The Learn International family shares a little about themselves and they would love to hear from you.
Contact Cara for all Student Services, Student Health & Safety, Marketing and Employment queries
She adores the field of IE and the impact it has on student growth, success and development. Cara is originally from upstate New York, where there are lots of trees and no sky-scrapers. She earned a BA from SUNY Geneseo and then pursued her MSW from Stony Brook University, followed by a stint in the South Pacific. After working as a Wilderness Therapist and Clinical Social Worker, she decided to switch careers into International Education and received her MA in Higher Education from the University of Arizona.
She is currently working on her Professional Certification in International Education from Forum on Education Abroad; an enriching experience, despite training herself to do “homework” again!
Contact Chris for all New Partnerships and Programme Development and future customised programmes
Chris embraces education in all its forms. He is either building international education programmes for Learn International’s partners or enrolling in post grad programmes to ‘keep the brain healthy and alive!’. After completing his undergrad with a double major in Archaeology and Geography, he completed a M.Sc. in Sustainable Development which included a multi-country European study abroad trip.
From that point on, the wanderlust was instilled in Chris and he went on to live and work in international education in New Zealand, Australia, France, and USA before returning to Ireland to work with Dublin City University. He undertook a second M.Sc. in Business & Entrepreneurship before starting Learn International in 2013.
Despite the considerable amount of work travel that he does, Chris remains an avid adventurer and jumps at any chance to visit and explore new countries and destinations. He is currently working towards his third marathon and failing miserably at mastering kite-boarding.
Contact Michelle for internships and semester programmes in Ireland.
Michelle joined the team in April 2019. Originally from Pennsylvania, she began her international career on a student exchange to Northern Ireland when she was 16 and hasn’t stopped travelling since. She earned both her BA and MA from University College, Cork in Ireland, spending one year studying at the Università degli Studi di Bologna in Italy during her BA programme.
She’s been working in the field since 2009, working on study and volunteer abroad programmes at EIL Ireland in Cork, before working at The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. During her time at Arcadia, she organised study abroad programmes, focusing on internships in Ireland, the UK and Australia, as well as freshman programmes to London and Scotland.
In her free time, when travel isn’t an option she enjoys baking, reading, hiking, crocheting and spending time with her pets, not necessarily in that order. When baking for a major event, it’s essential to practice, so trial runs tend to be shared with colleagues. This generally doesn’t lead to complaints.
Contact Anna for all accounts, payments and invoicing queries.
Anna is originally from Suwalki – a beautiful town in north-east Poland. Some call it Poland’s cold pole, others even say that you may encounter polar bear there.
She earned Certificate of Higher Education in Logistic in Enterprise in her home town and then decided to come to Ireland for one year only to learn the English language and gain some experience working internationally.
Anna loved the Irish people and also, the weather so she is still here after 12 years.
She holds a Diploma in Business and Accounting approved by ACCA and is IPASS Certified Payroll Specialist, she is a lifelong learner and will continue studying to gain more qualifications. Not only numbers were always Anna’s biggest passion, but the people behind them. She became a member of the Learn team in March 2019, where she is delighted to have an opportunity to bring these two things together.
Contact Alicja for custom programmes and partnerships.
Alicja joined Learn International in 2022 and played a key role in coordinating internships across Ireland and the UK. As of September 2024, she has taken on the role of Interim Manager for Custom Programmes, where she now focuses on developing and overseeing tailored academic programmes that meet the specific needs of our partners and students.
Alicja studied Sociology and Human Resources, and for over 12 years worked as an international recruiter, matching multilingual professionals with suitable jobs across Europe. With her experience in people management and relationship building, she now focuses on creating and managing custom programmes at Learn International, working closely with universities, institutions, and partners to deliver unique and impactful educational experiences for students.
She is the most sociable introvert you’ll ever meet. Despite her (slightly overwhelming) talkativeness and (at times challenging) witty sense of humour, her favourite way to unwind is sitting atop a mountain somewhere in Italy or Spain, listening to the wind … or relaxing on the sofa (with her cats, of course), enjoying a bucket of Ben & Jerry’s while binge-watching Netflix – the perfect balance, right?
Though she occasionally needs to recharge from social interactions, her love for people is unwavering. Whether supporting individuals with disabilities, helping professionals secure life-changing jobs, or guiding students along their educational and professional journeys, Alicja finds the greatest satisfaction in knowing her work positively impacts others’ lives.
Contact Jon for programme coordination and on-the-ground logistics in the United Kingdom.
Jon joined the team in an ‘official’ capacity in February 2023, having worked as a freelance copywriter for Learn International for several years. He oversees itinerary planning and bookings for our UK-based programmes while continuing to contribute marketing content.
Jon’s role is multi-faceted. He oversees itinerary planning and bookings for our UK-based programmes while continuing to contribute marketing content. With a passion for life-long learning, Jon started to train in finance during the pandemic. A part-qualified AAT Lv3 Accountant and registered Bookkeeper, Jon relishes the opportunity to assist Learn’s Senior Accounts Manager, Anna with her work.
Based in Cheshire, UK, Jon enjoys all things equestrian. He is a BHS Accredited Professional Coach and runs training events for riders across the North West.
In his free time, Jon can often be found exploring the beautiful coastline of North Wales with his trusty dogs, Neville and Tarn!
Contact Kelly for questions on Partnerships and Development of Bespoke Programmes
Kelly is our Learn International VP for Partnerships and Programme Development based in Texas, USA.
Kelly has been working in the field of Education Abroad since 2004. He credits his study abroad experience in Germany while in high school for starting it all. After traveling and studying abroad in college as well, Kelly was inspired to live abroad. He realised this by spending 2.5 years in Latin America. Throughout his career working with international education organisations, Kelly has been focused on creating and sustaining strong relationships with institutional partners and building collaborative programs. So if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact him. Outside of work, Kelly is enjoying life in Wimberley, Texas, with his wife and son. He plays the guitar and will often just sing whatever random lyrics come to him. He’s always planning his next adventure, and is currently eyeing the Azores, so once he visits, perhaps he will be updating his bio with his next big dream.
Contact Mark for questions regarding Learn International Operations
Mark returned to Learn International in May 2024, joining the Senior Leadership Team, to operationally oversee all programmes. Mark previously worked with Learn International from 2017 to 2019 leading Custom Faculty- Led programmes. With over 10 years leadership experience gained in the higher education sector Mark brings a wealth of expertise to all Learn’s programmes. With a collaborative approach to programme building, Mark relishes building the authentic, unique experience within a Learn International programme and making the imagined possible.
In his free time Mark loves hitting the road and exploring the outdoors. Hiking in the mountains, visiting old archaeological sites capped off with a meal with friends would be a perfect day. While a keen golfer, perfection on a golf course remains elusive!!
For the past 5 years, Alex has been working as an Office/Happiness Manager in Paris supporting leaders and thriving in roles ranging from HR to Finance, Event planning or Facility management.
Having recently relocated to Ireland with her family, Alex joined Learn International in October 2023 as Cara Simon’s Executive Assistant and support admin for the Internship team.
In her free time, you’ll find her exploring the beauty of Ireland, going for hikes and seeking solace in the refreshing waters of our waterfalls and seas. In 2023, Alex has earned her certification as a yoga teacher. While not yet teaching classes, she incorporates the yogic principles into daily life and work, embracing a holistic approach.
Karen joined Learn International in 2023. She moved to London from the North East of England, at 18, to study at the London College of Fashion and did her Masters at the Royal College of Art – so she has first-hand knowledge of experiencing London as a student. Before Learn International, she travelled internationally for many years working within the global live music touring industry.
Karen has a wealth of international travel expertise, gained in diverse locations such as snowy shows on ski slopes, stages in European Soccer Stadiums and many muddy festival fields. She’s passionate about London, history, live performance, art and design – and the speediest way of getting around the city on public transport or a cycle!
Samuel started his work placement with Learn International in January 2024 as part of his final university exchange. Samuel’s thirst for discovery led him to study in several countries (such as France and Canada) to have a better understanding of the socio-cultural challenges of our society. Being an international student himself, he is genuinely enthusiastic about assisting fellow students in creating equally amazing experiences.
Samuel loves turning simple moments into new adventures, whether it’s sharing a laugh with friends over coffee or exploring different parts of the city.
Paul is studying Human Resource Management in SETU Co. Carlow and is currently in the third year of a four-year program.
Before joining Learn International in January 2024, he worked as a retail manager, but no longer feels that this career path is the right fit for him as he aspires to pursue a future career in HR, focusing on strategic planning and career development.
In his free time, Paul enjoys soccer, hiking, and cooking. Although he doesn’t consider himself a chef, he cooks meals he likes and usually sticks to familiar recipes. He once baked a poorly made loaf of bread, and even his posh dog refused to eat it.
Daniel has joined the team in January 2024 and is currently pursuing a degree in marketing. Born in England and of Russian descent, he began to live in Ireland at a young age and grew up in the country. Having previously worked in both a hospital and retail, Daniel has interacted with many people from diverse backgrounds.
During his leisure time, Daniel enjoys reading, playing sports, and planning future travel adventures. He is a travel enthusiast having lived in several countries including France and Switzerland and he aspires to learn multiple languages and gain a variety of experiences to cherish in the future.
If you are going abroad, one thing you need to do is try as much
Being 6 weeks in, I can confidently say I have felt every emotion under the
Dear Summer 2022, If I could’ve told myself 5 years ago that I would study
Traveling to different countries was always on my list of things to do while studying
Learn International
17 South Main Street,
Naas, Co. Kildare.
Ireland
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