Blogs

The Global and Intercultural Affairs Center is excited to welcome four new staff members to the team as we start the Fall semester. We invite you to learn more about them below (left to right)!

Name: Adrian deSilva, he/him

Title: Programs Coordinator,  Education Abroad & Away

A few key things you do at UD: I work primarily on semester-integrated faculty-led programs. Some key parts of this are: creating and planning programs with faculty; managing online brochure pages and program applications; communicating with third-party providers to arrange in-country logistics; co-leading student pre-departure sessions; and otherwise working with the EAA team to support faculty and students before, during, and after their time abroad.

Hometown and favorite place in the world: I was born in Atlanta, but I grew up in Ashland, Ohio (near Cleveland). I’ve been fortunate enough to live in or visit any number of amazing places around the globe, but Tübingen, Germany will always hold a special place in my heart!

Why global & intercultural education? My first exposure to this wide, wide world of ours came early, when my family spent a year in Germany. I attended public school, made good friends, and was heartbroken to leave! After my family and I returned, I took every opportunity I could to travel abroad. In high school, I spent a month one summer in Sri Lanka, where I have extended family. As an undergrad, I majored in German and minored in Japanese, spending back-to-back semesters in each country. I went on to earn my PhD in German, and during that time I realized that, although I no longer wished to pursue an academic career path, the best times of my life and my education had been spent living and learning abroad. In my current role at UD, I get to help our team provide our students with what I hope will be similarly transformative global and intercultural experiences!

Favorite book about global & intercultural themes: People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. I won’t go into any spoilers, but it’s an utterly captivating narrative that traces the imagined journey of a real, centuries-old illuminated text, the Sarajevo Haggadah, backward through time and place. 

One thing you can't live without: Books. I am incapable of occupying a space (my home, my office) and not immediately starting to fill it with books.

Name: Adrian G. Colborn, they/them

Title: Programs Coordinator, Education Abroad & Away

A few key things you do at UD: I coordinate logistics for faculty-led programs, particularly (as of now) some of those running in the summer. Besides that, I am currently assisting with the Education Abroad & Away Fair. 

Hometown and favorite place in the world: I grew up in Piqua, Ohio - not far from here at all. There isn't a lot to do there, but we have a beautiful library. My favorite place in the world is a bit of a difficult question, and I'm not sure that I could honestly name just one place. For right now I would probably say (also because few have probably heard of it) the city of Komárno in Slovakia; it's a fascinating town, and all of the locals were very welcoming. I had the pleasure of visiting the Courtyard of Europe during my time there, which is a striking work of art. 

Why global & intercultural education?  I am interested primarily in civic engagement and organizational effectiveness, which led me to non-profit and educational work and research. This allowed me to travel to Greece, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary, which were all extremely impactful to my experience as a student and professional. That and my personal travel to Mexico with my partner had really cemented my interest in global and intercultural work generally. When I saw this position posted, I saw an excellent opportunity to sharpen my project management skills while engaging in this sort of work that was so meaningful to my own education journey. 

Favorite book about global & intercultural themes: I am not very good at picking out favorites. A recent book that I think about often would be The Dispossessed: An Ambiguous Utopia by Ursula K. Le Guin. 

One thing you can't live without: The one thing that I let myself collect is playing cards - I have a growing collection that I care about a lot. Or, more realistically, my glasses - can't see anything without them!

Name: Abi Bond, she/her/hers

Title: International Student Coordinator, International Student and Scholar Services

A few key things you do at UD: In this role I manage data systems, provide immigration advising, and ensure International Students feel supported during their time here at UD.

Hometown and favorite place in the world: I grew up in a small country town, called Bradford, here in Ohio. I have yet to travel abroad, but my favorite place in the world is wherever my friends and family are!

Why global and intercultural education? I decided to pursue my Undergraduate and Graduate degree(s) in TESOL after working with refugees throughout high school. I also taught English, culture, and lifestyle skills for New Americans and university students. I have learned so much from everyone I have met and I am happiest when we are able to connect and learn from each other. Ohio is only a small part of the world and I strive to build a global perspective!

Favorite song about global & international themes: I love music and my playlist is diverse, as I listen to artists from all over the world. Some of my favorite artists are Arjhit Singh, Ji Jinseok, Måneskin, Myke Towers, Rema, and Yiruma.

One thing you can’t live without: My loved ones.

Name: Ben Borja, he/him/his

Title: Global Advisor and Operations Coordinator, Education Abroad & Away

A few key things you do at UD: Advise students looking into Faculty-Led Programs (FLPs) run by GIA & campus partners or with third-party programs. Manage the integrated travel system for student travel and faculty and staff international travel.

Hometown and favorite place in the world: I'm from Mason, Ohio. My favorite place I've been is the Amalfi Coast & Capri, but I loved living in the modern "world cities" like London, New York, and Shanghai.

Why global & intercultural education? My study abroad experience developed my passion for global engagement, and led me to become involved as a student assistant in my school's study abroad office. I used this experience to become a professional advisor; as someone who is continuing my formal education with graduate school and, more generally, a lover of learning, working in higher education aligns with my personal values and professional goals.  

Favorite song about global & intercultural themes: I love the song "Banjo Guzheng Pickin' Girls (天涯海角走一遍)" by Wu Fei and Abigail Washburn. It's on Spotify, but you can watch a video here.

One thing you can't live without: Quality time with family and friends, from simple things like grabbing a meal or some coffee, to events like concerts and football games.