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 Melbourne
North America Staff
Allison Kelley
Senior Program Manager
Australia
Allison joined the TEAN team in 2018, after graduating from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Communication Studies. During college, she had the opportunity to intern at a university in France, which sparked her interest in working in international education. Allison has since fallen in love with the Asia-Pacific region, having been able to spend time in Australia and South Korea, and help students achieve their goals of studying in these dynamic and stunning locations. If she’s not traveling, in her free time you can usually find Allison strolling along the Chicago lakefront, trying a new recipe, or planning her next trip!
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.
Ange Hart
Resident Director - Melbourne
Ange’s love of people and traveling has taken her to parts of Southeast Asia, North, Central and South America, the U.K., Europe, some South Pacific islands, and around much of the huge, gorgeous continent of Australia. A native Melbournian, she feels lucky to call this vibrant, eclectic city her home and get to show her off to her study abroad friends. When she’s not showing people around Melbourne, she is busy dancing, hosting events, being silly on stage or taking adults through deep, emotional processes to re-find their power. She believes that life is full of magic if we just breathe it in, and she chooses to do just that!
Julie Sharp
Resident Director - Melbourne
Julie Sharpe has been entertaining crowds around Australia for over 30 years. In 1999, Julie came across ‘Draculaʼs Comedy Cabaretʼ (Newman Entertainments) and embarked on a 20 year career as head cast member and Artistic Director. She travelled internationally with Newman Entertainments to set up a franchise of Draculaʼs in South East Asia. This spawned a great love of travel and adventure. Working with the people, cultures and wildlife of other countries was something Julie became very passionate about. Julie grew up in a very small country town in central NSW. She always saw herself living in Sydney as an adult after school life, but a fateful trip to Melbourne saw Julie fall in love with the city, and within a few days she knew she wouldn’t be going back! Julie is very excited to be a part of the team and is looking forward to meeting all the students who chose to study abroad in Melbourne. I’m sure you’re all going to find it irresistible!