Asia
Beijing
Zhu Li
CET Beijing
Director of China Programs
Before serving as Director of China Programs, Zhu Li served as Academic Director at CET Beijing for almost 15 years. She has also served as Chinese instructor at Middlebury College, Capital Normal University in Beijing and Hochschule Bremen University in Germany, and has taught all levels and aspects of Chinese language. She has earned certification in the areas of Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) testing, the development of multimedia teaching materials, and the conducting of Oral Proficiency Interviews. The author of numerous publications and the recipient of many teaching awards, Zhu Li brings to the program superior teaching skills and intimate familiarity with CET and the field of Chinese language teaching, and has trained countless Chinese language teachers over the years.
Liang Xia
CET Beijing
Summer Academic Director
Professor Liang comes to CET from Washington University in St. Louis, where she serves as a teaching professor and has previously served as the head of the Chinese language program. She not only reshaped the university’s Chinese program, but also published a series of textbooks and research papers. Her other experiences cross the globe and include Beijing Normal University, the College of William and Mary, Princeton in Beijing, Middlebury Summer Chinese School, and Duke in China’s Intensive Summer Language Program (Beijing), where she served as director for seven years. During 2019 – 2020, Professor Liang published an advanced Chinese class teaching demonstration video and her academic work, 美国大学中文教育研究. Professor Liang is the President of the US Chinese Language Teachers’ Association.
Drew Kunard
CET Beijing
Resident Director
Since graduating from the Chinese Language Flagship Program in 2016, Drew served study abroad students and language programs both overseas and in the U.S. through a variety of roles. These programs include Hamilton’s Associated Colleges in China (ACC), the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y), C.V. Starr-Middlebury School in China, Hangzhou, CET’s High School Pre-College Program in Beijing (HSPC), Indiana University’s Honors Program for Foreign Languages (IUHPFL), and Indiana University’s Project GO Overseas Program in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Drew holds BA degrees in International Studies and East Asian Languages & Cultures from IU Bloomington, along with an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey. Outside of work, Drew enjoys calling his family a bit too much, reading, running, practicing yoga, chilling in a hammock, and sharing life with friends.
Kate Monroe
Middlebury in Beijing
Assistant Director
Born and raised in Hyattsville, MD, Kate graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in Chinese Language and Literature. While in college, Kate studied in Beijing and then Kunming with both CET and Middlebury’s programs. Kate’s undergraduate career culminated with her research fellowship and translation project, “Voices of Yunnan: Traditional Zhuang Beats in Yunnan’s Modern Music Landscape.” Kate went on to work both at Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School and for HungryPanda Ltd. in Washington DC before returning to Middlebury as Teaching Assistant to the Chinese Department. In the summer of 2023, Kate taught first year Chinese at Middlebury’s Chinese Summer Language School. She rejoined the CET team in January of 2024 as Assistant Director for Middlebury in Beijing. Kate has also spent time living and studying in France. Her interests in language and international engagement find overlaps with her commitment to community building through music, dance and the outdoors.
Shanghai
Jeremy Friedlein
CET Shanghai
Director, CET Shanghai
Jeremy is a specialist in program management, student management, out-of-classroom learning and student internship programs. He has lived in China since 1995, started working for CET in 1999, and now travels the globe in support of CET initiatives. Jeremy has served as a resident director at three CET programs–C.V. Starr-Middlebury School in China, Hangzhou Summer Immersion and Intensive Chinese Language in Beijing, and has been instrumental in the founding of new programs including CET Shanghai in 2008 and CET Taiwan in 2015. When not travelling for work, Jeremy can be found in Shanghai hard at work on his Chinese language studies. Jeremy holds a BA in China Studies from North Carolina State University.
Qu Zheng
CET Shanghai
Academic Director
Qu Zheng graduated from Beijing Normal University where she received her MA in Applied Linguistics and BA in History, with a minor in Chinese Language and Literature. She lectured in the Department of East Asian Studies at Princeton University from 2007 to 2011. She has served as lead instructor at several summer language programs including Princeton in Beijing (PIB) and CET Hangzhou. She has also served as a contributing editor for university-level Chinese textbooks published and adopted by Princeton University. She has taught a wide variety of Chinese classes from beginning to advanced level. Qu Zheng joined CET Shanghai in 2012.
Jenny He
CET Shanghai
Internships Director
Jenny He has 8 years of work experience in the field of education, including 7 years as CET Shanghai’s Internship Manager. Between stints with CET, Jenny worked as a Program Manager and Trip Leader at Insight Adventures, a company specializing in outdoor education. She led teams of teachers and students from international schools to engage in outdoor activities, and was responsible for accommodation, transportation, food, and activity arrangements for these groups. Jenny’s commitment to supporting the education of children and adolescents led her to also help organize a youth learning group in her local Baha’i community with the purpose of developing inner spirituality, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
Li Yun
CET Shanghai
Office Manager
Li Yun graduated from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, majoring in international finance. Before joining CET, she previously worked in banking for nearly 20 years, mostly in administrative roles. She also brings with her relevant experience in public welfare, personnel management, and finance accounting and reporting. When not working, Li Yun enjoys reading, listening to music, and taking family trips.
Taiwan
Rita Jhang
CET Taiwan
Program Director
Dr. Rita Jhang joined the CET Taiwan team in 2024 as Program Director. Prior to working with CET, Rita was a Project Assistant Professor with NTU’s College of Public Health. She earned her PhD in Communication Studies-Interpersonal Communication in 2019 from the University of Texas at Austin, writing a dissertation on LGBTQ+ Taiwan perspectives and family dynamics. She also holds an M.A. in Applied Linguistics from Texas Tech University and a B.A. in Foreign Language and Literature from the National Sun Yat-Sen University. Rita remains involved with Green Party Taiwan, is a dedicated advocate for gender and sexual equity, and has held leadership positions with the North American Taiwan Studies Association.
Chunling Wang
CET Taiwan
Internships Director & Office Manager
Chunling completed her undergraduate studies in English Literature at National Taiwan University in 2004 and got an MA in the same discipline at National Sun Yat-sen University in 2008. She then went on to work as a research assistant on a wide variety of government-funded education, literature and the humanities projects at both her alma maters and at National Cheng Kung University. Chunling has a special affinity for Shakespeare and has worked for three different organizations dedicated to the study of his work! While no stranger to the big city and an expert on all things National Taiwan University, Chunling was born and raised in rural southern Taiwan and loves to introduce foreign students to the unique language, culture, and geography of this region.
Melita Percy
CET Taiwan
Resident Director
Melita graduated from Princeton University in the class of 2020 with a BA in Near Eastern Studies focused on a mix of Arabic, Chinese, and anthropology. Immediately following graduation, she came to Taiwan to teach English for a year followed by a year-long self-designed fellowship in which she established an online language and culture exchange program that connects public K-12 schools between Taiwan and Tennessee (her home state). As Taiwan has become a second home, Melita is excited to support CET students in navigating their life in Taipei. When not at work, you can find Melita dancing, choreographing, hiking, and cooking with friends.
Greta Hagedorn
CET Taiwan
Custom Programs Resident Director
Greta graduated from Georgetown University, in 2017 with a BA in Chinese and a minor in Justice and Peace Studies. After participating in the CET Harbin program, CLS Suzhou, and a year at NTU’s CLD program, she worked in exchange programs in China before pursuing a master’s degree in Taiwan Studies. In her free time Greta enjoys hiking, translating, and browsing traditional markets.
Teresa Yu
CET Taiwan
Housing Coordinator
Chia-Fang, born in Hsinchu, is currently pursuing a degree in Applied Foreign Languages at National Taipei University of Business. As a student passionate about foreign language learning, she worked for the Taiwan Public Welfare League and helped edit English textbooks. Chia-Fang first became involved with CET as part of the first cohort of CET local language partners. In her leisure time, she finds joy in reading novels, writing, and engaging in handicraft making.
Mia Chou
CET Taiwan
Program Assistant
Mia holds a Bachelor’s degree in multimedia studies and has a passion for motion graphics and drawing. During her time at university, she served as both a CET language partner and a local roommate; through these experiences, she discovered the joy of introducing international students to the culture and beauty of Taiwan while engaging in meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. In her free time Mia enjoys backpacking, volunteering, practicing yoga, and crafting macramé.
Japan
Shogo Sakurai, PhD
CET Japan
Academic Director
Shogo Sakurai is an Osaka native who has earned his BS in Education, an MA in TESOL, and an MA and PhD in Applied Linguistics. He has been teaching Japanese as a foreign language for over 15 years in various institutions in the USA, Singapore, and Japan, namely St. Cloud State University, Purdue University, Beloit College, Nanyang Technological University, Sophia University, and Nagoya University of Foreign Studies. His research interest encompasses second language acquisition, bilingualism, intercultural competence, and teacher education. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling both domestically and internationally and trying local cuisines.
Masatomo Yonezu
CET Japan
Program Director, CET Japan
Masatomo Yonezu studied both Swahili and East African culture, completing an BA at Osaka University of Foreign Studies in 2007 and an MA in International Studies at Hiroshima City University Graduate School in 2009. He then relocated to the United States to pursue a degree in ethnomusicology at Indiana University Bloomington. He has conducted ethnographic research in Tanzania, focusing on institutionalization of traditional music. Prior to joining CET, Masa served as an assistant Japanese language instructor for beginning through advanced levels, and led study abroad programs for Indiana University high school students.
EJ Legaspi
CET Japan
Resident Director
When EJ Legaspi went to the UK for his first study abroad experience at the age of twelve, in many ways, part of him never completely went back home to Manila. EJ spent over a decade teaching high school English and leading study abroad programs for Filipino students to the UK, Germany, and China. Eventually, he swapped out teaching Shakespeare for teaching English on the JET Programme. He received his Master in Educational Administration at the Ateneo de Manila University in 2017, where he also earned his undergraduate degree (AB Literature in English, Japanese Studies minor) in 2004. On the weekends, you can probably find EJ leisurely walking around at Universal Studios Japan or furiously baking the afternoon away at his apartment.
Robert Gordon
CET Japan
Custom Programs Resident Director
Robert graduated from Newcastle University with a BA in Linguistics with Japanese in 2014. During his time in Japan, Robert has spent time working on farms in Gifu, studying abroad in Akita, teaching English in Tokushima, and working in the field of study abroad experiences in Osaka. With his passion for domestic travel, and experiences in different regions in Japan, Robert is a person with great knowledge and familiarity with Japan. Robert’s experiences have shaped him into a person focused on cross-cultural communication and understanding. His interests include: creating art, learning about history, enjoying spicy foods, and telling cool facts about birds to anyone who will listen.
Tomoha Uchimura
CET Japan
Resident Assistant
A 2023 English and International Studies graduate of Osaka Gakuin University, Tomoha served as a CET roommate during her freshman year and as a language partner throughout the pandemic. She is passionate about Japanese tea ceremonies, having studied the tradition since the age of ten. Tomoha has worked at Universal Studios Japan, so she is an expert of shows and attractions. In her free time, you can find her surrounded by books or watching anime at home.
Kotaro Matsumoto
CET Japan
Japanese Instructor
Kotaro Matsumoto graduated from Florida State University in 2015 with an MS in Curriculum and Instruction and a concentration in Foreign Language Teaching. He studied computer science abroad at Cabrillo College in California from 2010 to 2013. During this time, he learned English through immersion while living with an American family. Over the years, he has taught a wide variety of Japanese classes, from novice to intermediate. As a lover of coffee, video games, animation, and kendo, Kotaro always tries to incorporate his numerous interests, hobbies, knowledge of technology, and business experience into his lessons to bring everyday Japanese into the classroom.
Asami Yamada
CET Japan
Japanese Instructor
Asami Yamada started her career as an English instructor. Since receiving an MA in Japanese Language Pedagogy from Purdue University in 2006, she has been teaching both English and Japanese, from novice to advanced level, from elementary school students to the elderly. She loves making her class more effective for each student and finding ways to apply outside materials in her class. In her spare time, she likes traveling, shopping, and chatting with friends.
Aoi Geka
CET Japan
Japanese Instructor
Born and raised in Kyoto, Aoi Geka majored in Mongolian Language at Osaka University of Foreign Studies. While pursuing her MA and PhD at Graduate School of Letters, Kyoto University, she conducted field research and studied abroad in Mongolia and China. Prior to joining CET, she taught Beginning through Advanced Japanese at Inner Mongolian University and Osaka Gakuin University. In her free time, she enjoys sipping chai tea while watching her favorite cooking, mystery and drama shows.
Europe
Prague
Jiří Bukovinský
Prague Programs
Director of Prague Programs
Jiří is a graduate of Charles University in Prague, where he studied Religious Studies and Pedagogy. He also studied in Scotland, at the Divinity Faculty of the University of Glasgow. Jiří has organized programs for international volunteers and coordinated conferences for human rights organizations. Relying on this experience, he has enhanced the service-learning opportunities for CET Prague students, and specifically Central European Studies concentrators.
Kevin Johnson, PhD
Prague Programs
Academic Director of Prague Programs
Kevin was bitten by the study abroad bug when he spent two months in Germany at the age of 17 as part of an immersive language program for Indiana high school students. He went on to participate in a number of other study abroad programs in Germany and the Czech Republic, including a year as Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Leipzig and several intensive Czech language programs. With a BA in German and Anthropology from Indiana University and an MA and PhD in Germanics from the University of Washington (with an emphasis on cinema), he speaks German and Czech fluently. Kevin has extensive teaching experience at a variety of institutions in both the USA and in Prague, including the University of Washington, Lawrence University, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and Charles University. Prague has been a consistent port of call since 2000 and his permanent residence since 2015. Before starting at CET, he taught courses on Prague literature and film studies at Anglo-American University in Prague and for several study abroad programs in the city.
Simona Sobolevská
CET Prague
Program Coordinator
Simona is a graduate of Charles University, having attained both her BA degree (English and American studies and European History) and MA degree (English Linguistics and Education) there. During her studies, she taught English at Charles University’s language school JazykoFFka and worked at Charles University as a part-time librarian. She also has tour guiding experience and is particularly interested in history and language education. She is passionate about hiking, cooking, painting and learning languages.
Barbora Machalínková
CET Prague
Program Coordinator
Nikola Macháčková
CET Prague
Program Coordinator
Anna Tomenendalová
CET Prague
Custom Programs Coordinator
Anna has a bachelor degree in social anthropology and environmental studies and currently working on a master’s degree in civil society studies at Charles University. In her previous roles, she worked in admissions and student support at the International office of Masaryk University, and as an Immigrant Office Assistant at the Ministry of the Interior Department of Asylum and Migration Policy. She also worked at the Czech National Agency for International Education and Research. She lived in several countries including Turkey where she taught English.
Kristýna Hřivnáčová
CET Prague
Custom Program Coordinator
Nataliia Slobodianyk
CET Prague
Office Coordinator
Nataliia is a graduate of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy (Linguistics) and College of Cherkasy State Technological University (Commercial Activity), Ukraine. She has experience in accounting, specifically within a governmental organization. Nataliia is from a small but cozy town from the very heart of Ukraine. She has been living in Prague since March 2022 and likes to explore the city with her children to learn new experiences. Currently she is in the process of learning Czech. She loves books, movies, baking, conversations with friends and spending time in nature.
florence
Emiliana Caldarelli
CET Florence
Director of Italy and Spain Programs
A native Italian, Emiliana earned a Laurea in Political Science in 1996 and a Post Graduate Master in Mediterranean Studies and Islamic Finance in 2013 from the University of Florence. In 1994, during her graduate studies, she was awarded a scholarship from Rutgers University in New Jersey where she conducted a research study about the financing of political campaigns. After returning to Italy, her work has focused on educating American students in Italy. She served as coordinator for the Rutgers Study Abroad Program in Florence, and from 1997 until 2002, taught classes on Italian culture, politics and history in US university programs in Florence such as Rutgers Junior Year in Florence, Richmond College, Portland Community College and University of San Diego-Law School. Emiliana has been involved with the CET programs in Italy since their inception. She began as the CET Siena Resident Director (2001-2003), continued as the CET Florence Resident Director (2003-2004), and has served as Italy Programs Director since 2004.
Stefania Bernini
CET Florence
Academic Director of Italy Programs
Stefania Bernini is a historian of contemporary Europe with extensive experience in teaching and academic administration. After graduating from the University of Florence, she obtained a Ph.D. in History and Politics from the University of London (2002) and held research positions at StAntony’s College, University of Oxford (2004-5), the European University Institute in Florence (2005-6) and the University of Warsaw, where she was a Marie Curie Fellow between 2007 and 2009. Through her career, Bernini has held teaching position at the Open University (London region), UNSW Australia (2009-2017), Collegium Civitas (Warsaw), Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, where she coordinated the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree MIM (2017-2021).
Elizabeth Johnson
CET Florence
Resident Director
Born in France where she spent her first few years, Elizabeth grew up in San Gimignano, the renowned Italian Medieval hill-town, and moved to Long Island NY at age 17. She earned a BA in Psychology with a French minor at Hofstra University before returning to Paris for her MA in French Literature at New York University in France. As a graduate student, she worked part-time in the NYU’s main office, which turned into a full-time position upon completion of the program. But her heart was in the Tuscan hills where she has been residing again since 1997, continuing her study abroad career at SACI Studio Arts College International in Florence for over 20 years before starting at CET. Elizabeth likes to share her passion for Italian culture with students, but is also aware and understanding of the difficulties they often face in a foreign country. Her largest accomplishment is hearing alumni speak about study abroad as a life-changing experience.
Melissa Rossi
CET Florence
Academic Coordinator
Melissa is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz, where she earned a BA in Literature with a minor in Education. She then continued her studies to earn a MS in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. She came to Italy from her native California in the early 90s as an undergraduate study abroad student and found that her life choices continued to bring her back to Florence. Since the late 90s, she has worked extensively in all sectors of study abroad, from academics to student life, and as a professional counselor assisting students with their cultural adjustment. Her personal, educational, and professional background give her a keen insight into the experience abroad that is at the foundation of her learning methodology. Study abroad has become a passion for her, and her goal is to use the deep cultural experience a primary element of learning, both inside and outside the classroom.
Donatella Cerretelli
CET Florence
Senior Housing Coordinator
Born and raised in Florence, Donatella earned her high school degree in Languages and Tourism. After completing her degree, she spent two summers in Philadelphia, where she studied and worked in a multicultural environment. After working in several different fields, Donatella joined the fashion industry, working with customers from around the world for several years. She then transitioned to the study abroad field in 2014, when she started as Librarian and Housing Assistant at SACI Studio Arts College International, a study abroad program in Florence. Donatella finds great satisfaction in assisting students with the challenges of living away from home.
Margarita Degurko
CET Florence
Custom Programs Coordinator
Margarita, a native Ukrainian, graduated from Zaporizhzhya National University in 2014 with a degree in Law and a Master’s in International Public Law from the Kyiv National Academy of Internal Affairs in Ukraine in 2016. She also studied Political Science in Italy at the University of Florence. She became interested in living in Italy when she began to study Italian language and culture. As a travel and language lover, she worked in the field of tourism. Margarita is eager to utilize her passion for Italy to help provide the best possible experience for students.
Gabriele Marchese
CET Florence
Activities Coordinator
Gabriele was born in Florence. He graduated in 2019 with a degree in Administration, Finance and Marketing. He is a native English speaker, having spent his summers in California where his mother was born and his love for the United States is rooted. During those extended visits, Gabriele learned about American culture, especially individual and group sports. In 2020, he pursued and completed in-depth tourism courses in Florence to broaden his knowledge of Italian art, culture and history, and became a licensed tour leader. In 2021, he worked in an Italian resort where he hosted many tourists and taught individual and group tennis lessons for children and adults. Gabriele enjoys welcoming American students to Italy by orienting them to life in Italy and accompanying them on excursions during their stay in Florence.
Niccolò Bertini
CET Florence
Activities Assistant
Born and raised in Florence, Niccolò graduated with a degree in STEM studies in 2019 and is now a mechanical engineering student at the University of Florence. He enjoys accompanying students on excursions around Florence and Italy, showing them Italian culture. And as an undergraduate student, he even spent his summers organizing activities and excursions for children and students.
Marta Falugiani
CET Florence
Program Coordinator
Marta is a graduate of the University of Florence, where she obtained a Bachelor degree in Arts Management in 2019. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Design of Sustainable Tourism Systems from the School of Economics and Management of the University of Florence. Her thesis, completed in April 2022, is dedicated to the museal reactivation and valorization of small and hidden cultural attractions in Italy. Marta is glad to share her passion for Italian culture and territory offering a unique experience to the students of CET and a stable support during their study abroad.
Siena
Emiliana Caldarelli
CET Siena
Director of Italy and Spain Programs
A native Italian, Emiliana earned a Laurea in Political Science in 1996 and a Post Graduate Master in Mediterranean Studies and Islamic Finance in 2013 from the University of Florence. In 1994, during her graduate studies, she was awarded a scholarship from Rutgers University in New Jersey where she conducted a research study about the financing of political campaigns. After returning to Italy, her work has focused on educating American students in Italy. She served as coordinator for the Rutgers Study Abroad Program in Florence, and from 1997 until 2002, taught classes on Italian culture, politics and history in US university programs in Florence such as Rutgers Junior Year in Florence, Richmond College, Portland Community College and University of San Diego-Law School. Emiliana has been involved with the CET programs in Italy since their inception. She began as the CET Siena Resident Director (2001-2003), continued as the CET Florence Resident Director (2003-2004), and has served as Italy Programs Director since 2004.
Stefania Bernini
CET Siena
Academic Director of Italy Programs
Stefania Bernini is a historian of contemporary Europe with extensive experience in teaching and academic administration. After graduating from the University of Florence, she obtained a Ph.D. in History and Politics from the University of London (2002) and held research positions at StAntony’s College, University of Oxford (2004-5), the European University Institute in Florence (2005-6) and the University of Warsaw, where she was a Marie Curie Fellow between 2007 and 2009. Through her career, Bernini has held teaching position at the Open University (London region), UNSW Australia (2009-2017), Collegium Civitas (Warsaw), Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, where she coordinated the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree MIM (2017-2021).
Victoria Van Luit
CET Siena
Program Director
Victoria grew up in California and studied at the University of California San Diego. In 1998, she participated in a UCSD study abroad program in Siena, an experience that changed her life. Victoria has been in Siena ever since, marrying her Italian husband and raising their two daughters, and working in study abroad. She has worked at the UC Siena Study Abroad Center and Dante Alighieri Siena. Victoria has a keen understanding of student cultural adjustment and other issues related to living abroad.
Melissa Rossi
CET Siena
Academic Coordinator
Melissa is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz, where she earned a BA in Literature with a minor in Education. She then continued her studies to earn a MS in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. She came to Italy from her native California in the early 90s as an undergraduate study abroad student and found that her life choices continued to bring her back to Florence. Since the late 90s, she has worked extensively in all sectors of study abroad, from academics to student life, and as a professional counselor assisting students with their cultural adjustment. Her personal, educational, and professional background give her a keen insight into the experience abroad that is at the foundation of her learning methodology. Study abroad has become a passion for her, and her goal is to use the deep cultural experience a primary element of learning, both inside and outside the classroom.
Matilde Santini
CET Siena
Senior Program Coordinator
Born and raised in Siena’s Torre Contrada, Matilde started working in the study abroad field with another provider in Siena in 2016 before joining CET. She is working towards a degree in Cultural Mediation at the University for Foreigners of Siena. In her free time, Matilde enjoys traveling, learning about other cultures, listening to music, and practicing hobbies that require creativity and craft skills, especially when maintaining traditions, as happens in Siena’s Contrade where craftsmanship is handed down from generation to generation.
Davide Barcelli
CET Siena
Computer Science Faculty and Coordinator
Davide earned his master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Siena in 2008, specializing in Automated Systems. In 2012, he earned his PhD from the same university with a thesis on Distributed Model Predictive Control within the context of the European project WIDE. He then went on to work with several universities to push the boundary of research in areas like human robot cooperation, networked systems, and firmware programming. Davide has a passion for teaching, with a particular emphasis on learning-by-doing and individualized teaching. He scored first in the Tuscany region selection for IT School Teachers in 2016. In addition to his work with CET, he holds a permanent position as a Computer Science teacher at ISS Sarrocchi.
Barcelona
Emiliana Caldarelli
CET Barcelona
Director of Italy and Spain Programs
A native Italian, Emiliana earned a Laurea in Political Science in 1996 and a Post Graduate Master in Mediterranean Studies and Islamic Finance in 2013 from the University of Florence. In 1994, during her graduate studies, she was awarded a scholarship from Rutgers University in New Jersey where she conducted a research study about the financing of political campaigns. After returning to Italy, her work has focused on educating American students in Italy. She served as coordinator for the Rutgers Study Abroad Program in Florence, and from 1997 until 2002, taught classes on Italian culture, politics and history in US university programs in Florence such as Rutgers Junior Year in Florence, Richmond College, Portland Community College and University of San Diego-Law School. Emiliana has been involved with the CET programs in Italy since their inception. She began as the CET Siena Resident Director (2001-2003), continued as the CET Florence Resident Director (2003-2004), and has served as Italy Programs Director since 2004.
Tania Ledergerder
CET Barcelona
Resident Director
Tania Ledergerber, born in Ecuador and shaped by life across various European and Latin American countries, brings over three decades of experience in international education and NGO work. She began her academic journey studying banking administration, later pursued sociology, and earned her M.A. from Surrey Roehampton University in England. Since 2024, she has been developing the CET Center in Barcelona and was recently promoted to Resident Director of CET Academic Programs in the city. Prior to this, she led the IES Abroad Quito & Galápagos Islands Center, co-founded and directed service-learning programs at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), and served as Resident Director for both Kalamazoo College and the International Partnership for Service Learning and Leadership (IPSLL) in Ecuador. Tania is known for her reflective, community-based teaching style and her passion for helping international students, faculty, and colleagues discover and engage with local cultures. Outside of work, she is an avid nature lover who enjoys exploring the sea, mountains, and cities, capturing moments through photography, savoring local cuisine, and learning from the communities she connects with.
Caterina Gangale
CET Barcelona
Program Coordinator
Caterina is Italian and grew up in California. After graduating from UC Berkeley with a BS in Business, she moved to Barcelona, Spain where she has lived off and on for over 15 years. Her curiosity for different cultures and languages pushed her to work in Italy and France as well. She has dedicated her career to tourism and study abroad, having worked at several different study abroad organizations before joining CET. She finds it incredibly rewarding to help young people grow personally & professionally and realize their potential. Caterina is passionate about travel, culture, art and history. In her free time you can find her daydreaming in a museum, watching an independent film, or having an aperitif along the Costa Brava with her family.
The Middle East
Jordan
Manal Yosef, PhD
CET Jordan
Academic Director
With an MA in Arabic Language & Literature and a PhD in Literary & Critical Studies, Manal has taught Arabic for over two decades. Before joining CET in 2011, she served as Academic Director and Senior Instructor for the Arabic Flagship Overseas program and Senior Instructor, Course Coordinator and Curriculum Developer for the Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) program in Damascus. Manal is a certified ACFTL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) tester. As Academic Director, Manal manages all issues related to curricula, including developing syllabi and field-based activities, overseeing instruction, training instructors, and advising students.
Mazen Bernieh
CET Jordan
Director of Operations
Mazen’s interest in international education began in 2008 when he served as a program coordinator for the Arabic Overseas Flagship program and the Center for Arabic Studies Abroad (CASA) program at the University of Damascus. He soon discovered his passion for learning about the cultural differences between peoples, and worked to help study abroad students adapt to the culture of life in the Middle East. Mazen joined CET in 2012 to support students in adapting and adjusting to the host culture in Jordan. Mazen keeps pace with tech developments and leverages technology to create effective academic materials and support students through cultural challenges. He uses his creativity to build constructive relationships with the local community that enrich program activities, and in turn, student experience and learning. He is very interested in everything related to computers, both at work and for fun. When he’s not playing computer games, he enjoys handicrafts like leatherwork.
Ahmad AbuShaikha
CET Jordan
Resident Director, Student Life
Ahmad is a proud Ammani who has been in the study abroad field for the past 10 years. After graduating from The Hashemite University with a BS in Cultural Heritage Management (2007), he turned his focus to sharing the jewels of Jordan with students. Ahmad completed an MA in International Development at the University of Sussex (2018) in the United Kingdom and is committed to creating sustainable opportunities for community engagement with students. In his free time, Ahmad enjoys cooking, traveling, and music.
Latin America
Brazil
Súlia Folli
CET Brazil
Program Director, CET Brazil
Súlia Folli earned her BA degree in Film from Universidad del Cine (in Buenos Aires, Argentina) and a certificate of Photography from Escuela Creativa Andy Goldstein. As a undergraduate, she studied abroad in Vancouver, Canada. Before joining CET, Súlia served as the Program & Housing Coordinator for CIEE in São Paulo. She has participated in productions for various film festivals and cultural organizations, and enjoys developing her own photography projects. Súlia loves to travel and learn about different cultures, and she enjoys helping CET students get to know São Paulo.
Felipe Leandro de Jesus
CET Brazil
Academic Director
Felipe is a social scientist and linguist whose expertise lies in questions of identity, social interaction, and social justice. He is nearing the completion of his PhD in Sociolinguists at Georgetown University (Washington, DC) where he obtained an MSc in Linguistics. He also holds an MA and BA in English Language and Literature from the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil and has previously been a Fulbright fellow at Emory University. He spends most of his spare time watching the news, following political commentary, and dedicating his life to his doxie, Tronquinho.
Ariane Torres Facci
CET Brazil
Resident Director
Ariane graduated from Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo in 2018 where she obtained a BA degree in International Relations motivated by her interest in other cultures and people. She previously worked with CET Brazil (2016 – 2021) occupying the position of Resident Coordinator. Ariane joined CET after returning from a yearlong undergrad exchange program in Cairo, Egypt, teaching English as a second language. Where she was able to pursue her passion to learn about different cultures. She is also enthusiastic about studying other languages, traveling around the world, exploring the city, cooking and trying new vegetarian recipes! Ariane is a mother, who loves spending quality time with her daughter, Martina, and her dog, Joaquim.
Emile Ribeiro
CET Brazil
Assistant Resident Director
Emile holds a Master’s degree in Public Security and Citizenship from the State University of Minas Gerais (2023) and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (2020). She has extensive experience in social justice initiatives, including migration, childhood and youth. In 2023, she was a speaker at the Creative Bureaucracy Festival in Berlin, representing the Brazilian project “Chame a Frida”, which uses technology to combat femicide. Emile has been a member of the Academic Committee of the Brazilian Knowledge Olympiad for the past eight years. She loves Brazilian music and pilates classes.
Leandro Tardin
CET Brazil
Resident Coordinator
Leandro’s interest in learning about other cultures, history, sociology, and politics motivated him to study International Relations at Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo where he earned his BA in 2020. His passion for the cultural scene in São Paulo City and eagerness to meet people from all around the world inspired him to work with organizations where he can work with exchange students and help them in their adjustment to a new culture and the development of social work of NGOs in São Paulo.
Luis Henrique Pedroso
CET Brazil
Custom Programs Resident Director
Luis holds an MS in International Defence and Security from Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, and a BA in International Relations from Centro Universitário do Distrito Federal. He is a 2015/16 Foreign Commonwealth Office’s Chevening Scholar and a former program coordinator for the Fulbright Commission in Brazil. Luis has long been interested in public policy, international security, crisis management, and risk analysis—as evidenced with his time at the UK’s Ministry of Defence and as a partner and consultant at Empower Consulting.
Colombia
Beatriz E. Balanta, PhD
CET Colombia
Senior Academic Coordinator
Beatriz holds a PhD in Literature and Cultural Studies from Duke University (2010). She is interested in cultural management, the politics of identity, innovative curriculum design, African beat, and cooking. She is the founder of BlackGround, a production company that promotes Afro-diasporic art and culture.
Armando Zuñiga
CET Colombia
Senior Resident Coordinator
An educator by vocation, Armando received a bachelor’s degree in Popular Education (Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia 2020). He has since been active in education and community work, particularly in Afro- Colombian communities located in the eastern part of Cali, where he lives. Armando is passionate about alternative education. He has worked with children and teenagers, supporting their pedagogical processes through academic, cultural, and artistic activities. Armando was part of CET Colombia as a Roommate Coordinator when the program opened in 2019, and he now serves as the Senior Resident Coordinator. Armando enjoys welcoming international students to Colombia, orienting and supporting them in forming meaningful experiences during their stay in his country.
Ándres Álvarez
CET Colombia
Academic Coordinator
Andrés received a BA in Foreign Languages from Universidad del Valle (2018). For more than five years, he has dedicated his career to language instruction and has been recognized for his innovative curriculum design, which emphasizes cross-cultural communication, critical thinking, and leadership. His pedagogical philosophy focuses on creating inclusive learning environments that center the voices and experiences of queer and racialized people. His commitment to diversity and engaged learning provides a nurturing experience for students under his guidance. In his free time, Andrés likes swimming, roller skating, traveling, practicing French and learning about different cultures through their cinema.