Alexsander Peña | Admissions Advisor

Just a boy from the suburbs of the Queen City, itching to see more of the world. Charlotte always felt a little too small for me. Thankfully, I was able to experience going abroad at a young age. I learned then that I feel the most alive and the most myself when I am exploring the world. I have made it a goal to continue traveling, trying new cuisine, meeting new people, and making new friends and lifetime memories. I felt so at home in Germany and so exhilarated in Pompeii. Recently, I just got back from Japan, and I cannot wait to go back. I am the kind of person who will purchase a ticket for an event abroad and figure it out logistics later.

I am from Charlotte, North Carolina. I went to UNC Charlotte, and I did an exchange year in Universität Heidelberg.

 I was 17 years old and I had the opportunity to travel with my German high school class to Germany on a 10-day trip around the country. I was walking down the cobblestone streets of the romantic city of Heidelberg and I told myself, “I am going to travel abroad here one day.” The way the late spring sun hit the fairytale town on that late afternoon had such a pull on me, that I knew in that moment I would one day be back to truly experience the beauty of this city. As the saying goes, “Ich hab’ mein Herz in Heidelberg verloren.” 

Japan, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Czechia, Hungary.

I studied abroad in Heidelberg, Germany, and I taught English in Sankt Pölten, Austria.

Oh man… this is a tough one. I am a romantic; so, here’s one: My then partner and I were driving through the southern French countryside on Christmas Eve. I remember looking up at the night sky, stars glittering in the dark. It was gorgeous. We pulled over to the side of the road and decided to lay on top of the rental, looking up at the stars. I felt so at peace and content with my life; grateful for this small intimate moment of my own. Staring up at the sky, I just took it all in, when I saw a shooting star streak across, and it was magical. I felt so small–yet so alive. This moment was the epitome of what travel will always be to me: a series of intimate magical moments that I will forever cherish.

Mediterranean or my mom’s home-cooked Salvadoran food.

I am excited to help you make your dreams come true and to hear all about your amazing experiences–living vicariously through you!