Emily Sweeney

When I Joined ETA & What I Love About Working Here

2016. I love being a part of what I know will be a memorable and incredible experience for students and teachers.

Professional Background

I am an international education professional with experience living, working, and studying abroad. During my junior year at Boston University, I studied abroad in Stellenbosch, South Africa for six months which inspired my career and commitment to helping student access meaningful international learning opportunities.

After graduating, I worked as an au pair in Frankfurt, Germany before beginning my career in international education on academic semester programs in Italy. In this role, I managed Italian visa processes and helped launch a Florence Internship Program. I also have experience in student recruitment for study abroad and have worked on the university side, advising students throughout the study abroad process.

I earned a Master’s degree in International Education from Drexel University and spent two years teaching English in Medellín, Colombia. For the past 10 years, I have worked at ETA, where I collaborate closely with teachers and faculty to design customized, engaging, and meaningful educational programs around the world.

I have visited 48 U.S. states (still need to get to Hawaii and Alaska!) and have traveled to over 25 countries. I speak Spanish and bring a global perspective, cultural sensitivity, and a deep understanding of student and faculty needs to every program I help develop.

Fun Facts About Emily

Interesting Facts
During the pandemic my husband and I turned an empty cargo van into our tiny home on wheels to travel with our daughter and 2 cats.

Favorite Place Traveled:
South Africa – studying abroad completely changed the trajectory of my life

Favorite subject to study in school:
Geography. I have always been obsessed with maps and learning about other countries.

Most Recent Passport Stamp:
Colombia.

Most unexpected moment while traveling:
Years ago I made the hardest decision to resign from a job that I truly loved to go on my own adventure to teach English in Colombia and it was one of the best decisions of my life because it was in Medellín that I met my now husband 🙂

Window seat or aisle seat?
Window all the way

Dream destination (not yet visited):
Australia

Go-to travel snack:
Lollipop for take off and landing to relieve ear pressure!

One thing I hope students gain from traveling:
I hope students gain a broader worldview and learn the importance of flexibility.