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 ICMS
North America Staff
Allison Kelley
Senior Program Manager
Australia
Allison was born and raised in Michigan, and attended the University of Michigan before moving to her new home of Chicago. While in college, she traveled to France to complete a summer internship assisting the summer program at HEC Paris, one of Europe’s top business schools. From that experience onward, she set her sights on a career in international education, and began working for TEAN after graduation. Allison is so happy to be able to provide TEAN students with the tools they need to kick-start their own adventures abroad. She has had the opportunity to travel to South Korea several times with TEAN students, and it has become one of her favorite cities in the world (with some of the best food she has ever had!). In her free time she loves walking along the lakefront, going to concerts, and planning out her next travel itinerary.
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.
Cate Chase
Resident Director - Sydney & Wollongong
Originally from Boston, Cate now calls Sydney home after a semester abroad at the University of Sydney and falling in love with Australia in 2018. Cate graduated from the University of Miami, FL with degrees in microbiology and public health, but has found her passion in working with students to make the most of their time in Australia. In her free-time you can find Cate hiking in national parks, lost in a book, or chasing around her border collie. As a former exchange student in Australia, she is excited to show students everything Sydney and Wollongong have to offer!