As we get to know you through the application process to study abroad, it’s only fair that you know a bit about us too! Read on to learn more about the programs team behind all the emails and phone calls and our in-country staff who you will get to know during your time in Australia. And, of course, feel free to contact us anytime if you have questions!
Meet Team Gold Coast
North America Staff
Jess Preedom
Program Manager
Australia
Jess grew up in a small beach town on the coast of South Carolina. While attending the College of Charleston where she played soccer and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, she decided to study abroad through TEAN at Bond University, in Queensland Australia. With Jess’ undeniable love for the ocean, adventure, travel, and community, this transformative study abroad experience as well as her other international travels guided her to want to help others have their own life-changing travel experiences. Along with helping others get stoked about their travels, Jess enjoys surfing, skateboarding, painting, and an occasional yoga class.
Veronika Pesina
Internship Program Manager
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Veronika is originally from the north of the Czech Republic. As a European located in the heart of Europe, she always had easy access to international travel and has visited most of Europe. Last year she graduated from The University in Sunderland in the UK with a degree in Business and Human Resource Management. Thanks to studying abroad, she undertook a year-long Business and Hospitality Internship in Austin, TX. It was a life-changing milestone that completely influenced her life direction and helped her to permanently relocate across the world to Austin, TX. Outside of Europe, she has traveled to Egypt, the Asian side of Turkey, the USA, and Mexico and would love to explore more places in the United States and nearby countries. Veronika joined WorldStrides in April 2022 as an Executive Administrative Assistant and worked her way up to her current role of Program Manager for International Internships.
Australia Staff
Dharma Bendersky
Director of Operations - Pacific
Australia, New Zealand, Fiji
Born in Sydney, Dharma studied Environmental Sciences at the University of Wollongong where he lived with many study abroad students and formed life-long friendships. This led to a career in international education and travel, where he has worked for over 20 years at Australian universities, study abroad companies, and leading educational tours around Australia and Asia Pacific. A dual Australian/American citizen, he has lived in and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe, and is a keen surf and landscape photographer. Dharma has a passion for adventure and new experiences, and enjoys working for TEAN to help others have life-changing intercultural experiences that encourage personal and professional growth.
Q&A
What is your role at TEAN?
Director of Operations in Australia. I oversee all the programs and in-country staff.
What are some must-do activities for a first-time visitor to Sydney?
Doing the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk, visiting the Blue Mountains, taking a ferry on the harbor and simply enjoying a day spent at any of the city’s amazing beaches.
What is unique about an educational experience in Asia Pacific?
There’s a wide variety of locations and something for everyone. Want a big city? Sydney and Melbourne have you covered. Want to live near the beach? The Gold Coast, Newcastle or Wollongong are for you. Want to try something off the beaten path? Townsville or Perth are amazing. Want to live in paradise? Nothing beats Fiji. Want somewhere laid back and beautiful that has a lot to offer? Anywhere in New Zealand is a great idea. Want to experience Asian culture? Thailand or Singapore offer unique settings and experiences you can’t find anywhere else. TEAN’s partner universities in Asia Pacific also each have excellent education systems with world class academics and facilities, plus a wide variety of institutions and subjects to choose from.
What advice would you give a hesitant, nervous future traveler?
While it can be hard to leave your comfort zone, spending time abroad (regardless of if it’s just one week or an entire year) will change your life for the better. No one ever regrets spending time in another country and culture. As they say, travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer!
You mentioned that you have a passion for photography. What is the most photogenic city you’ve been to?
With its harbor and beaches, Sydney has lots of amazing opportunities to capture great scenic images. I also love Paris for its architecture and style.
Carol Doecke
Resident Director - Gold Coast & Brisbane
Originally from the United States of America, Carol grew up in both the hill country of Texas and the big city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating high school, she spent three years traveling the United States and volunteering in veterans’ homes and hospitals across the nation. Falling in love with travel, Carol was ready to see the world beyond her country and took the leap of studying abroad during her tertiary studies. While studying abroad with TEAN, Carol fell in love with the Gold Coast of Australia and found herself calling it home. After graduating from The West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Communication, she moved to Australia full time. Carol is keen to be on the path of helping other students fall in love with this city and country through interactive and culturally immersive experiences. She has experienced first-hand all the challenges and triumphs that come with studying abroad and is enthusiastic about guiding other students on their own journeys.