in Florence.
Travel Locations and Experiences: Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Wales, England, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. Would love to travel to Greece, Turkey, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Brazil, Chile, Argentina... wherever food leads her!
Email: Send A Message
Phone: (813) 974-1969
ELENA EFREMOVA
Education Abroad Program Developer
Elena serves as a Program Developer for faculty-led programs, bringing a wealth of international experience to her role. Born and raised in Russia, Elena participated in an undergraduate exchange program at Dickinson College, Pennsylvania. This experience profoundly shaped her academic and professional journey, sparking a lifelong passion for building bridges between cultures.
She earned a Master鈥檚 degree in her hometown of Vladivostok, Russia, and joined the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Moscow, where she further honed her expertise in cross-cultural communication and international education. Over her 21-year career with the U.S. State Department, Elena managed cultural exchanges and partnership projects between Russia and the United States, facilitating professional visits and study tours for thousands of participants from both countries.
In 2018, Elena relocated to Tampa and joined the UEF Education Abroad Office. She continues to dedicate her efforts to creating transformative global experiences for USF students and faculty.
Areas of Responsibility: Faculty support, program development, partner relations,
budget development for select faculty-led programs and USF鈥檚 flagship program in London.
Favorite Travel Location(s)/Experiences: London, Edinburgh, Dublin; many places in
Armenia, Georgia, and Turkey; Corfu (Greece), Barcelona, Prague, St. Petersburg (Russia);
snorkeling in the Red Sea, hiking in the Banff National Park (Canada), and traveling
through the permafrost area in Siberia.
Email: Send A Message
Phone: (813) 974-6789
Peace Corps Prep and Global Citizen鈥檚 Award Advising
CAROLINA FERREYROS
Global Learning Advisor
Carolina brings extensive experience as a K-12 educator, where she guided students through complex global education opportunities and developed impactful curricula. She earned dual BAs in International and Global Studies and Spanish, with a minor in Latin American Studies, from Elon University. Carolina was heavily involved in El Centro de Espa帽ol supporting international students and planning events, fostering the institution's international mission. Carolina brings a great deal of international experience to our team, having grown up in Lima, Peru and studying abroad in Argentina and Greece during her time at Elon, which allowed her to develop her passion for global education and cultural exploration.
Areas of Responsibility: Carolina Ferreyros serves as the Global Citizens Award and
Peace Corps Prep Program Coordinator, providing recruitment, advising, and mentorship
to guide students through these transformative opportunities. Her efforts aim to expand
and enhance these programs, fostering global engagement among students.
Favorite Travel Location(s)/Experiences: Arequipa, Cusco, Dublin, Petra, Fez, England,
Greece, Argentina, camping in the Sahara Desert, and having tea with the Bedouin in
Wadi Rum.
Email: Send A Message
Global Travel Safety and Health
NEIL MACNEIL
Assistant Director - Global Travel Safety and Health
Neil comes from an academic family as his father was a Professor at Penn State University. 鈥疦eil鈥檚 first significant overseas experience was as a Fulbright kid in Ankara Turkey from 1975-1976. 鈥疕e is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in International Politics. 鈥疉fter a tour of duty in the US Navy, Neil spent 25 years with the US State Department as a Special Agent and security specialist with the Diplomatic Security Service. 鈥疕e has lived overseas in Haiti, Jerusalem, Cameroon, Serbia, and Belgium and has travelled to and/or worked in over 75 countries. 鈥疕is most recent job after retirement was as the interim Global Safety Manager for Penn State Global at his Alma Mater
Areas of Responsibility: Monitoring world events that impact the safety and wellness of USF travelers. Provide emergency support and safety and health oversight of programs to prepare USF students, faculty and staff to trave. Serves as the primary contact for USF鈥檚 emergency medical and evacuation support provider (ISOS) and insurance provider (Gallagher/Zurich). Serves as the primary subject matter expert for the Global Risk Assessment Committee.
Favorite Travel Location(s)/Experiences: Giving the 2:Luke reading at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem on Christmas Day. Meeting WW2 veterans in Normandy and Bastogne. But of all the places I have been, my favorite place is my family鈥檚 summer cottage in Nova Scotia
Email: Send A Message
Phone: (813) 974-3274
EARLE TROTT
Coordinator - Global Travel Safety and Health
Earle is the Global Travel Safety and Health Coordinator at USF World. He has worked at the 最新天美传媒 since 2019. 鈥疕e served 21 years in the US Army and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his military service, Earle served as a Field Artillery Officer and a Middle East and North Africa Foreign Area Officer. As a Foreign Area Officer, he traveled the region extensively, trained alongside US partners and served in U.S. Diplomatic Missions in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt. 鈥疕e earned his M.A. in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University. He holds a B.A in Elementary Education from Bowie State University and an A.A degree in Arabic Language from the Defense Language Institute.鈥�
Areas of Responsibility: Monitoring world events that impact the safety and wellness
of USF travelers, emergency support, programs to prepare USF students, faculty and
staff to travel, supports student related travel groups and independent student travelers
with travel registration and pre-travel requirements.
Favorite Travel Location(s)/Experiences: Diving with Blacktip reef sharks in the
Bahamas; Exploring Roman ruins in Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia; Exploring
the Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara, and the temples at Luxor, Karnak, and the Valley of
the Kings; Seeing the Krak De Chevalier in Syria as well as the crusader castle in
Jordan.
Email: Send A Message
Phone: (813) 974-7631
Academic Services (Registration and School of Record Operations)
SEAN GILMORE
AVP, Global Academic Partnerships & International Student Enrollment Management
Serving in many capacities across his 20+ years at USF, Sean Gilmore is currently
the Assistant Vice President of Global Academic Partnerships and International Enrollment
Management at USF World. Formerly the Executive Director for the INTO USF Center,
Director of Admissions, and Director of International Admissions at USF, his knowledge
of international student recruitment, enrollment, and retention is extensive. As an
alumnus of the 最新天美传媒 providing access and opportunities to study
at 最新天美传媒 is embedded in Mr. Gilmore's DNA.
Areas of Responsibility: Oversight of School of Registration and School of Record
Operations.
Email: Send A Message
LORENE HALL-JENNINGS
Academic Services Administrator
Ms. Hall-Jennings joined the Education Abroad Office in July 2024 after 30 years of
varied experience at USF. She is a USF graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration (Go Bulls!). Further, she has been a long-time supporter of USF's student
success and commitment to expand student participation in global experiences. In fact,
she has had the parent's perspective first-hand as one of her children studied at
Florence University of the Arts in 2015. Lorene saw how her daughter's exposure to
foreign cultures provided personal and professional benefits by educational enrichment
and enhancing her ability to navigate unfamiliar environs. Both distinguished her
daughter鈥檚 USF degree, aiding her academic journey to become a dentist (Tufts University
School of Dental Medicine, DMD Program, anticipated May 2025).
Areas of Responsibility: School of Record course management (USF-sponsored, affiliate
and non-affiliate programs); registration duties; development, training and outreach;
support for faculty credentialing and USF course equivalencies.
Favorite Travel Locations/Experiences: I love visiting the New England states, with
particular interest in the coastal regions of Maine. One of my hobbies is to visit
as many lighthouses as possible throughout the U.S.
Email: Send A Message
TRANG LY
Enrollment Specialist
Trang is an USF alumna, with a degree in Business Analytics and Information Systems. She joined the USF World Education Abroad team in 2019.
Areas of Responsibility: Course scheduling, student records, course registration,
SoR support.
Favorite Travel Location(s)/Experiences: Southeast Asian countries
Email: Send A Message
Education Abroad Fiscal and Business Operations
STEVEN JACQUES
Director of Budget and Financial Operations, USF World
Steven serves as the Director of Budget & Financial Operations at USF World, bringing
over a decade of financial management expertise to the role. Prior to this position,
he was the Assistant Director of Finance & Operations for USF's Technology Transfer
Office within Research & Innovation.
Steven holds both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of South
Florida, and he has an advanced degree from the Muma College of Business. He maintains
an active role in university leadership, serving as a voting member on the Administrative
Advisory Council and Athletic Advisory Council.
Area of Responsibility: Steven oversees comprehensive business services and administrative
operations for the USF World enterprise. His key responsibilities include strategic
budgetary planning and monitoring, purchasing management, fiscal and administrative
compliance, and human resources administration. He ensures all operations align with
university policies and procedures while providing strategic guidance on institutional
regulations.
Email: Send A Message
PHAL PATEL
Fiscal Business Analyst (located on Sarasota-Manatee campus)
Born and raised in India, Phal is bilingual and graduated with a Bachelors and Masters in Clinical Psychology from India and MBA in Management from Albertus Magnus College in Connecticut.
Though she never had an opportunity to participate in a study abroad experience, she
has a passion for traveling and has traveled extensively within the United States
and internationally. She believes that traveling enhances one鈥檚 outlook and appreciation
of different cultures.
Areas of Responsibility: Providing fiscal and budget analysis and projections and
budget management to assist with the administration of financial and business management
related work of USF World and USF Education Abroad programmatic activities.
Favorite Travel Location(s)/Experiences: Africa-Safari, Spain, Italy, Egypt, Jordan,
India, Costa Rica, Dubai, Canada, Arizona, New Mexico and more to come.
Email: Send A Message
Phone: 941-359-4266
EMMANUELA ETIENNE
Fiscal and Business Analyst
Emmanuela Etienne is the Senior Fiscal and Business Analyst for Education Abroad, where she leverages her expertise in financial management to support global education initiatives. Emmanuela is responsible for providing comprehensive fiscal and budget analysis and projections to support the financial and business operations of the Education Abroad program. She also oversees reconciliation efforts, including travel and accounts receivable, ensuring accuracy and compliance in all financial processes. Prior to this role, Emmanuela worked as a Fiscal & Business Analyst at USF's Administrative Services Business Center, contributing to financial planning and operations across various departments.
With a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a Master's degree in Management
from the University of Florida, Emmanuela combines a solid foundation in business
with a passion for international engagement. Outside of work, she is an avid traveler,
continuously exploring new cultures and gaining insights that inform both her personal
and professional growth.
Areas of Responsibility: Overseeing reconciliation efforts, including travel and accounts
receivable, ensuring accuracy and compliance in all financial processes.
Favorite Travel Location(s)/Experiences: Dublin, Ireland
Email: Send A Message
HONG WU
Fiscal Business Specialist
Email: Send A Message
WILLIAM TERRELL (TERRELL)
Fiscal Business Specialist
A USF Alumni, with a degree in Finance. Terrell was born and raised in Miami. Joined the USF World Fiscal Team in 2023.
Areas of Responsibility: Posting program charges and withdrawing program charges. Making sure the student program balance is updated. Helping students with any financial questions they may have. Monthly and daily Pcard reconciliations. Process travel expense reports. Process waivers for students studying abroad.
Email: Send A Message
Student Charges
Have a question concerning education abroad billing and other charges?鈥�疨lease email the USF World Business and Fiscal Office.
Technology and Computer Systems Support
GARY BELLAMY
Technology and Systems Analyst
Gary has over 25 years experience in Data Analysis, Telecommunications and IT in the private sector. A U.S. Patent holder and experience with Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
Areas of Responsibilities: Application and Database management, Web design and maintenance, Data reporting, and Desktop support for USF World
Email: Send A Message
Phone: (813) 974-3933