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Spirit: 1 the life principle, especially in man, originally regarded as inherent in the breath, or as infused by a deity 2 the thinking, motivating, feeling part, 3 a divine animating influence or inspiration 4 vivacity, courage, vigor, enthusiasm.

I dedicate "About Us" to my mother Cissi Maillot. She has been the driving force in my life. She has always instilled the true sense of spirit, not only in me, but in everyone she meets. The original definition of Global Community would be my mother's motto - as she not only spoke of, but her actions showed that everyone is important. It does not matter your race, gender, status - the comprehensive theory is simple - everyone has value, and ADDS value to our life.

It is my hope that I and each member of the company can emulate the path of my mother, help you experience life with passion, add value to your life and show you how you can be a light to all those from diverse backgrounds you will encounter. Victoria Lynden - President and CEO

Cissi Maillot



Victoria Lynden - USA

I had the good fortune to live abroad in various stages of life - volunteering, studying and working. This truly impacted my perspective not only of the world, but of my own life. Diplomas and degrees could not come close to what I learned by taking part in the routine day to day - which was very different from what I learned in school, what was presented in the media and opinions I heard from people who had never been abroad. This was life changing to challenge and awaken my senses by learning the language, being exposed to different foods, aromas, politics, art and so much more. My experiences abroad redefined the career choices I would make and opened up a whole new world of friendships, networking and support. I believe that we, Alliance Abroad, offer individuals both a professional and personal opportunity to change their lives. By experiential learning, you have the unique opportunity to be part of a foreign culture - by living it first hand. By living in a foreign country, sharing your culture, values and allowing yourself to be totally immersed - you are guaranteed that it will not only add value to your own individual life but it will change your perspective of the world. What are you waiting for?

Lauren Stone - USA

I have personally seen the changes that can come from living in and experiencing another culture -- as an exchange student, as a host family, host company and friend of people around the world. It is my wish that everyone will learn to walk a mile -- or a kilometer -- in someone else's shoes, and that through these experiences, we can change the world. You shouldn't have to get on a plane to understand different cultures. AAG is a dynamic place that is always seeking to add new programs and find new opportunities in order to reach more people in the U.S. and around the world, and I am blessed to be a part of it.

Jessica Judge - USA

The reason that I choose to work in the educational exchange industry is simple: I love making a difference in young people’s lives. I know that when young people decide to participate in an Alliance Abroad program, it is a “life changing” decision, and that for some it is their very first time abroad. Even if at times we may feel that they should be able to overcome these challenges alone, we must never forget that they are young adults and we all have very different life experiences. It is my job to insure that they have the support they need. I truly enjoy training partners, overcoming obstacles, being a part of U.S. orientations, and educating all customers about the importance of breaking down global barriers!

Mary Hecht - USA

After my 3rd year of university, I had the good luck to go to India for a year for a work experience. I then realized the world was much more interesting than the small town in the midwest where I grew up. India developed my interest in studying languages, international education systems, immigration laws, and more traveling. I love being part of a company that helps university-age internationals to work abroad. It's fun and rewarding, because you help people change their lives!


Kristina Schuchman - USA

Stricken with “wanderlust” at an early age, I found an intrinsic need to travel and explore the world. Fortunately, I was able to satiate this urge through time spent abroad with family and friends. These journeys afforded me such personal growth and development that to subtract just one from my life would have resulted in a very different person. In recognizing this richness global travel has brought my life, it is extremely exciting to work for a company that makes such opportunities available to others. I am proud to be a part of the Alliance Abroad Group team!

Amelia Jackson Boren - USA

The time I spent studying abroad in college was one of the best experiences of my life, and I jumped at the opportunity to help others have a similar experience. Each day is different at AAG, but what remains constant is the passion and commitment from everyone who works here. It makes me happy to know that we are changing people's lives and helping them to achieve their dreams. I can honestly say that I enjoy coming to work each day, both because of what I do and who I work with.

Juliette LeBlanc - USA

Studying abroad was one of the best experiences of my life and helped shape who I am today. The feelings that came along and all that I learned is priceless and I am thrilled that we are able to give others this type of experience. I love to learn about other people, cultures, and traveling. Alliance Abroad allows me to do that and help others at the same time. Alliance Abroad helps to change lives and I very proud to be a part of it.

Laurie Moxley - USA

My life has been continuously shaped by the various opportunities I’ve had to live, travel, study and work abroad. At some point along the way, the line between my personal and professional interests became blurred; I realized an international component was vital to any work that I do. What excites me about being a part of the AAG team is the opportunity to have a role in providing enriching, challenging and ultimately rewarding cross-cultural experiences for everyone involved in our programs.

Zhenya Cvetkova - Bulgaria

I am happy to work in this industry because it gives me a chance to “travel” all over the world through the people I meet coming on the programs. Just because of the communication with international people makes me feel more like a global person!

Amy Gizienski - USA

“Shoot for the moon and if you miss you will still be among the stars.” - Les Brown

 

 

Malena Lopes - Brazil

"One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." - Henry Miller
When I was a teenager, I left my home country of Brazil to be an exchange student in San Francisco. While I was there, I fell in love with the city and its cultural diversity and it was at that point that I could define what I wanted my future to be. Afterwards, I worked with internationals and helped send Brazilians abroad. I am now a part of AAG in the Work & Travel department and it has been great getting to have different perspectives on the industry.

Michael Hilgers - USA

What a great opportunity to work for an organization that focuses on creating opportunities for people and companies to achieve their dreams and goals! AAG is made up of some of the most creative and passionate people I have ever known. It is a company that models an appreciation of cultural diversity and social responsibility and strives to make the world a better place on a personal level. I'm fortunate to be a part of it.

Barbara Tunkis - Poland

I enjoy working at Alliance Abroad because I have the chance to interact with a wide variety of individuals. I have lived in several different countries and working here allows me to feel connected to so many people and places. I think it also provides excitement for each day, because we work in so many different areas in the international arena. For example, you never know if there will be new regulations in U.S. consulates in other countries, if overseas agents want to propose new recruiting standards, or if you have interest for programs from countries you have not recently worked with. Even changes within the United States can create new challenges, especially in the current global and interconnected society! I am really lucky to have this opportunity because I have met really great people. I have also made friends with some people that I work with from other countries with whom I feel special connections. I don’t think there are many other workplace environments out there that allow such a family atmosphere and international spirit.

Rachel Anthony - USA

When I was 18 years old, I had the opportunity to travel to Switzerland and live there for five weeks with two host families.
This experience changed my life as it ignited a love and passion for travel and inspired me to learn about different cultures and ways of life. I feel so lucky to work at Alliance Abroad Group because I am able to assist people in achieving their goals and dreams, whether it be traveling abroad to teach English or living in America to work or travel. Alliance Abroad Group is truly an awesome place to work, not only for what we do, but for the wonderful people I work with---my co-workers! There are many people from different countries that work together, sharing ideas, food, and experiences!

Justyna Okulska - Poland

As a former participant of Work & Travel and Trainee programs, I am very happy to be on the other side now. I’m glad to be able to change other participants’ lives and make their dreams come true. I never knew that my job could be so rewarding. AAG gave me the opportunity to meet interesting people from around the world and learn about their cultures and languages. Working for AAG is a fantastic international journey which I will never forget.

M.C. Phillips - USA

Learning a new culture is one of the most enriching lessons a person can experience. My travels abroad allowed me to see life in other parts of the world, and I am honored to help AAG participants submerge themselves into American culture and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Dave Lanfrankie - USA

I saw the advertisement for the position at Alliance Abroad and was immediately intrigued. Cultural diversity was the theme throughout and continues to be the mantra for the company. Difference is what makes life interesting for me. I love working with so many great and talented people from around the world. I also enjoy learning about their cultures and about their cultural differences. I think I would be bored to tears anywhere else!


Barbara Zapora - USA

Working as a coordinator gives me the ability to help different U.S. businesses have the wonderful experience of working with international staff. For me, working with the students gives me an opportunity to show them what it is like living and working in a great and beautiful environment up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It is very rewarding to see how the students grow and develop during the time they are in the United States. I enjoy the friendships that are formed and hope that each student has special memories.

Kimberly Wied - USA

I believe that living abroad is a life-altering experience, whether you are studying, working, volunteering or simply traveling. The opportunities to learn about new perspectives, languages, beliefs, art and cultures in general are endless, and you might find yourself returning home with a new outlook on the world. The time I spent abroad changed my life dramatically, and played a large role in shaping both my personal and professional goals for the future. Each day at Alliance Abroad brings something new, and I love working with all of our participants to help them along the way in their journey to achieve their dreams! Working with the Outbound Department provides me with a wonderful outlet to experience the adventures of our participants while they are abroad. Whether they are working in Australia, teaching English in Argentina or Chile, or volunteering in Costa Rica, I am able to engage in their experiences as they send me updates on their travels. I also work with an amazing group of people here at AAG! Through my job I am able to interact with people from all over the world on a daily basis, who are all committed to providing an enriching experience to participants.

Vanessa Noel - France

L'aventure commence à l'aurore - A l'aurore de chaque matin
L'aventure commence alors - Quand la lumière nous lave les mains
L'aventure commence à l'aurore - Et l'aurore nous guide en chemin
L'aventure c'est le trésor - Que l'on découvre à chaque matin
Tout ce que l'on cherche à redécouvrir - Fleurit chaque jour au coin de l'oubli - Tous ceux que l'on cherche à pouvoir aimer - Sont auprès de nous et à chaque instant - La grande aventure il faut la cueillir - L'aventure commence à l'aurore - A l'aurore de mille chemins (Jacques Brel)

Camilo Hernandez - Colombia

My experience with Alliance Abroad has been extraordinary. I have had the opportunity to learn, travel, enjoy, build relations, and improve my skills in finance and international business. I became a leader through this experience and I am now a director at this international organization. Intuitively, I knew the decision to go abroad for training and then for work experience would be the initial step to bring me the success of where I am today. The Alliance Abroad program has offered me exactly what I was looking for – it has the advantages of being a multicultural company with a variety of nationalities, programs, cultures, and backgrounds. In my case, this was a perfect fit for me and has been ultimately one of the best decisions I have made in my professional career.

Daniel Aguilar - Colombia

During my school vacations, I took time to practice English and learn more about different cultures with other international students. I did this through nice experiences working in a ski resort in the winter and in an amusement park in the summer in the United States. It drove me to have two excellent opportunities working in the venture capital field, securities, and investments in San Diego, CA.
I have always dreamed of gaining experience around the world in my field, as it is my passion and source of learning (travel, contacts, friends, cultures, languages, and experience). I know I am young and there is still a long way ahead. Sometimes in life we have to take some risks, and right now is the time to have these experiences.
We are the drivers of our dreams.

Don Maillot - USA

When I went into semi-retirement & moved from Colorado to Texas Victoria gave me a chance to come to work at Alliance Abroad Group. I felt it gave me a chance to come into a different industry & away from the huge corporate philosophy to that of a more intimate atmosphere. It has been a rewarding decision as I have worked with so many young people that have taught me the ways of business as it is structured today. In turn I gain satisfaction in projecting some of my business experience into the Company. It's a pleasure to be working side by side with such a great group of people.

Yoon Sung Lee - South Korea

I enjoy the challenging and learning focused culture here. I hope to continue to progress in this industry through a variety of challenging projects with Alliance Abroad Group. Since joining AAG in 1999, my major interests have been in the areas of strategic information systems planning. I enjoy being able to turn great ideas into action and make a real difference. My focuses have been on the corporate web-based database projects called PTS and SEVIS integration, which was highly recognized by a KPMG audit for U.S. Department of State. I believe technology and automation are at the heart of major management initiatives, including profitability improvement. I am also responsible for DS-2019 forms process for all J programs in AAG and contract compliances of overseas partners. Before joining AAG, I majored in computer science, minored in education, and achieved MCSE and MCP+ Internet from Microsoft.

Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven - Belgium

It's nice to know that your work is actually making a difference in the lives of so many different people, from all colors and cultures.
It's refreshing to be able to work in another country, a different culture, with people of all nationalities.

Catherine Uzzi - USA

It is so rewarding to be able to work in an environment surrounded by such a diverse group of people. I really believe in the mission of Alliance Abroad Group, and I am extremely privileged to be a part of such an amazing team. I have had the opportunity to work with people from all over the world and each one of them has had a tremendous impact on my life. As I get the chance to learn more about different cultures, I grow as a person and I am incredibly grateful for that.

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