Meet Alex Dorsey, our new Site Director in Barcelona! After graduating from Michigan State University, he moved to Barcelona and rediscovered his lifelong passion for education, showing him the incredible value of cross-cultural experiences.
Why are you excited to work for CIS Abroad?
I’m excited to work for CIS Abroad because of its role in creating amazing and transformative study-abroad experiences. Having lived abroad for many years, I deeply value the impact international education has on broadening perspectives and advancing personal growth. I look forward to contributing to programs that inspire students to connect globally.
Describe a memorable moment from abroad
One of my most memorable experiences from abroad was spending my first Christmas away from home and my family. I had been living in Barcelona for six months and was sharing a flat with 3 other people. My roommate at the time (who is now my wife) invited a friend of mine and me to her house to spend the Christmas holidays with her family and it was absolutely amazing.
Her family welcomed us with open arms, treating us like part of the family from the moment we arrived, making great strides to overcome our terrible Spanish and non-existent Catalan. The house was filled with warmth, laughter, and the smell of traditional holiday food like escudella i carn d’olla, percebes and turrón. I had my first experience with caga tió, a rather unique Catalan Christmas tradition.
The highlight of the evening was sitting around the table together, sharing stories, and exchanging cultural traditions. I loved telling them about how we celebrated Christmas back home, while learning about their own customs. For a moment, I forgot I was thousands of miles from my family, as the warmth of the occasion made me feel at home.
That Christmas was not only unforgettable but also a pivotal moment in my life. It brought me closer to my future wife and gave me a deep appreciation for the power of hospitality and connection across cultures. It’s a memory that still brings a smile to my face every holiday season.
What has your career path looked like? How did you end up in the field of International Education?
My career in education started as a child when I began tutoring and camp counseling throughout high school. After graduating from Michigan State University, I had a brief stint in finance, but I think I had always known that I belonged in the field of education and my career has primarily been dedicated to this field ever since.
When I was 23, I decided that it was time to move away and live abroad, which is what brought me to Barcelona and back into education. Living and teaching abroad further fueled my passion for education, showing me the incredible value of cross-cultural experiences. These opportunities naturally guided me to international education, where I can combine my love for teaching with my enthusiasm for connecting people across cultures.
A typical weekend for me is…
Spending time with my family and friends. You will most likely find me at some cultural event that is happening around the city, especially if it’s a Festa Major or Cercavila de Gegants.
5 words that describe yourself
Cheerful, Empathetic, Adaptable, Resourceful and ReliableTravel Tip:
Plan ahead, but embrace spontaneity. Stay curious and open and definitely don't be afraid to make a fool of yourself. It's all part of the adventure.
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