
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
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Cissi
Maillot
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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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