Education Abroad

Office for Education Abroad Staff

Peggy Retka

Director of Education Abroad

I started at OEA in September, 2007. Prior to joining the office, I spent three and a half years at the Center for International Studies at St. Cloud State University, also managing study abroad programs.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Business Administration, with a concentration in International Business, from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. I completed my Masters of Science degree in College Counseling and Student Development at SCSU in December 2008.

Travel has been my passion since my first exposure to France when I was 15. Since then, I have traveled extensively throughout France and other areas of Europe; including a 10-month home-stay experience with a French family. I have also visited Australia, India, South Africa and several countries in Asia (briefly!).

Originally from Hastings, Minnesota; I now live in St. Joseph. In my free time I try to take in the many outdoor activities that this area has to offer, read, and explore as much of the US and the world that I can!

At OEA I have two main roles: 1) Advising students about the great international opportunities CSB/SJU offers; 2) Managing the Australia and South Africa programs. Stop by sometime to find out how Study Abroad can fit into your future.

Contact me: 320.363.5962
pretka@csbsju.edu

Joy Ruis

Education Abroad Advisor

I joined the OEA team in July 2008. Previously, I have worked for the International Education Center at University of St. Thomas. While I was there I also received my M.A. in Leadership in Student Affairs.

I also have a Bachelor of Science from University of Wisconsin-River Falls in History with a double minor in Political Science and International Studies. While there, I studied abroad for a semester with the Wisconsin in Scotland program just outside of Edinburgh. Prior to college, I started my love of travel with a high school trip to Germany where I stayed with a host family for a week and then travelled to different areas in Southern Germany.

Growing up in the area, it is great to be close to family and friends. When I am not at work, I like to spend my time being on the lake, playing volleyball, biking, going to movies, or watching Twins baseball games.

Here at OEA, I manage and advise semester programs including: China, England (Coventry and London, Fall & Spring), India, Galway & Cork-Ireland, Northern Ireland, Japan, and External study abroad programs. Come into our office to see how you can fit study abroad into your time here at CSBSJU.

Contact me: 320.363.5590
joyruis@csbsju.edu

Nicole Clements

Education Abroad Advisor

I joined the OEA staff in January of 2011, bringing a variety of experiences with me to the position. Previously I served as an AmeriCorps volunteer, a college admission's counselor and academic advisor, a corporate human resources specialist, and the on-site recruiter for a study abroad program in Lithuania.

I received both my bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Minnesota - my undergraduate degrees are in Human Resource Management and Spanish, and my graduate degree is in Higher Education Administration. As an undergraduate I was fortunate to spend an academic year studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain, and as cliché as it sounds, that year changed my life. I gained a passion and appreciation for connecting with new cultures, a love of language learning, and a desire to experience more of the world. And while my career path has been a bit circuitous, I credit my year in Spain with leading me to the role I have today!

I enjoy helping students be successful in college - providing support, guidance, and troubleshooting as they navigate their undergraduate careers. I have a particular passion for helping students incorporate an international experience into their undergraduate career. At CSB/SJU I manage and advise for the following semester programs: Austria, Chile, France, Germany, Greco-Roman/Roman-Greco, Guatemala, and Spain. I encourage you to stop by our office to learn more about any of our programs, and to explore how an international experience can work for you!

Contact me: 320.363.5961
nclements@csbsju.edu

Merry Hoppert

Office Coordinator

I joined OEA in November 2007, having previously worked in the St. John's Health Center for the past five years. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology and accumulated twenty years of experience in that field. So, with my medical background how did I end up working in the Office for Education Abroad?

I give credit to my uncle for sparking my interest in travel to learn about other countries. When I was sixteen years old I traveled to Europe with my uncle who was an art teacher, and a friend. We went to Amsterdam, London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Florence, Geneva, and Berlin. We learned a little bit about everything while we were abroad. We returned home realizing there was so much more to learn.

As a second year student at St. Olaf College, I took a theology course and studied abroad in the Rome program. It was intensive, truly a tremendous learning experience, and a time of spiritual growth.

Several years after finishing my college education I moved to Hawaii, and lived and worked there for twelve years. Many fond memories come to mind as I reflect on Hawaii as a true melting pot of peoples, with their various customs, foods, and history.

I currently live in Sartell with my husband, two children, a cat and a dog. We enjoy camping, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, biking, soccer and basketball.

Contact me: 320.363.5958
mhoppert@csbsju.edu

Hailey Olson

Graduate Intern

This is my first experience serving in an Education Abroad office. My previous experiences include working as an Events Director and Sales Manager in Duluth, and higher education positions at St. Cloud State University and University of MN-Duluth including a Graduate Assistantship in Career Services, working as a Student Advisor, Advisement & Registration Days Coordinator, and Tour Guide.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a Psychology minor from the University of MN-Duluth. I will be completing my Masters of Science in College Counseling and Student Development at St. Cloud State University this May 2013.

My interest in education abroad has come from my love for traveling and experiencing new adventures! I completed a short-term study abroad experience in Paris, France as an undergraduate student and I have also visited England, Scotland, Italy, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia!

Contact me: holson@csbsju.edu

Caitlyn, Faith, Lindsay, Natalie, Riley

Student Employees

OEA is always a busy place and we are on the front line! We greet students and faculty that come into the office; answer telephone calls; schedule appointments; update brochures, bulletin boards, websites, and other marketing materials.

We are happy to assist you in finding more information about studying abroad through CSB/SJU. We can answer basic questions about the study abroad programs, Study Abroad 101, applying to a program and passports. We can also show you how to fully utilize the OEA website.