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Alum of the Month

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Our Alum of the Month feature highlights the impact that studying abroad has had on the careers of alumni. Read more about the varied career paths that alumni have taken since studying abroad. Check back monthly to catch each new posting.

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Vice President of IMG Models—Alum of the Month Lisa Benson

Meet Lisa Benson (IES Abroad London, Spring 2001), Vice President of IMG Models.

by IES Abroad
July 16, 2019
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From Barcelona to a Career in Radio—Alum of the Month Bennett Wakenight

Meet Bennett Wakenight (IES Abroad Barcelona, Spring 2014), Executive Producer at WGN Radio in Chicago. Read on to learn how study abroad impacted Bennett's ability to look at stories from a different angle, and his full-circle moment when IES Abroad President and CEO Mary Dwyer was featured on WGN Radio’s morning business show, “The Opening Bell with Steve Grzanich” last month.

by IES Abroad
June 19, 2019
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Inspiring Artistic Cultural Exchange Worldwide – Alum of the Month Mary Sherman

Meet Mary Sherman (IES Abroad Vienna 1978-79), Executive Director of TransCultural Exchange, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting international art and the understanding of world cultures. Read on to discover how studying abroad in Vienna served as a catalyst for Mary's career as an artist and her advice for students today.

by IES Abroad
May 22, 2019
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Taking Journalism to New Digital Heights—Alum of the Month Jay Lauf

Meet Jay Lauf (IES Abroad Durham 1984-85 | Connecticut College), co-CEO of Quartz, a global digital news site with more than 100 journalists on five continents. Read on as Jay shares his professional journey in journalism, the inspiration behind Quartz, and how lessons learned abroad have impacted him every step of the way.

by IES Abroad
April 19, 2019
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From Practicing Law to Teaching Children French – Our February Alum of the Month, Karen Taylor

Karen Taylor (IES Abroad Nantes 1976-77) developed a love of French from a young age, due to the encouragement of her mother. From studying French in school, to studying abroad, to falling in love, to raising her children—French has played a central role in Karen’s life. Read on to discover what inspired Karen to embark on a second career in teaching.

by IES Abroad
February 22, 2019
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Singer, Songwriter and Traveler Mike Mentz – January Alum of the Month

While studying abroad in Paris, Mike Mentz (IES Abroad Paris French Studies, Fall 2004 | Wake Forest University) found inspiration for his songwriting in every moment—from street sweepers to conversations with his host family. Read on to discover how studying abroad helped Mike prepare for his career as a globetrotting singer and songwriter, and what he hopes listeners take away from his music.

by IES Abroad
January 17, 2019

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