Staff
Founders
Barbara L. Guidera
Co-foundeR
Facts
I’m married with six children and ten grandchildren. I first came to Spain in 1961. I presented at the All-Iberia Conference of American Clubs and Associations in March 1998: “American women living in a new culture in Spain or Portugal.” In March 2002, I organized a symposium for European Alumnae of Mount Holyoke College titled “Language and Communication in the Third Millennium.”
Interests & Hobbies
Traveling, gardening, sports, reading, movies, opera, theater and classical music.
Birthplace
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Education
B.A. Mount Holyoke College (1957) various courses in Spanish culture and literature.
Gerald G. Guidera
Co-foundeR
Facts
I was raised in Westbury, Long Island, N.Y., but moved to Spain with my family in 1961. I taught at the University of Minnesota from 1959 to 1961 and the University of Maryland (overseas extension) in Seville, from 1963 to 1968.
Interests & Hobbies
Theater (author and producer); narrative poetry (reader and author); sports (long distance runner); and horses (rider and breeder)
Birthplace
Mineola, N.Y.
Education
B.A. Hofstra College (1957) in British and American Literature; M.A. University of Connecticut (1958) in British and American Literature; Doctoral Studies at University of Minnesota (1959-61) in British and American Literature.
USA
Nico Guidera
BUSINESS UNIT SSA DIRECTOR
Facts
I’ve always lived traveling back and forth between Spain and the U.S. I began to keep the accounting on a part-time basis for CC-CS between 1977 and 1984. I took on a full-time position as Administrative Assistant for CC-CS in Amherst in 1987, and soon moved to Seville to teach English and eventually direct the CC-CS Seville office. In 1991, I moved back to Amherst to direct our Institutional Relations and Operations departments. In 1995, I returned to Seville, and between 2003 and 2013 took on the position of Executive Director. Currently, I reside between Amherst and Seville and am Director of our Amherst office.
Interests & Hobbies
Travel, food, film, reading, sailing, motoring, mechanics
Birthplace
Marbella, Spain
Education
B.A. Hofstra University in English Literature; M.A. Middlebury College in Spanish; Master ACADE, Madrid in Educational Business Administration.
David Anderson
Recruitment and marketing director
Facts
Most recently, David was a freelance consultant for Northeastern University and has 20 years of experience with ELS Educational Services (Berlitz) primarily with international student recruitment. With Spanish Studies Abroad, David oversees the recruitment and marketing efforts of all our programs and works closely with the Amherst and Seville teams.
Interests & Hobbies
Birthplace
Education
Studies from Vanderbilt University and studied abroad as an undergraduate in Valencia, Spain. He graduated from Iowa State University with a double major in Spanish and International Studies
Danielle Vient
Custom Programs assistant
Facts
I started traveling when I was young, which developed into a lifelong passion. I studied abroad in Alicante, Spain, and taught English in Prague, Czech Republic. I love immersing myself in different cultures.
Interests & Hobbies
I love to explore and try new things. Besides traveling, though, I enjoy dance, yoga, reading, and cooking.
Birthplace
Springfield, MA
Education
B.A in International Studies from Western New England University
Rodrigo Castillo
Student Services Manager
Facts
I have 14 years of experience facilitating educational exchange, and managing all aspects of student services and advising, programming and administration, and academic oversight and evaluation. I was an international student in the US, studied abroad in Italy and Japan, and I have worked for study abroad providers, universities, and the private sector in the US, Spain, and Colombia.
Interests & Hobbies
Working out, travel, history, languages, dance, reading.
Birthplace
Bogotá, Colombia
Education
Adriana Pajares
ADVISOR Student Services
Facts
My passion for traveling and other cultures, and also languages has made me love helping young university students in the experience that, without a doubt, will change their lives forever. Studying in another country and embracing other foods, languages and people turns you into a more open-minded person with a readiness for almost anything! After being the Resident Director in Barcelona for almost a decade, now I’m on the other side helping students before they arrive at their destinations, but this time from my hometown, Pamplona, in the North of Spain.
Interests & Hobbies
I love dancing, mainly Latin music. Traveling for sure has always been in my life and I continue to travel, now with my little son, to transmit this adventurous spirit to him. One day without a piece of chocolate is not a good day. Learning is always one of my interests, especially topics related to psychology and education.
Birthplace
Barcelona, Spain
Education
Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Navarre. Master’s degree in Coaching in Education. Master’s degree in University Expertise in the Development of Talent and Giftedness. And many other courses… Studying opens your mind!
Natalie Regan
Institutional Relations Coordinator
Facts
Since I was young I also felt the desire to travel to different places across the world and learn a new language. I immediately gravitated towards learning Spanish and going to as many Spanish speaking countries as possible. This led me to study Spanish and Latin American Studies in college. I later moved to Spain to pursue a Master’s degree in Education and taught English for three years. In addition, I have worked in the Dominican Republic and Peru facilitating educational material and reflection about sustainable development and leadership for high school students and oversaw five unique project sites in communities.
Interests & Hobbies
I enjoy traveling as much as I can, hiking, yoga, making pottery, and visiting coffee shops.
Birthplace
Pittsburgh, PA
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Latin American Studies; Niagara University
Master’s in Bilingual and Multicultural Education; Universidad de Alcalá
Maggie Pearson
Student Services Advisor
Facts
My love for the Spanish language and Latin American culture started when I moved to Minnesota at the age of 16. In high school my favorite pastime was Latin dancing. In college I decided to study in Cuba and Argentina to pursue my dream of becoming fluent in Spanish. Since then my love for the Hispanic world has only grown and will continue to be a gratifying part of my lifelong journey.
Interests & Hobbies
I love traveling, singing, dancing, practicing Spanish, and reading spiritual and self-help books!
Birthplace
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Education
Beth Tyler
Institutional Relations Coordinator
Facts
When I first graduated high school, I had no interest in learning Spanish or traveling. It was a service learning trip to Guatemala with the community college I attended, where my passion really began! Later down the road as I continued my education as an adult, I studied abroad through Spanish Studies Abroad in Barcelona!
Interests & Hobbies
Of course, traveling! I feel very fortunate to have been able to travel to as many countries as I have. When I’m not traveling, I enjoy being outside on my patio, birdwatching, hiking the canyons of western Nebraska, and fishing.
Birthplace
Omaha, Nebraska
Education
Associates of Arts; Iowa Central Community College
Bachelors of Arts in Spanish; Doane University
Amanda Gorzney
Institutional Relations Coordinator
Facts
I’ve traveled more in Europe than I have in the United States!
I spent a sumer in the US Virgin Island where I completed a Service Learning internship and studied abroad in Thessaloniki, Greece for a semester. After graduating with my Bachelor of Science degree, I lived in Algeciras, Spain for 9 months, where I worked as an English Language and Cultural Assitant through NALCAP.
Interests & Hobbies
I love to spend time outdoors and enjoying hiking or going to the beach when I can! I also love to sew and have been making my own clothes since I was 13-years old. Finally, I’m a huge bookworm and also really enjoying cooking and trying out new recipes
Birthplace
Grand Mound, Iowa
Education
Iowa State University, Dual Bachelor of Science Degree: Global Resource Systems and Agricultural Education: Communications Options
Seville, Spain
Michelle Durán Ruiz
Chief Executive officer & ACADEMIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
Bio
A native of Puerto Rico, Dr. Durán is Academic Affairs Director of The Center for Cross-Cultural Study. She is responsible for course development, assessment and overall academic quality of Spanish Studies programs in Spain, Argentina, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Prior to assuming her duties as Academic Affairs Director, Dr. Durán served as both faculty member and Resident Director of the Spanish Studies Seville Program. In that capacity she has been responsible for the introduction and implementation of new methods of assessment on-site in Seville.
Education
She completed her undergraduate work at Amherst College, and received her M.A. and Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures from Harvard University.
Marta Borrero
RESIDENT DIRECTOR-SEVILLE CENTER
Facts
Interests & Hobbies
Me encanta viajar y aprender más sobre culturas nuevas. También me gusta la literatura, el cine y la cocina
Birthplace
Sevilla, España
Education
Licenciada en Filología Inglesa de la Universidad de Sevilla
Soraya Pérez
Student Services
Facts
Interests & Hobbies
Viajar. Me apasiona conocer culturas diferentes a la mía y todo lo que ello conlleva. La experiencia completa de cambiar de ciudad, país o incluso continente. Me gusta poder vivir la vida de los sitios a lo que voy: la gastronomía, el arte, la música… Los idiomas, son parte importantísima de ese proceso. Me fascina poder comunicarme con personas que viven a kilómetros de mí, o si no es posible, aprender sus dialectos o lenguas. La música también, es algo imprescindible en mi día a día.
Birthplace
Sevilla, España
Education
Actualmente estoy terminando mi carrera en Grado de Estudios Árabes e Islámicos por la Universidad de Sevilla. Tengo dos títulos de árabe por el Institut Bourguiba des Langues Vivantes de Túnez.
Laura Juliá
STUDENT SERVICES
Facts
I love to travel and get to know other cultures
Interests & Hobbies
I enjoy listening to music, meet with my friends and family and anything outdoors
Birthplace
Sevilla, España
Education
Degree in Tourism from the University of Tourism and Finances in Seville
María de las Aguas Vazquez
Housing
Facts
Interests & Hobbies
Soy sevillana y soy una apasionada de las gastronomías del mundo, me encanta cocinar y descubrir través de la comida diferentes culturas
Birthplace
Seville, Spain
Education
Diplomada en turismo/tourism
Marina de Peralta
Custom Program Manager
Facts
I was born and raised in Seville. I have lived for short periods in other places, but there is nothing like being in your city. I studied Tourism and spent several years working in hotels, but the international education sector seems more interesting to me. I’ve been working for SSA since 2018.
Interests & Hobbies
Traveling, drawing and painting, reading books, watching classic, horror and science fiction cinema, living adventures and the animals.
Birthplace
Seville, Spain
Education
Associate Degree in Tourism and M.A. in Business Management from the University of Seville and Certificate of Studies in Human Resources from IMF Business School.
Francisco Cuenca
IT Director
Facts
Interests & Hobbies
Conocer y explorar nuevas ciudades del mundo. Todo lo relacionado con la tecnología.
Birthplace
Sant Joan Despí, Barcelona
Education
Ingeniería informática especialidad en software, Universidad de Córdoba
Ramon Gallego
Chief FINANCial & Operations Officer
Facts
Soy una persona muy constante, trabajadora, y organizada.
Interests & Hobbies
Me encanta el deporte: practicarlo y verlo. Juego a tenis y pádel. Disfruto leyendo novelas históricas, viajando con la familia y saliendo con los amigos.
Birthplace
Sevilla, España
Education
Estudios de Empresariales en al Universidad de Sevilla, Máster en Gestión de Empresas Educativas, y varios cursos intensivos de Dirección de Empresas.
Elisa Ramos
Accounting
Facts
Interests & Hobbies
Cine, viajar y jardinería
Birthplace
Sevilla, España
Education
3er. Curso Ciencias Empresariales
Amy Niego
CNA Director
Facts
Interests & Hobbies
Viajar, comer (me encanta descubrir sitios nuevos de tapas en Sevilla), remar en el río, ir en bici por Sevilla, tocar la flauta, estudiar lingüística y SLA, explorar Andalucía (especialmente sus playas), estar con mis niños y con mi familia.
Birthplace
New Britain, Connecticut
Education
Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics from UMass Boston, Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Boston College
Juan Diego
Sales & Customer Service
Facts
Interests & Hobbies
Estar con mi familia y todos los deportes en general — sobre todo el fútbol.
Birthplace
Sevilla, España
Education
Técnico especialista en hostelería y turismo.
Eugenia López
Travel & Logistics Manager
Facts
I was born in Seville. My passion for travel led me to study abroad to learn English. I have worked since 2009 in the travel industry as a travel agent.
Interests & Hobbies
I love to travel, watch Nextflix and spend time with friends.
Birthplace
Seville
Education
Luis Delgado
SSA FACULTY
Facts
Interests & Hobbies
Leer, cine, pasear
Birthplace
Sevilla, España
Education
Licenciado en geografía e historia
Conso García
SSA FACULTY
Facts
Interests & Hobbies
Leer, viajar, música clásica (especialmente la ópera)
Birthplace
Segovia, España
Education
Licenciada en geografía e historia, especialidad historia del arte
Sara Rumbao
SSA FACULTY
Facts
Viví en Estado Unidos durante cuatro años, 1 año en Massachusetts trabajando de profesora de español, en Deerfield Academy y tres años en Connecticut en el colegio “The Taft School”.
My fascination with the Spanish language started from an early age. I grew up watching Dora the Explorer and loved my Josefina American Girl doll. I studied Spanish all throughout high school and fell in love with the beauty of the language, its cultures and its people. In college I majored in Spanish and even studied abroad with Spanish Studies Abroad during my senior year in Seville. Studying abroad changed my life and I am so glad I get to be a part of the amazing company that made it all possible for me!
Interests & Hobbies
Birthplace
Sevilla, España
Education
Licenciada en Filología Inglesa, 1996 Diplomada en TEAT (Técnico en empresas y actividades turísticas)1990
Carmen Dorado
SSA FACULTY
Facts
Interests & Hobbies
Intereses culturales en general, leer, pasear, charlar con amigos, cocinar, hacer gimnsasia.
Birthplace
El Sucejo, Sevilla, España
Education
Licenciada en filología hispánica
Ana Salas
SSA Faculty
Facts
Interests & Hobbies
Viajar, leer, internet, cine, escuchar música, practicar deportes, natación, ciclismo, gimnasia, charlar con amigos y cocinar.
Birthplace
Madrid, España
Education
Licenciada en Filología (Universidad de Sevilla); Cursos de Doctorado (Univ. de Sevilla); Cursos complementarios de doctorado en UNC-Chapel Hill: USA
Milagros Molina
SSA Faculty
Facts
Interests & Hobbies
Leer, ir al teatro y pasear
Birthplace
Jaén, España
Education
Licenciada en Filología Hispánica (Universidad de Sevilla); cursos de doctorado relacionados con la gramática histórica del español; tesina bajo el título “Estudio fonético-fonológico” del manuscrito El Culto Sevillano de J. De Robles.
Lola Rodríguez
SSA Faculty
Facts
Soy una mujer felizmente casada, madre de dos hijos de 14 y 18 años de edad. Mis deseos de ser profesora se han visto satisfechos al impartir clases de baile en este centro desde hace años. Por lo que me siento una persona realizada y feliz.
Interests & Hobbies
Me interesa muchísimo mi familia y mi trabajo. Creo también en la amistad. Mis hobbies son : La lectura, la música, el baile, el diseño y la decoración, la restauración, el teatro y el cine.
Birthplace
Genera, Sevilla, España
Education
Graduado escolar, estudios de secretariado y estudios de baile
Diego Reina
Maintenance
Facts
El primer año que trabajé fue en carpintería. Después estuve siete años de auxiliar administrativo en una empresa constructora. Después trabajé en albañilería durante trece años haciendo viviendas y gasolineras.
Interests & Hobbies
Me gustan todos los deportes — en especial el fútbol y el motociclismo. No puedo practicar por falta de tiempo.
Birthplace
Sevilla, España
Education
Graduado escolar
Alicante, Spain
Pepa Vives
Resident Director, Alicante
Bio
Without a doubt, the Alicante program site is unique, not only because of its location on the shores of the Mediterranean, but also because of its tranquility and rhythm of day-to-day life. The city of Alicante allows students to immerse themselves into the culture, unnoticed. My role is to provide you with the resources so that you may maximize your experience in Alicante. You may choose activities according to your interests and academic needs, allowing you to live the culture. These activities include dance, theater, sports, cooking, volunteering, tutoring in English, etc. The key is to find a good combination of study and leisure so that you may achieve your individual objectives and benefit each day from this unique experience.
Marisa Pérez Escribano
Assistant Resident Director
Facts
Nací en Quintanar del Rey (Cuenca), aunque cursé mis estudios universitarios en Alicante. Realicé parte de mi licenciatura en Filología en la Universidad de Sussex (Reino Unido) como estudiante del programa Erasmus-Sócrates. Asimismo, hice prácticas docentes como profesora de español en la Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas de Salzburgo (Austria) y he trabajado en este campo en varios colegios de Salamanca y Alicante, así como en un programa de estudiantes estadounidenses en el Centro Superior de Idiomas de la Universidad de Alicante. He sido también coordinadora de un centro de español y profesora en el Departamento de Lenguas y Culturas de la Universidad Estatal Técnica del Sur (Rostov del Don, Rusia) y examinadora de los exámenes DELE en el Centro Superior de Idiomas de la Universidad de Alicante.
Interests & Hobbies
Me encanta descubrir nuevos lugares y gentes de los que siempre se puede aprender. También me gusta ir al cine, leer y tocar la guitarra. Disfruto mucho de pequeñas cosas como un paseo por la playa o contemplar un atardecer.
Birthplace
Quintanar del Rey (Cuenca), España
Barcelona, Spain
María de la Viña
Resident Director, Barcelona
Facts
Sevillian of origin. Always betting on the benefits of cultural exchange abroad. I have been part of a host family since I was 2 years old, since then I have been surrounded by students, living experiences, coordinating activities, traveling and guiding students. I have also lived 5 years abroad, I have been participating in many programs and it is my passion.
Interests & Hobbies
I love traveling, getting to know different cultures, exchanging knowledge, being passionate about gastronomy, and spending moments with family and friends. One of my hobbies is singing and playing music.
Birthplace
Seville, Spain
Education
TICS lover, Community manager professional, electronic commerce web development. She also had Body Language and Strategic Communications training at Psychology University (Seville) and Awareness to Sexual Diversity Course, currently, Academic Coordinator, now expanding her studies in education (Pedagogy)..
Córdoba, Argentina
Patricia Maqueda
Resident Director, Argentina
Bio
Universidad Nacional de Córdoba is the university of “La Reforma Universitaria de 1918” (The University Reform of 1918). Our students were the principal actors of the ideals that changed the university system of all Latin America. Join us as we commemorate one hundred years of that student movement, and be a part of the celebration! This is a great moment to live an experience that you will keep in your heart, throughout your personal and academic life. I expect that students will open their minds and hearts to other forms of knowledge. While excellent academics is the main reason to study at Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, the richest aspect of your experience will be getting to know another culture – with which I’m sure you will fall in love!
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Alexandra Vega
Resident Director Puerto Rico
Bio
¡Bienvenidos y bienvenidas a Puerto Rico y a la Universidad del Sagrado Corazón!
I look forward to meeting you and help you make the most of your stay in our Island.
Puerto Rico is truly special. Our culture is the result of the encounter of Indigenous, African, Spanish and American influences, and I am sure you will be able to make new and interesting discoveries every day.
The University of Sacred Heart, where I have worked for over a decade, offers a warmth community on a beautiful campus.
I invite you to think of the goals that you would like to accomplish during your trip. My goal, as Resident Director, will be to help you reach those objectives.
I am delighted you chose Puerto Rico for your adventure. Once again…Welcome!
Interests and Hobbies
I love animals, walking in nature and doing yoga. I also like swimming, biking and hiking. I am perpetually trying to learn how to cook. (Recently I´ve been exploring Chilean cuisine, to honor my Chilean family). I enjoy cooking competition shows, especially the ones about baking. I like spending time with family and friends and personal growth is important to me.
Birthplace
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Education
B.A. University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus
M.A. and Ph.D. Harvard University
Post doctoral studies at New York University, Maine Media Workshops and the Escuela Superior de Cine y Audiovisuales in Barcelona.
Annette Jiménez Collet
Puerto Rico Coordinator
Bio
Annette is a passionate Boricua with great interest of showing everyone the
greatness and achievements of their people. After a successful 19-year career in
the pharmaceutical industry in various highly complex technical roles, in 2010
she founded VidaSalud Inc., to fulfill her passion of promoting physical activity.
Annette is also a collaborator in various professional organizations, in Puerto
Rican Paralympics and Special Olympics Puerto Rico. In 2020, she ventured into
Puerto Rican politics, being a candidate for an elective position in an emerging
movement that seeks to tackle corruption, promote social inclusion, and defend
human rights.
Interests and Hobbies
Physical Activity promotion and research, Human Rights Advocacy and
Community work, Travelling, Reading, and Scrabble Word Game enthusiast
Birthplace
Born in Vega Baja -the town of “Melao Melao”- in the north central shore of
Puerto Rico, a caribbean archipielago which is a territory of USA.