Meet the Study Abroad Staff

Bio:

Dr. Bri Ard is the Executive Director of Global Engagement at the University of South Alabama, where her key responsibilities include collaborating with faculty and administrators to expand and support study abroad and exchange programs, providing the university’s chief international officer advice on strategies for internationalization of campus, assisting faculty and other personnel to advance international travel and facilitate cross-collaborations.  Bri holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Tulane University and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Instructional Design from the University of South Alabama.  Bri has traveled to 40+ countries and lived abroad twice, once as an English teacher in Ilsan, Korea and most recently on a Fulbright Fellowship to Bucharest, Romania.  She loves reading (mostly fiction), running (mostly slowly), and every dog she has ever met.

Favorite destination:

Mongolia

Next on her list:

Everywhere

Bio:

Jan was born and raised in the Philippines until the age of 11 when she moved to the U.S. She lived in Michigan for three years before moving to Alabama in 2005. Jan graduated from South in 2016 majoring in Foreign Languages and Literatures with a concentration in French. Studying in Dijon, France was the highlight of her college career. She loves learning about different cultures and languages. She is proficient in English, Tagalog, French, Italian and some sign language. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing with charcoal, jamming to Disney songs, and watching re-runs of Friends.

Quote:

It’s not impossible, but I’m possible! I never thought my dream of going to France would become a reality. But because of the Office of International Education, I made it from Moulton Tower to the Eiffel Tower! Studying abroad teaches you things that you will never learn within the four walls of a classroom. It will give you answers you will not find within the pages of a textbook. What you reap from the experience is invaluable and life changing. Come visit our office and take the first step in making your dream come true!

Favorite destination:

Het Drielandenpunt (“Tripoint” where the borders of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands meet)

Next on her list:

Australia and the United Kingdom

Bio:
Syliah is an Education Abroad Advisor and a recent graduate of South Alabama. Syliah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Modern and Classical Languages with concentrations in both French and Spanish. While attending South, Syliah served as editor and Social Media Chair for the Chi Omega Chapter of Phi Sigma Iota, the highest academic honor in the field of foreign languages, and received PSI’s Dr. Santiago Vilas Scholarship. She is also a recipient of the Gilman Scholarship, which allowed her to study virtually with Dr. Pettway in Argentina and also led to her being accepted in the TAPIF program, where she taught English in Nice, France for an academic year. Syliah is an avid travel and culture enthusiast and wants to promote traveling to everyone, regardless of background. In her free time, Syliah enjoys reading fantasy and dystopian novels, watching horror films/romcoms and collecting POP figures. 

Fun Fact/Quote: 
Syliah loves living her life at the mercy of fortune cookies. Her last fortune cookie read “A woman who aspires to be equal to a man lacks ambition.” She would share her lucky numbers but she’s hoping to win the lottery.

Favorite Destination:
Nice, France or Porto, Portugal

Next Destination:
Brazil, Senegal, Ghana

Bio:
Chelé is a Mobile, AL native who graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2016  (Biology), 2020 (International Studies), and is finishing her Master of Education in 2023. She also has her second degree black belt in Taekwondo. After the pandemic interrupted her final attempt at completing a Study Abroad program through USA, she persevered and moved on her own after graduating to Seoul, South Korea where she continued intensive Korean language study at Korea University. After living abroad, she returned to South Alabama to help facilitate the same life-changing experiences for others, with a passion for students and study abroad. Chele’s current obsessions include travel planning, interior decorating, and entertaining her three children (cats) as a way to wind down each day.

Quote:
Even when you are scared you can’t, take the chance anyway. I guarantee you will surprise yourself.

Favorite Destination:
The Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea; a place hidden within the center of the bustling modern city. 

Next Destination:
Thailand, Switzerland, and everywhere else

Major:

Radiologic Sciences

Study Abroad Program:

USA History and Jewish Studies in Central Europe, May 2024

Most Memorable Experience Abroad:

While in Warsaw, Poland, we attended classes at the Palace of Culture and Science. After class one day, a portion of the group decided we would go up to the observation deck, which is located on the 30th floor. The elevator ride was extremely fast, at only 25 seconds. Once up there, as long as you are not afraid of heights, there is a 360-degree view of the city of Warsaw. It's absolutely stunning to see the city from such a high point of view. Exploring from the ground was way different than looking beyond into the sky, seeing the skyscrapers versus the old buildings in the distance. Warsaw had to rebuild a significant amount of its infrastructure after WWII; it was cool to see what remained across the city versus the new, more modern buildings. 

Get to know Kelsi and learn more about her experience! You may reach her at: oiepeeradvisor@southalabama.edu