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Office for Education Abroad Staff
Peggy RetkaDirector 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 |
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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, India, Galway & Cork-Ireland, Northern Ireland, Japan, London (Fall & Spring), 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: 320.363.5590joyruis@csbsju.edu
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Nicole ClementsEducation 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, 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: 320.363.5961nclements@csbsju.edu
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Merry HoppertOffice 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 |
Abbey, Caitlyn, Jaclyn, 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. Contact Us: 320.363.5952 |