Welcome to
Thailand
David Jackson
Thailand Country Director
Country Directors oversee all the different CIS Abroad programs in Thailand, covering both Chiang Mai, Bangkok and other areas. David also holds the Thailand emergency phone and will be you first point of contact for any serious emergencies.
David was born in the UK and moved to the US when he was 16 and completed high school and graduated from the University in Colorado. As an avid traveler, his first thought on graduation was to travel to Asia. He volunteered and lived with a family in Kathmandu for 2 months before traveling to Thailand. He quickly fell in love with the country and for the last 12 years has worked as a teacher, a development officer in NGOs, and has worked with volunteers and study abroad programs for the last seven years. He has an MA in Asia Pacific Studies, an MBA. and is fluent in Thai. He loves his work because it allows him to share his love of Thailand and its people with participants, and at the same time, support the great things that people all over Thailand are doing every day.
Bangkok Site Director
The Site Director is CIS Abroad's On-Site staff. Their job is to support the CIS Abroad students throughout their on-site study abroad experience. They serve as a cultural liaison, organizing excursions, cultural activities, and providing invaluable guidance on everything from the local cuisine to navigating public transportation. If students run into any issues while abroad the Site Director is there to help provide resources and guidance.
Ann is the Site Director in Bangkok. Born and raised in Thailand, she has a background in social science and graduated with a master's degree in international development from the U.K. She has more than 10 years of experience in international program implementation and support in Bangkok and other countries, and loves organizing events and meeting new people. She’s also passionate about travelling and believes that going to exotic places, learning about foreign cultures, and trying new things in life make you grow as a person. When she is not travelling, she daydreams about travelling. She also writes, doodles, and takes care of her cactus.
Kate Smart
Director of International Operations
The International Operations Director ensures that the study abroad program runs smoothly, overseeing on-site logistics, health and safety measures, and responding to emergencies. Kate works closely with the on site staff to ensure that the program is set up and ready for students. Then, they work closely together when students are on-site to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible. Kate may work directly with students if they have special requests, experience an emergency, or need additional accommodations when abroad.
Kate is an international education leader with global experience spanning the U.S., Australia, and Asia-Pacific. Beginning her journey as a high school exchange student in Jamaica and later completing a university exchange in Thailand, she brings a passion for student experience in study abroad programs. She holds a Master of International Studies (Latin American Studies) and a Master of Education (International Education), and began her professional career with IFSA Butler in Australia and the United States. She has since led study abroad and exchange programs for institutions including the University of Canberra, Macquarie University, the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales. Most recently, Kate served as Centre Director for Australia & New Zealand and interim Centre Director for IES Abroad’s inaugural Seoul programs, while also holding the role of Dean of the Asia Pacific. Based in Sydney, Australia, she is thoroughly enjoying leading the APAC and Latin American teams for CEA CAPA.
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