Emily Sweeney

International Programs Manager - Sales, NJ Office

An approachable and thoughtful problem solver with a passion for international travel.

Why Educators Love Working with Emily

Emily has spent nearly a decade helping teachers and faculty create meaningful educational travel experiences around the world. Educators consistently describe her as responsive, knowledgeable, thoughtful, and someone who makes even complex international trips feel easy. Here’s what a few of them had to say.

ETA is the only way to go when planning a study abroad class with students!! Emily and the ETA staff are experienced and and so efficient. They are quick to respond to any questions or needs. They know the areas they are booking and are always so helpful to the students as they book the trip. If I need anything during the trip they respond immediatley and take care of it. I have used ETA for the past 4 summer study abroad classes and I can’t imagine what it would be like to not have them as my partner! They are the best!!!

Nancy A

University Director

Since 2017, ETA has been providing logistical support for custom, faculty-led, short-term study abroad programs for California State University, Long Beach. Our ETA Program Manager, Emily Sweeney, has been amazingly responsive to faculty requests, is always available to answer questions, and finds creative solutions to difficult problems. As a result, hundreds of CSULB students (and faculty) have had the opportunity to explore cultural differences in destinations in Europe and Latin America through experiential learning beyond the classroom. Students universally describe their experiences as “transformative.” ETA is an outstanding partner for CSULB in its mission to create global citizens.

Sharon O.

Director, Education Abroad

Emily is amazing to work with. She set up our tour in Italy just as we wanted it when other companies would not do the same. Her flexibility for scheduling and availability to help us was invaluable. Manolis our tour guide was just fantastic. He was attentive and developed positive relationships with our students. He also made sure to take care of all of our needs and his plans for getting 25 people around Florence and Rome were always efficient. Michael was so helpful to us when our flight departing NY was cancelled. He helped us rebook our flight and helped to keep us calm in a stressful situation. If you are looking to take your school abroad, reach out to ETA. They are amazing!

David G.

Assistant Principal

About 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.

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