As SAF celebrates 25 years of empowering students through international education, we’re shining a spotlight on the dedicated staff who make it all possible. This month, we’re thrilled to introduce Alex de Gala, one of our Lead Program Specialists based in our Chicago headquarters. With firsthand experience studying and living abroad, Alex brings passion, insight, and care to supporting students on their own global journeys. Read on to learn more about Alex’s study abroad story, memorable moments with students, and advice for those considering an adventure abroad.
What inspired you to work in the study abroad industry?
ADG: Like many of my colleagues, I studied abroad myself! I studied abroad in China while in college and lived there for several years afterwards, so it was a meaningful experience for me that I wanted to continue with in my career.
What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken?
ADG: I was studying abroad in Beijing and took an overnight train to Harbin in January to see the famous Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. I immediately started feeling regret as soon as I stepped off the train (it was -30 Celsius outside), but it was worth it to see the beautiful sculptures. Every year, the city takes massive chunks of ice out of the Songhua River to sculpt into beautiful works of art and even buildings that you can walk into.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to students considering studying abroad?
ADG: My advice would be to prepare for and try to embrace discomfort; obviously, there are so many wonderful things to look forward to when going abroad, but there are almost certainly going to be several moments where you might feel uncomfortable. I think these moments can be good opportunities for personal growth and can help you re-evaluate your habits and values.
Can you share a memorable experience with a student or family you worked with?
ADG: During a visit to UC Berkeley, Carol Carmody and I took a group of students on a food tour in the city. It was my first time meeting these students in person, but it was a great way to get to know them, hear about their life in Berkeley so far, and sample little bites of food from several amazing local restaurants.
What’s a local food or drink you’d recommend to visiting colleagues or students?
ADG: Most people are already aware of Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish pizza, but not a jibarito, which comes from Puerto Rican restaurants here. It’s a sandwich that uses fried plantains in place of bread, along with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, garlic mayo, and your choice of meat.
What’s a common question or concern students have, and how do you address it?
ADG: Many students have concerns about safety in their study abroad destination. I make sure to emphasize the resources available to them, whether that is security features in their accommodation, transportation services provided by their host university, or SAF's emergency contact information. Essentially, I try to make sure they're aware that even though there's always some uncertainty in going to an unfamiliar place, SAF will be there to support them and help them to feel safe while studying abroad.
What’s a university or destination you always get excited about recommending to students?
ADG: University of Pennsylvania- I think Philadelphia is a vibrant city with a lot of well-preserved landmarks of American history.
If you could swap jobs with anyone in the organization for a day, who would it be and why?
ADG: I would swap jobs with Suyeon Lee at SAF Korea! Suyeon works closely with the new IES Abroad Seoul Center and all of the SAF Korea students, so I think I could learn a lot from her and all of the tasks she juggles.
What’s one thing you always keep on your desk or in your workspace?
ADG: I always keep a memento from one of my past jobs or internships; currently on my desk is an old calendar from the Beijing LGBT Center with team photos from my time there.
What does the 25th anniversary of this organization mean to you?
ADG: To me, it means that SAF has had a lasting vision and has continuously worked on providing high quality study abroad opportunities to our students. Despite numerous challenges in international education, SAF has thrived throughout these 25 years and I look forward to how it keeps growing going forward.
