Student Workers

Graduate Assistant

Jesse Tanson serves as a Resource Room Express Advisor and Graduate Assistant in the Office for Study Abroad. Jesse is a second-year Masters in International Affairs student concentrating in international affairs and development with a particular focus on international education. Before attending the Elliott School, Jesse majored in French and Francophone studies and minored in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at the College of William and Mary. During his undergraduate studies, Jesse spent a semester in Strasbourg, France through the IFE study abroad program, interning with the Université de Strasbourg’s film department and at the independent theater, Cinema Odyssée. The summer following his study abroad experience, he stayed in Paris to research French hip-hop culture for his honor’s thesis, attending concerts and meeting with rap journalists. After graduation in 2018, Jesse spent two years in Cavaillon, France teaching English to middle and high school students through TAPIF. During his two years with TAPIF, Jesse explored the south of France, Spain, Italy, and Morocco, visiting friends in each country he went to, making for truly authentic and memorable experiences. His academic interests include student mobility, cultural diplomacy, and development. Outside of academics, Jesse enjoys listening to music, hiking, traveling, and cooking. He looks forward to helping students find and plan a life-changing study abroad experience!

Graduate Assistant

Cecilia serves as Graduate Assistant in the Office for Study Abroad.  She is a first-year Master's student in International Education, interested in education for migrants and refugees. Cecilia graduated with a degree in Communication and the Teaching of Art and later on with a degree in Education in Italy at Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca. During her undergraduate studies, she had the chance to study abroad in the United Kingdom and in Lithuania through the Erasmus+ program. She also did an internship in Greece with an NGO providing education to refugees. In her free time, Cecilia enjoys discovering new places, watching volleyball and alpine skiing races, and cooking. Cecilia is excited to be part of the Office for Study Abroad and hopes that her experiences can be helpful and inspiring for outgoing students.

Study Abroad Community Ambassador
Global Bachelor's Ambassador 

Jonathan is a senior majoring in International Business and minoring in Political Science. Prior to his arrival to GW, he knew he wanted to be in the Global Bachelor’s Program because of the opportunities it would provide him. Jonathan was part of the Shanghai Cohort that, due to COVID, was diverted to Victoria University of Wellington in Wellington, New Zealand (Spring 2020). He then extended his stay in Wellington to the Fall 2020 semester before returning home. While Jonathan was in New Zealand, he was able to pursue his passions of volunteering and sailing by taking people with disabilities sailing as well as competing in several races with his friends in the cohort. He also competed in a couple of case competitions through the university. Despite the COVID restrictions in place around the world, New Zealand remained open for most of his visit so he traveled extensively throughout the country, going to almost all of the major attractions. The experience Jonathan gained by living in New Zealand for nine months is priceless. Prior to graduating high school, Jonathan spent two weeks in Shanghai on an exchange program and a semester abroad in Jerusalem, Israel. He is excited to help everyone achieve their study abroad goals!

Study Abroad Community Ambassador
Exchange & Events Ambassador

Alexa is a Junior majoring in Systems Engineering with a minor in Business Administration. She studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland at University College Dublin through the GW Exchange Program with SEAS! Alexa enjoyed learning about engineering from a different perspective! The highlight of her abroad experience was traveling on the coast of Ireland to see the most scenic views, gaining the sweetest Irish friends, and trying new food! Of all her travels, Amsterdam was her favorite place because the food was outstanding and the city was beautiful! She is excited to be a study abroad peer advisor and assist you to your next adventure!

Study Abroad Community Ambassador
Social Media Ambassador

Joshua is currently a junior at the George Washington University majoring in International Development at the Elliott School of International Affairs (he officially transferred from the business school and will begin at Elliott in the fall 2021). In the future, Joshua wants to make a positive impact in the world by helping other countries develop the necessary infrastructures for their citizens. He hopes to study abroad in Mexico to enhance his knowledge of the region, and use the Spanish language skills he's learned from the Elliott School in the real world. Joshua looks forward to helping other students accomplish their dreams of Studying Abroad, while being a part of the SACA program.

Study Abroad Community Ambassador
Scholarships & Gilman Ambassador

James is a senior studying International Affairs with a concentration in International Economics and a minor in Business Administration. He studied abroad in Paris, France in the GW Paris Sciences Po Direct Exchange Program in Fall 2021. James was able to travel to 10 European countries while being abroad and had many unique experiences in each. A highlight for him was going on a program trip to Normandy in Northern France. While at Sciences Po, James was able to meet students and professionals who shared his passions for global business and diplomacy. There were several instances where he attended events with high-level French and European government officials.  He is very excited to work as a peer advisor/community ambassador and help other students pursue study abroad!