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AU Abroad Staff

Dr. Sara E. Dumont, Director

With parents of different nationalities (father American, mother Welsh), Sara grew up mostly in Connecticut but also spent several formative years in the U.K. Her first “real study abroad experience” was in France when she was 15. She hated it – not France , which was wonderful, but the program, which was not! Perhaps that was prophetic. After completing degrees in Music History at Yale and Oxford universities, Sara had several career changes before finally landing in the field of international education administration in 1989. She has been the Director of American University's AU Abroad Office since December 2003. Email Sara.

Tina Murray, Associate Director

Tina began her international odyssey as an undergraduate student in AU’s School for International Service, when she studied abroad in the West African nation of Liberia. After a few years working in international development, she went on to graduate study in international educational management at the School for International Training, and completed practical training in the advising office of Bermuda College in Stonington, Bermuda. Tina’s education led her to a long and winding road with 15 years in management of programs for students. She has worked and traveled extensively throughout Europe and had the great pleasure of traveling to Ghana and Togo to lay the foundation for students to study in exchange programs she established. Tina arrived at AU Abroad in August 2007. Email Tina.

Tina handles programs in the following regions of the world: Belgium, Canada, France, Ghana, Kenya, Mexico, and South Africa

Mark Hayes, Associate Director of Marketing and Recruitment

After his first study trip abroad to Ecuador and Peru at the tender age of 15, Mark caught the travel bug. While In college at Amherst, he studied in St. Petersburg, Russia, and then followed up with a semester in Sydney, Australia while getting his MBA at Duke. For the last six years, he has been living all over Europe (London, Cyprus, Prague, Moscow and Munich) working first for Intel Corporation and then later a large IT distribution company. He landed back on American shores in the summer of 2004, and immediately joined the AU Abroad team. Email Mark.

Mark handles our program in Russia

Awilda Marquez, Director of Fiscal Operations

After managing the Financial Operations of a family-owned construction company in Puerto Rico, Awilda returns to American University where she previously worked as the Coordinator of Business Management, 16 years ago. As a former study abroad student in Washington, DC, Awilda appreciates how such an experience can be life changing for any student. Awilda earned her BBA in Accounting from George Washington University and her MIS from American University. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and China. She is thrilled to be part of the AU Abroad and Abroad at AU team of professionals and to have the opportunity to foster international relations. Email Awilda.

Ethan Merritt, Senior Study Abroad Advisor

Starting with a high-school summer exchange program in France, Ethan developed a fascination for other cultures. After studying international relations and Japanese at Bucknell University, Ethan spent over a year living and teaching in Japan on the JET Program. He has also spent time abroad in such places as Australia, Thailand and the U.K. He has since worked for the Embassy of Japan and later a Japanese consulting firm. Inspired by his experiences overseas, Ethan was thrilled to join AU Abroad in February 2004. Email Ethan.

Ethan handles programs in the following regions of the world: China, Czech Republic, England, Ireland, Japan, Scotland, and South Korea

Brita Doyle, Study Abroad Advisor

Brita's eyes were opened to the world when she spent her junior year of high school in Finland as a Rotary foreign exchange student. She continued her international pursuit at American University with a BA in Spanish language and Latin American Studies. During college she spend two semesters abroad in Spain and Chile. Her part-time work in the AU Abroad office further sparked her interest in International Education. Brita joined AU Abroad as an Advisor in July of 2003, and is currently working on her master's in International Education. Email Brita.

Brita handles programs in the following regions of the world: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Israel, New Zealand, and Sweden.

Kristin Leonato, Study Abroad Advisor

During college Kristin was fortunate enough to complete two off-campus study programs and still graduate on time. Kristin studied in Vienna, Austria during her junior year and upon returning to school quickly left again to participate in the Washington Semester Program. Promptly after graduation from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN, Kristin headed into the woods. She spent two years leading backpacking trips before returning to modernity and joining American University in March 2004. Kristin completed her Masters in International Training and Education here at AU. Email Kristin.

Kristin handles programs in the following regions of the world: Egypt, Germany, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Turkey, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates

Sarah Beumer Harlow, Financial Assistant

After two summer abroad trips to Australia, New Zealand and Costa Rica while still in high school, Sarah discovered her love of travel and culture. She continued her interest in international studies at American University by spending a semester in Argentina and earning a B.A. in International Studies and Spanish language and Latin American Studies. While still in college Sarah also completed a number of internships in the field of international education. After graduation and 3½ years at an immigration law firm, she is thrilled to be back at AU and in the field of international education. Complimenting her work in the office, she is working towards a master's in international training and education at AU. Email Sarah .

Alison Nagy, Incoming Student Advisor

With a BA in Sociology, Alison's love of culture and observing people extends beyond the academic realm. Her first international experience was during her own study abroad in Krakow, Poland. She quickly realized the addictive nature of travel and was eager to return to Europe after graduation. She spent the better part of four years living and working in England and Hungary, as well as a brief stint in Morocco. Alison finds herself at home in the AU Abroad ~ Abroad at AU Office as the Advisor for international students attending AU for a semester or year, and working on marketing initiatives for the office. In addition to working in the office, Alison is also pursuing her master's in public communication at AU. Email Alison.

Monica Lee , Program Assistant

Email Monica .

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