Originally coming from a strong background of Spanish language and  international affairs, I am an international educator who is enthusiastic about education abroad and bridging the gap between academic and student affairs through a student-centered approach. Being a woman of color and a first generation student, I want to center my mission in the education abroad field around increasing access of education abroad programs to undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds, especially at Minority Serving Institutions.

 

I haved lived, worked, and studied in Chicago, Illinois and the surrounding area for most of my life. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and International Studies with a minor in Latino Studies from Saint Xavier University. 

 

I have always been passionate to pursue a career in education, but did not realize that I was best suited to be in international education while I was planning for my semester in Granada, Spain, for which I was a recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship in Spring 2013, when I blogged biweekly as part of my follow-on service project. My experience there broadened my horizons on a personal and professional level. I am a Master of Arts in International Education Management program graduate from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.

 

©All photos belong to me, Gloria Avalos, unless stated otherwise.