Meet Emile, our new Program Enrollment Coordinator and Team Assistant!
I am excited to work with an energetic company and staff that has been in the industry for over 25 years! Throughout the hiring process, CIS employees have been responsive, personable, and communicative, demonstrating passion for both international study and the students they work with. As a young professional with strong convictions about responsible and thoughtful international education, I knew that CIS was going to match well with my values and create a team environment that allows me to pursue my passions and goals.
My adventure in Pisa would not be complete without a cheesy-tourist photo of me holding up the Leaning Tower!
While I am a huge fan of scheduled tours and sightseeing adventures, one of my favorite memories from traveling abroad was a chance encounter with a jazz bar in Madrid. I had been walking to the bus stop after a stage performance and I took a bit of a wrong turn and ended up walking past a jazz bar. I went in on a whim after I heard live music floating through the windows.
The bartenders were all young adults from across Europe, who had some to Spain on working holidays, and the bar itself was filled with expats and Spanish folks alike. We all knew enough of each other’s languages to converse and share stories, sometimes switching between three languages at once. It was such a random encounter with a slice of the population that I had never interacted with before, and it remained the highlight of my travels.
I initially went to college to study political science, with the goal of going to law school! I became heavily involved in criminal law sentencing reform and worked on two projects with the Minnesota State Legislature involving felony murder sentencing guidelines. However, I realized a career in criminal law was not the right pathway for me.
After my time with the legislature, I ended up randomly applying for and getting an internship in Scandinavia. I worked part-time at DIS's North American Office in St. Paul for nearly three years, until I graduated in May 2025. Before this, I had never considered a career in international education. I found that the field was a great fit for me as it allowed me to put together my passion for education with my love of international travel and world affairs. Through international education, I feel that I can create a positive impact on students and help them develop a broader understanding of different cultures and of themselves.
For me, a typical weekend revolves around my biking and crafting hobbies! I enjoy biking on Minneapolis’s many bike trails and park paths, and I have found that biking is a great way to explore your city! Biking allows me to slow down and pay attention to the businesses around me, leading me to discovering some pretty cool cafes! I also enjoy quilting, knitting, and sewing. My recent projects include making curtains for my apartment, quilting a fish design to upcycle an old t-shirt, and knitting a sweater vest!
Warm, Independent, Cheerful, Nerdy, Green-Thumbed!
Planned tours and guided hikes are always fun, but make sure you spend time being spontaneous! Some of my favorite travel memories were made when I set aside the plan and followed the spirit of adventure!