Jessica Jones, Manager, Customized Faculty-Led Programs
Jess graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in French and Comparative Religion. Raised as a third culture kid Jess has still lived more of her life outside of the United States than in it. She was born in India and grew up in Kuwait, Pakistan, Indonesia and graduated from high school in Abu Dhabi. After all of that, Jess’ biggest culture shock (still to this day) was moving “home” to her passport country, to Mississippi. It was during an attempted escape from the U.S. on a semester study abroad program to the Loire Valley, France, Jess discovered deeply set roots in the Southern U.S. and decided after this life changing realization that the field of education abroad was simply where she belongs. Before moving to MA to manage the Customized Faculty-Led Programs team at CISabroad, Jess worked as interim director of the Office of International Programs at her alma mater. During her tenure at Southern Miss Jess managed several faculty-led programs on the ground in France and the England. Jess has managed CISabroad faculty-led programs in France, England, Ireland, Singapore, Israel, Jordan, Scotland, Indonesia, China and Thailand. She currently lives in Northampton with her husband and their cat, and in her spare time she enjoys being outdoors (even in the winter), people watching, making jewelry, and planning her next overseas adventure.
Jess has visited Ireland twice before, and looks forward to going back with you in March. Jess will travel with your group during your entire time in Ireland and will be there to support you in every way possible to ensure your program abroad is a safe, meaningful and positive one. Jess looks forward to meeting and getting to know you soon!
John Hayes, CISabroad Site Director in Ireland
John was born and raised in Ireland. He grew up on a dairy farm in Tipperary before heading to college. He studied at the National University of Ireland, Galway and University of Limerick. John adores travelling and has lived and worked in five different European countries. He has taught in Spain, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom, worked on farms in The Netherlands and has led study abroad programs in the British Isles and Austria. John believes both International education and travel are essential in today’s world and is on hand to help smooth our participants’ path whilst abroad.
John is married to Anja. 15 years and counting! Together they have a teen (Nathan 14) and tween (Lauren 12). When John isn’t dealing with teen vs. tween friction and angst he loves watching westerns, war films and watching/tweeting about sports. He’s completely crazy about almost all sports and promises to take participants to see a match of one kind or another if their program schedule allows.
The IPHE group will meet with John during the time in Dublin!