Alaina advises for programs in the UK and Germany. She is also the primary study abroad advisor for incoming exchange students at Purdue.
Alaina studied Theatre at Valparaiso University and the Ohio State University and holds an MS in Higher Education from Purdue Global. Her study abroad experiences included a semester in Cambridge, England and a spring break British Theatre and Culture intensive in London.
Prior to joining the Purdue Study Abroad team, Alaina worked overseas with the Cambridge program she attended in college. While there, she completed a DipHE in Theology through the University of London and traveled as often as possible.
Since study abroad can be meaningful to different people in different ways, Alaina's favorite thing about advising is getting to know students and their goals. She enjoys helping them find the right program and make the experience their own.
Emily advises for all programs in the Netherlands, Austria, Ireland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, all programs in Turkey and Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark, Sweden), and exchange programs in Italy and Spain.
Emily received her B.S. from Kent State University and holds an MAEd in Leadership in Higher Education from Baldwin Wallace University. She studied abroad in Florence, Italy for a semester during her undergrad and has travelled to thirteen countries since departing for her study abroad. Her semester abroad influenced her love for travel and led her to choosing a career in global education, where she can use her experiences and knowledge to help advise students who are interested in studying abroad.
Study abroad is an impactful opportunity to explore the world, learn about oneself, and gain appreciation for other cultures and Emily enjoys being able to advise students on how to make the most out of their time abroad. She appreciates the chance to help students find the programs that work best for them and to support them as they prepare for a memorable study abroad.
Austin advises for programs in Australia, Estonia, France, Greece, Madagascar, New Zealand, Portugal, Co-sponsored programs in Spain, SFS programs in Europe, Semester at Sea, SEA, FIE, and the CIEE Summer Global Internship programs.
He holds a B.A. from Kenyon College and is pursuing an M.A. in International Education from the SIT Graduate Institute, along with a Professional Certification from The Forum on Education Abroad. During his studies, he spent semesters abroad in Madagascar and France and participated in shorter programs in Sweden, Mexico, and Cambodia. Before joining the Study Abroad Office, he worked as a middle school English teaching assistant in Paris and with Purdue’s Office of International Students & Scholars.
Austin is passionate about making study abroad opportunities accessible to all students and is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels empowered to pursue international opportunities. Grateful for the support he received from study abroad advisors during his academic journey, Austin strives to offer the same level of support and encouragement to his students, helping them navigate their unique paths.
Jessey advises for programs in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, as well as co-sponsored programs in Italy and all IES Summer Internships.
Jessey received a B.A. in History and a Master of Public Administration from Morehead State University in Kentucky. He studied abroad during summer 2014 at Tianjin Normal University in Tianjin, China and during summer 2015 at Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea. Following his undergraduate studies, Jessey taught English at Tianjin Normal University from 2016 to 2018, during which time he travelled throughout mainland China, Hong Kong, and Japan.
Prior to joining the Purdue Study Abroad team, Jessey advised students on study abroad opportunities at Westminster College in Missouri during which time he visited partners, conducted site visits, and accompanied faculty led travel courses to the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Morocco.
Jessey is originally from the Appalachian Mountains of rural Eastern Kentucky, where he was raised by his grandfather on a hog farm. Coming from one of the most historically poor regions of the country, Jessey understands the value of not only pursuing a degree in higher education but also the transformative and life altering experience of studying and living abroad. Jessey hopes to use his experience and knowledge to help students explore their own life changing experiences abroad.