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 Perth
Program Managers
Trisha Turner
Program Manager
Trisha supports Team Australia from our Chicago office, helping students throughout the application and pre-departure processes to ensure they’re ready for a life-changing semester. After graduating from Indiana University, Trisha had her own overseas adventure when she accepted an opportunity to work at a resort in Bavaria, Germany. Although she had never traveled beyond the U.S. and Canada prior, she spent two years living abroad and traveling extensively across Europe and North Africa. This experience solidified Trisha’s passion for international travel and exploring the unknown, and gives her a unique perspective on helping others go abroad for their own transformative journeys. Trisha clearly remembers what it felt like to move abroad with no idea of what to expect so she always works to make the process as simple as possible for our TEAN students!
Q&A
What led you to your current role at TEAN?
While in school, I participated in an internship with the Walt Disney Company. Based off that experience, I was able to return to Disney after graduation and joined their recruitment team for Internships & Programs. It was there that I realized my passion for advising and helping students make their professional dreams a reality. After various roles with the company, I accepted an opportunity to work at a resort in southern Germany and spent almost two years in Germany, traveling across Europe extensively. Upon returning to the States, I knew I wanted to combine my love for career advising with my passion for travel, and focused my career search on international education. This field continues to inspire me every day and I enjoy my interactions with students who dream of that life-changing experience of going abroad.
Why would you encourage a student to pursue an internship abroad?
An internship is crucial for professional success after graduation. Knowing how much my own internship benefitted me professionally, while also knowing how much living abroad encourages personal growth, I think it’s an incredible combination for a student. TEAN’s internships are totally hands-on and interns get the rare experience of receiving close mentorship from experts in the field. If an international internship sounds at all intimidating, I think that’s all the more reason to do it! Our internship program is designed to not only challenge a student, but support them at the same time. Students return home with a sense of confidence and tangible achievements that will stand out on job or graduate school applications.
If you were going to study on a TEAN program tomorrow, where would you go?
It’s hard to choose but New Zealand is toward the top of my list of places I haven’t been yet, so I think I’d have to choose the University of Otago. I love the idea of living on the South Island and seeing all that beautiful New Zealand has to offer. I’m also partial to old, sprawling university campuses and quintessential college towns. I think life in Dunedin would suit me well!
What is your favorite travel quote?
My all-time favorite line that I’ve always applied to my travel adventures is “and I will learn to love the skies I’m under,” from the Mumford and Sons song, Hopeless Wanderer. I mentally reference this line every time I find myself in a new place, because it’s such a great reminder that traveling isn’t always sunshine and roses — it can be tough. Maybe it takes a day or two to adjust to new surroundings, maybe months, and that’s okay! Choosing to love the skies I’m under and remembering why I made the decision to leave my comfort zone in the first place, helps me see the beauty of reveling in my current surroundings.
Australia Staff
Chris Shields
Resident Assistant - Perth
Born in Hong Kong and raised in Perth, Chris has a vast knowledge of the “hidden gem” that is Perth and is well acquainted with its relaxed atmosphere, sporting culture and stunning beaches. Chris has always enjoyed travel but his wanderlust was even further fueled when he recently studied in Washington, D.C., at UCLA’s Washington campus and partook in an internship experience with a foreign trade organization. During the internship, Chris adapted to an international lifestyle and discovered his passion for experiencing foreign cultures. Now back in Perth, Chris is continuing his studies at the University of Western Australia pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree with plans to study law at a postgraduate level. Chris is excited to work with a variety of students from various cultural backgrounds and looks forward to showing off his stunning hometown.
Sean Lennon
Director and Co-Founder
Sean is TEAN’s Director and Co-founder and has lived in Perth, Australia since 1993. Upon arriving in Australia, Sean worked with international students attending the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle. Other previous experience includes senior roles within the human resources consulting industry in both Australia and the U.S. He earned a BA and MSA from the University of Notre Dame (Indiana), and is member of NAFSA, The Forum on Education Abroad, AMCHAM (Australia, New Zealand, Korea and China) and AustCham Korea.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Dharma Bendersky
Director of Operations - Australia
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.