NRCSA staff are all people with a passion for travel and intercultural experiences. We know first hand the major impact an experience like this can have on our own lives, and those around us - and we want to help YOU have a great study abroad experience, too! Below are just a few of our staff you may be talking to when planning your trip abroad:

A BIT ABOUT VANESSA: "Hola! I am a native of Caracas, Venezuela and my first experience studying abroad was here, in the U.S.: I was a high school exchange student who loved the experience so much - I never went back! Then, I went to college here and spent time travelling around. Working with young adults who want to experience the world and new cultures is a great pleasure and experience for me, because I was one of those people myself and remember how important the people were who helped me make my dream come true. Learning a language and culture is a great adventure with up and downs, but nothing could be better. It opens a door that you will never be able to close, but you will always be able to enjoy!!"

A BIT ABOUT ANNE: "My first study abroad experience was at age 8, studying Spanish language and culture in a small town in central Mexico.  I went abroad with my mom and brother for one month...and that sparked a lifelong interest in travel, language and culture.  My interest in all things international has taken me to visit 28 countries so far - and counting!  I have also studied abroad in Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Spain and Italy - and back in the U.S. many years later they were the inspiration for starting my graduate studies at the School for Advanced International Studies in Washington DC (Johns Hopkins University). From the traditional backpacking through Europe, to village hopping in China, and on to exploring the jungles of Ecuador and climbing Machu Pichu in Peru - you can say I was bit by the travel bug! I find that working with teenagers is especially inspiring, because the younger you have these experiences, the more they shape and can have a positive influence on your life.  I now have my own daughter, and look forward to when she is old enough to start taking part in experiences like this herself."

A BIT ABOUT CASEY: "I have always had a deep desire to not only learn about other places, but to experience them as well. I began my cultural exploration by touring the United States from coast to coast - gaining a better understanding of my own culture and where I fit in. I have since begun my exploration of the rest of the world by traveling throughout Western and Eastern Europe. Working for NRCSA has only increased my desire to discover new cultures in order to see first hand how other people live. Making cultural discoveries will surely be a lifelong pursuit for me."

A BIT ABOUT BRAD: "I am a dual citizen of both the U.S. and Canada, and a graduate of the MBA program at American University in Washington D.C.  I have had study abroad experiences in Mexico, Denmark, Germany, Holland, and France - and my study abroad programs in Mexico and France were both through NRCSA.   My experiences abroad have been one of the largest influences on my academic, as well as personal and professional, career. Over the years, I have really enjoyed working with teens interested in learning foreign languages and having unique experiences studying abroad. If our paths cross, I look forward to meeting and working with you to facilitate a wonderful international experience!"