Meet Elena Pérez, our new Assistant Site Director in Costa Rica! Her passion for international education began with her time abroad in France, and now she's thrilled to inspire her students to travel, embrace new cultures, and discover the personal growth that comes with exploring different parts of the world.
Why are you excited to work for CIS Abroad?
I am excited to be working with CIS Abroad because it offers an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth. The organization’s values—fostering connections, helping students thrive, and creating meaningful opportunities through internships and career development—resonate deeply with me. I admire their personalized focus on specific countries, which ensures impactful and authentic experiences for students.
CIS Abroad’s supportive and inclusive culture, including its commitment to embracing diversity and LGBTQ+ acceptance, aligns perfectly with my own values. I’m inspired by the team’s passion for their work and their dedication to providing life-changing experiences for students. The chance to contribute to shaping students’ futures and making a real difference in their lives is something I truly believe in, and I am eager to bring my enthusiasm and skills to this mission-driven team.
Describe a memorable moment from abroad
Studying abroad in Grenoble, France, was truly life-changing. I stayed with a warm and welcoming family of five (and their adorable cat!), which allowed me to immerse myself fully in French culture. Every day, I practiced French, speaking it for five hours in class and continuing to use it at home.
One of the most unforgettable moments was when my mom and boyfriend visited me at the same time. It was incredibly special to bring together my French host family, my Costa Rican family (my mom), and my American family (my boyfriend). Seeing them interact, despite coming from different cultures and languages, was a heartwarming reminder of how connections transcend boundaries. That moment will always stay with me as a symbol of the beautiful blend of cultures and relationships I experienced during my time abroad.
What has your career path looked like? How did you end up in the field of International Education?
I graduated college this past May, with my career journey so far including internships in marketing and sales. While these experiences helped me develop valuable skills, my true passion has always been education. I believe everyone deserves access to education, and I’ve dreamed of contributing to making it more accessible and meaningful.
Studying and traveling abroad have been transformative experiences in my own life, and I’m excited to help others discover the personal growth that comes from exploring different parts of the world. I’m thrilled to embark on a career in international education, where I can inspire students to travel, embrace new cultures, and recognize how these experiences can shape their futures. I’m eager to see where this path takes me and look forward to making a positive impact in the lives of students worldwide.
A typical weekend for me is…
A typical weekend for me is never the same—it changes every week! I recently moved back home after spending four years living on my own in the U.S., so life here feels refreshingly different. My family loves adventure and exploring new places, which keeps things exciting. Lately, we’ve been spending time with my grandparents, who are over 90 years old, and cherishing those moments together.
I’m looking forward to exploring more of my beautiful country and reconnecting with the people I care about. Whether it’s visiting new spots, spending quality time with family, or catching up with friends, weekends are all about creating meaningful memories.
5 words that describe yourself
- Energetic
- Spontaneous
- Social
- Emotional
- Positive
Travel Tip:
Be open-minded and immerse yourself in local culture—talk to people, try new foods, and embrace traditions. Travel light, explore on foot, and avoid over-researching. Learn a few phrases in the local language; it goes a long way. Capture moments with you in the pictures—your memories will be priceless.
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