Meet The International TEFL Academy Staff

 What is your role at international TEFL Academy?

I am an Admissions Advisor and also in the Alumni Department.

What's Your Story?

I did it for love!!!

 I am not necessarily the super romantic type, or anything, but I actually decided to move across the ocean, to Madrid, Spain because I was chasing after a girl that I loved, and was about to lose.  Long story short….just a few months later, I was a married man, living in a charming little apartment just down the street from Madrid’s prized Parque del Retiro.

Where are you from, where did you go to college & what did you major in at college?

Detroit, MI.  Wayne State University in Detroit – Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, DePaul University in Chicago, Master’s Degree in Education.  

What countries have you visited?

Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, China, Portugal, Germany, Slovakia, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Canada, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico, Morocco, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Vatican City, Indonesia, Austria, Switzerland, and many more to come.  

What's next on your list?

Taiwan & Turkey

Where have you lived, worked or traveled abroad long-term?

I went to school and taught in Madrid, Spain for over a year.

Best travel advice?

Go down the road less traveled (figuratively, and often literally).  If you do that more times than not, you’ll end up having a much more authentic adventure.  Push yourself outside of your comfort zone.    

Name some of your favorite literature & media:

Books: For Europe: Anything by Rick Steves.  I lived in Spain, a country that Ernest Hemingway loved dearly.  I spent a good amount of time reading his work while there, and I now feel like I’ve sort of bonded with him, personally. 

Films: My original inspiration:  Indiana Jones flicks. Honestly, you can stream so many great travel films these days, it's too hard to choose.  I do recommend checking out our finalist's submissions to the ITA International Film Festival for a little be of inspiration.

Music: Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong (Too cheesy?  Tough!). 

Website: I read the NY Times Travel Section regularly.      

What is your favorite international cuisine?

Korean, Spanish, Japanese, and Mexican

Why do you like working at International TEFL Academy?

I like working at ITA because I’m surrounded by fellow travelers all day, and I get to help future globe trekkers get started on their own adventures.  Honestly, it feels good to be able to help people have the same type of experience I had.  Plus, we really do have a lot of fun here.