PAULA ADAMS
International Education Professional
Learning is never ending, and the opportunities for international experiences are as diverse as the people who seek them.
I derive fulfillment through connecting people to intercultural exchange programs that satisfy their lifelong learning goals in art, science, teaching, and emerging technologies, and preparing them for a successful experience.
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In 2021, I became an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator and can assist individuals and organizations with this method of estimating and intercultural competence.
I look forward to connecting with you online or in-person through NAFSA or other events!
BIO
My Story
I spent the first decade of my professional journey as an engineer, during which time I took a whirlwind business trip to Taiwan to help resolve a quality issue. The cultural differences were dizzying, but also exhilarating. Businesses operated differently, but we shared the same goal - a successful quality product. This initial taste of the global experience stayed with me, flavoring my worldview.
Over the next two decades, I changed careers twice, following my passions: first, into communications, working in the domestic corporate world then for a small business; second, into service and English teaching, beginning with AmeriCorps and Peace Corps, and culminating in two years as an English Language Fellow through the US Department of State's Language Exchange Programs.
Since I started teaching English in 2012, I have gained extensive experience Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Northern Africa, and China in a range of educational settings amidst diverse cultures. I appreciate the variety and complexity of educational systems around the world, and the driving motivation to thrive in the global economy and be part of worldwide discussions and development.
In 2018, I earned a Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). In 2021, I will receive my Masters in International Education Management (IEM) in December 2021, with the skills to help others achieve their goals for lifelong learning through intercultural experience.
For my student practicum, I am working on partner experience and grants with a fast-growing social impact education technology company that provides a secure shared-space platform for virtual exchange. I also had the pleasure of spending Summer 2021 as an intern with the U.S. Department of State in their Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office of Global Educational Program.
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Personally, I'm particularly interested in immersive learning experiences and innovative educational technology, including virtual, mixed, and extended realities that create a sense of presence.
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While my current focus is on international education, I am happy to discuss all of my work and volunteer experiences, or my interests in the intersection of creativity and language. You'll find links to more information below.
TRAVEL
Going with the flow.
Being a global citizen is complex. How does one balance an explorer's curiosity with sustainability? Travel opens doors for personal and professional growth, and windows into others' lives.
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I've been fortunate to be able to combine teaching and travel. Tourism is the lifeblood of many economies, with English as a main language of exchange, and I'm honored to have been part of its flow. I have lived in five countries, visited a score more, and spent time passing through a few more on layovers.
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Many of my life list "dream" trips have been completed, yet there are many more places to see, people to meet, and stories to hear. You are welcome to visit my photo gallery and ask me about my travels!
