The Oceania Team Meet the In-Country Support Team Australia In-Country Support
New Zealand In-Country Support
Fiji In-Country Support Australia Shelia Houston, Director – GlobaLinks Learning Abroad South Pacific  Shelia is the Director of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad's in country operations in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. She has worked with GlobaLinks for more than 12 years, is a longstanding member of the Board of Directors and has served as the Acting Executive Director in the US office.
Shelia was born in the USA and following her university study, she traveled the world extensively and emigrated to Australia. She has a broad business background in international business's in both public and private sectors. Recently she has become a founding member of the Australian Internship Industry Association.
Ross Seeger, Resident Director – Australia  Ross is a Resident Director in Australia. He is responsible for student services which includes providing assistance and support to all GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Students while they are in Australia. Ross graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of New Mexico, and received his Master’s degree in International Business from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. Ross is a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad alumnus, having studied abroad for one semester at James Cook University and for one term at the International College of Management Sydney. He travelled extensively throughout the United States while working in the airline industry and has added more than 20 countries to his passport across five continents in the course of studies and self travels. Ross has a passion for sailing and can often be found on the weekend crewing in races on Sydney Harbour. Ross dreams of one day hiring a plane and flying around Australia. Heidi Jacobs, Financial Adminstrator - Rockhampton, Australia  Heidi is the Financial Administrator based in the Rockhampton office, at CQUniversity. She handles all financial and bookkeeping tasks and will be the one to contact regarding accounts, payments, payroll and invoicing. Heidi studied a diploma in Business Management in South Africa and worked full time in finance for several years. She and her family moved to Australia recently to provide a better future for all. Heidi works part time on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Jalyssa Brummer, Resident Director – Rockhampton, Australia  Jalyssa is a Resident Director based in Rockhampton, Australia. She is responsible for designing Custom Design Short Courses in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji for North American Universities. She also provides assistance and support to students during their stay in Australia. Jalyssa graduated with a B.S. in Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism from Colorado State University. Her study abroad took her to Lincoln University in New Zealand where she gained a passion for international education and travel. While studying abroad she traveled New Zealand extensively, Australia, and Fiji. Additional travels have included backpacking Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Turkey, and the U.K. and now has moved to Australia. Jillian Lister, Academic Supervisor – Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji  Jillian lives in Rockhampton, Queensland, and oversees the academic requirements for the Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji programs and she is also responsible for providing assistance and support to students. Jillian was a lecturer in the university sector in Australia for over 16 years, primarily in the areas of tourism studies and foundation courses. All tourism courses taught were multidisciplinary in content, reflecting the complexity of tourism as a social phenomenon. She has lectured, course coordinated, written Study Guides, and developed online resources, for first year and advanced level undergraduate courses. She also participated in university governance, taking an active role on committees across the University, representing both students and staff. In addition to her BA (Hons) and MA, from Flinders University in South Australia, Jillian has also completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Jillian’s teaching philosophy is to empower and equip students to become lifelong independent learners. Part of empowering learners is the development of information literacy skills and the ability to ask questions and find information. Towards this end she has worked closely with academics, librarians and student support personnel to develop skills in these areas so that she can pass this knowledge on to others. Tammy Harth, Coordiantor – Events and Finance South Pacific  Tammy comes to GlobaLinks Learning Abroad after a varied career within the Travel and Banking Industry. Previously working for Travel Crew based at the CQUniversity campus in Rockhampton Queensland where her expertise was in group travel. Tammy contributes to the South Pacific Team as the Coordinator, Events and Finance. She is responsible for managing Bridging Cultures Programs, Site Visits, assisting with Short Courses, Staff Visits, and Finance and Student Services. Todd Gretencord, Resident Coordinator – Brisbane, Australia  Todd is a Resident Coordiantor in Australia based in Brisbane. He is responsible for student services in Australia which includes providing assistance and support to all AustraLearn Students while they are Australia. He is responsible for placing interns with companies in both Australia and New Zealand for the Internship Program. Todd has a degree in Theatre from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and has had a varied and interesting career. He spent several years teaching outreach programs for the Science Museum of Virginia and performing with traveling children’s theatre. He spent nearly six months backpacking on the Appalachian Trail in the eastern US and has called more than ten states and two countries home. Todd is an avid backpacker and scuba diver. On weekends you are likely to find him camping on one of Queensland’s numerous National Parks or Diving off the coast. His travels have taken him all over North America, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and Australia. New Zealand Gavin Murdoch, Resident Director, New Zealand  Kia Ora, I am Gavin Murdoch Resident Coordinator for GlobaLinks Learning Abroad in Auckland, New Zealand. I was born and raised in Auckland and the surrounding area and have spent most of my life here in New Zealand. I was lucky enough to travel all over New Zealand, the South Pacific and North and South America. I studied here in Auckland at Massey University and AUT University. I have been working for GlobaLinks Learning Abroad for the last 2 years here in New Zealand. Auckland is a city that offers a lot to students, we have 3 Universities; Massey University’s Albany Campus is on the North Shore. AUT University and Auckland University are both right in the centre of the city which happens to be the biggest city in New Zealand so there is always plenty going on. When you get out of the city there are beautiful beaches and bush and plenty of ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Living in Auckland I try to take every opportunity to enjoy all life in this area has to offer. I love the outdoors and regularly get our surfing, sailing and kayaking or get into the forests surrounding the city for hiking and canyoning. I enjoy getting along to rugby games, cultural events and live music which there is no shortage of Auckland offers a great balance of work and life and studying here is a great way to immerse yourself in the life and culture of this diverse city around like minded people. I am sure your time in Auckland will be a very special time in your life and I look forward to being a part of your Discovery here. Brendan(BJ) Vink, Resident Coordinator - Palmerston North, New Zealand  Kia ora. My name is Brendan Vink I have been raised in New Zealand. To describe myself I’d say I am outgoing, hard case and always see the lighter side of life. For as long as I can remember I have been experiencing the great outdoors and all this magnificent country has to offer. Over the last 10 years I have been working with young people in New Zealand. I have travelled over to the United States and worked in Boston at summer camps which I really enjoyed. I am a regular volunteer with a number of different community groups. I enjoy the gym and I like to jog round the block on a warm Palmerston North summers evening. When I have some time on my hands you will find me fishing, water skiing or doing anything extreme that causes my heart rate to rise. I am excited to be meeting you all and assisting you in your stay here in Palmerston North. I can’t wait to help you discover what New Zealand has to offer. Devon Latoa, Resident Coordinator – Otago, New Zealand  Kia ora. My name is Devon Latoa, but most people call me Dev. I was born in sunny Nelson and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. I am part Maori and Polynesian (Niuean) with Scottish and European heritage thrown into the mix, however most importantly I am a kiwi and proud of it. I have been a resident in Dunedin for the past 5 years and will be entering my 6th year of study in 2012. Dunedin is a real student town with over one quarter of the population made up by students during the university year. However Dunedin is steeped with history and culture and is a unique and beautiful part of New Zealand. With other beautiful cities and regions only a short drive, flight or bus trip away there will be plenty to see and do outside of your studies. During my time at the University of Otago I have participated in a vast array of activities. From cultural experiences with a Maori or Pacific flavor to performing the Selwyn Ballet before an All Blacks test match. I have climbed mountains and boarded down others. I have had the honor of representing the University at international conferences while also finding time to laugh with friends. University is said to be one of the best times of our lives and Dunedin and the University of Otago have certainly given me times to remember. Alongside having some fun I have completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and will finish my Bachelor of Laws in 2012. Outside of my studies I enjoy keeping fit and active. I regularly compete and train in various forms of martial arts, as well as finding time for social sports and general outdoor activities. With the vast array of wilderness that you’ll find right outside the front door why wouldn’t you? A 10 minute trip from the University can put me at the start of a bush walk or see me with my toes in the sand. I love Dunedin for that convenience. Dunedin offers a valuable balance between work and fun in a diverse setting. Dunedin provides a unique student experience for like-minded individuals to create memories that last a lifetime. For those reasons I look forward to introducing you to Dunedin, the University of Otago and the surrounding regions and lending my assistance during your time in Aotearoa, ‘the land of the long white cloud’. Lilly Warren, Resident Coordinator - Waikato, New Zealand  Kia Ora Everyone! My name is Lilly and I'll be your Resident Coordinator during your time at the University of Waikato. I'm a Political Science graduate with a passion for traveling, enjoying nature and helping others. I'm not quite a Hamilton native, but lived in the city as a small child before moving to a rural town called Waihi, famous for its goldmine and beautiful beach, before returning to study in 2008. As a graduate of the University of Waikato, I can understand many of the reasons why you have chosen to come here - a small but vibrant multicultural city in the heart of the North Island, only a day trip away from bush, beach or snow. I hope to show you the best of Hamilton, not just tourist sites but also a taste of the local culture and lifestyle that Kiwis are so proud of. Having recently come back to New Zealand from backpacking and working in Germany, I think I have a pretty good idea of the highs and lows you might face when coming to a new country, and finding yourself in a new culture and environment. The personal growth and life experiences I had have made me passionate about sharing this kind of experience with others, and I'm positive that together we will have an amazing time discovering the Waikato and ourselves along the way! I look forward to meeting you and helping you to make the most of your time in New Zealand. Richard Barrett, Resident Coordinator - Wellington, New Zealand  Kia ora, I’m Richard Barrett and I’m your Resident Coordinator for GlobaLinks Learning Abroad in Wellington. I look forward to helping you discover the best of what Wellington has to offer. From the filming of the blockbuster movies, great outdoor activity options to the best restaurants, cafes and bars in NZ I think Wellington is an awesome place to study abroad. I studied at Victoria University Wellington and then travelled and lived overseas for 8 years through Asia and Europe before returning to proudly call Wellington home. I look forward to meeting with you all in person while you are here and I am always available for a chat over our world famous (in NZ!) coffee. Stephanie McEwin, Resident Coordinator Christchurch, New Zealand  My name is Stephanie McEwin and I am currently a third year Fine Arts student at Canterbury. I am a mother of four and I also have two gorgeous grandchildren. I enjoy listening to live music and cycling. I find Christchurch is the best cycling city in New Zealand, nearly all year long it is an excellent way to get around. With all that Christchurch has been through in 2011, as a result of the earthquakes, you have to constantly keep an ear to the ground in order to know where the best shopping spots, music venues and cafes are. There’s still plenty happening here! I’m looking forward to meeting you all in 2012 and showing you the best parts of our much loved city. Fiji Anne Rehagen, Resident Coordinator - Fiji 
Bula everyone! My name is Anne and I’m your Resident Coordinator for GlobaLinks Learning Abroad in Fiji. I look forward to helping you discover the best Fiji has to offer during your time at the University of South Pacific. With a rich history dating back over 3000 years, warm and welcoming people, some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world, and a diverse learning environment, I am confident this will be an unforgettable experience. I studied at Illinois Wesleyan University and spent my semester abroad in Vienna, Austria. After graduation I worked in the field of International Education, even spending a year teaching at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China. My love of learning continued as I obtained my Masters degree at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Now I am proud to call Suva, Fiji my home. After spending so much time travelling the world and now settling down permanently in Fiji, I am sure that I will be able to relate to the adventures, challenges and reflections that you will encounter during your time here. I am excited to introduce you to this ever-fascinating place and wish you a warm welcome. Bula vinanka! |