As we get to know you through the application process to intern abroad, it’s only fair that you know a bit about us too! Read on to learn more about the folks behind all the emails and phone calls. And, of course, feel free to contact us anytime if you have questions!
Meet Team Internships
Xena Pulliam
Director - Internships
Hailing from Knox, NY, Xena earned her BA in media and society from Hobart & William Smith Colleges where she also completed programs in English, aesthetics, environmental studies and leadership. During her junior year, she studied abroad in London and fell in love with the history, culture and countries she explored throughout Europe. She vowed to never stop traveling the world and has since lived on three different continents. Now based in Melbourne, Xena loves helping students discover the magic that she feels when exploring a new country. Xena has been on the internship team for just over a year now, and is having the time of her life finding the perfect role for each and every one of you. She loves the challenge of finding your dream placement and can’t wait to meet you all on the ground when you arrive!
Q&A
What sparked your interest in studying abroad as an undergraduate?
My university was ranked as having the #1 study abroad program in the country by the Princeton Review for several years in a row so I don’t think there was ever any question on if I was going but where! I was most interested in hybrid programs that had an internship component since I knew that having an internship abroad would give me an advantage once I graduated and was applying for jobs.
What was the transition like moving from the U.S. to Australia?
Easier than you would think! I often think that living in Melbourne is like having the best parts of America and England (where I studied abroad) in one place. The people are lovely, the food is amazing, the weather is great and the accents are always a plus. I did find it a bit difficult to meet people at first, but once I started using things like Facebook Groups, apps and going to various meet-ups, it was like I couldn’t stop meeting people! Now I have a good group of people who I’ve surrounded myself with and Australia feels like a home away from home.
What advice would you give someone who is considering going abroad, but is apprehensive?
Our staff on the ground can help you with literally any situation you could possibly encounter and are happy to do so. There’s nothing that I enjoy more than helping students through the transition of living in Australia since it’s something I went through myself. We want you to love the country and cities as much as we do, so will go above and beyond to make sure that you’re safe, comfortable and having the time of your life!
What kind of value does having an international internship add to your resume?
Having an international internship gives you an advantage over other applicants when you’re applying for a job as you already have extensive experience working with people from different cultures who maybe speak different languages and who think differently than you do. Whatever company you apply with afterward then knows you like a good challenge since you went outside your comfort zone and moved to a new country all by yourself to gain professional experience. To this day, whenever I’ve had an employer look at my resume, my internship abroad is the first thing they ask about.
What one song belongs on your ‘study abroad soundtrack’ and why?
Over and Over by Ben Rector
TEAN Australia Internship Alum Anna Groom showed me the song before she left Australia and, I’m not going to lie, it made me extremely emotional that she was saying she would choose TEAN and Melbourne “over and over again.” I can’t hear that song without thinking about studying abroad and all the amazing students I’ve been able to help now because I would choose them over and over again too.
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.