Introducing Tiara Dhenin
Tiara graduated from Simon Fraser University with a degree in International Studies and Development and Sustainability. She has a passion for world travel, which she first pursued when she was twenty and explored ten countries. Since then, she prefers to have an international trip on her radar at all times! Tiara grew up in Canada. She currently lives in Victoria, British Columbia, where she works and volunteers in the non-profit sector with organizations that promote cultural inclusiveness, anti-human trafficking, and which protect some of BC’s most ancient forests. She especially enjoys hiking, cycling, baking, gardening, and being active in her community. When it comes to traveling, her most fulfilling experiences stem from exploring the cultural landscapes and geography of each place she visits. Don’t be surprised to find her wearing some local attire!
What’s an OPC?
As part of your customized faculty-led program abroad, you will be led and supported by a CISabroad On-Site Program Coordinator (OPC). OPCs are experienced and well trained staff members, there to ensure the schedule goes according to plan. Each OPC attends an extensive training program that involves a range of modules – risk management, emergency response, safety, logistics’, cultural awareness, communication, culture shock, budgeting, social media, La Vida Local and customer service.
The primary role of the OPC is to facilitate the in-country implementation of the assigned customized program, by providing safety / emergency response and logistical support. During the program, the OPC is responsible for managing the day-to-day logistics of the assigned customized program and providing in-country support to both the faculty and students. Using personal travel experience, professional work experience (and where possible language knowledge), the OPC will help create a program environment that is safe and culturally engaging. The CISabroad OPC may or may not be an in country local. The majority of CISabroad OPCs are expats from the US, who have travelled, lived, volunteered, or worked abroad in the program destination.
The OPC is not a registered tour guide nor expected to provide tours of sites visited during the program. If the program is one that requires specific guided tours of various sites, these will be provided separately. The OPC provides a general neighborhood walking tour to help the group identify the nearest bank/ATM, pharmacy, laundry-mat, grocery store and other similar conveniences.
The OPC’s role allows Faculty to focus on the academic objectives and the students to make the most of their time overseas!