Contact Us

The Office

Contact Information
Mailing Address: 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469-1701
Phone: +1 937-229-3728
Email: gia@udayton.edu

Meet the Team
The Education Abroad & Away team strives to provide students the opportunity to study, explore, and engage other perspectives around the world.

	Ben Borja (he/him/his) Global Advisor and Operations Coordinator Ben serves as the primary advisor for non-exchange programs, and oversees faculty travel management and website administration for GIA. He is the primary user for the Terra Dotta (Studio Abroad) application management system used on UD EAA applications.   "My passion for international education began with my own semesters abroad in Shanghai, London, and Rome, and my involvement as an undergraduate in a peer advisor, 'World Associate' position. I am a Cincinnati native and am thrilled to contribute to a Catholic educational institution sharing much in common with several schools that helped me get to where I am today."
	Adrian deSilva (he/him/his) Programs Coordinator Adrian coordinates logistics for semester-integrated faculty-led programs, taking place in May, and over the spring and winter breaks. Adrian works closely with faculty to prepare budgets, plan program events, and execute education abroad and away programs.  "I was fortunate enough to become a world traveler at a relatively young age, when I spent a year in Germany with my family. I attended a German public school, made close friends, and fell in love with the culture. I also spent a one month summer in Sri Lanka, where my paternal grandfather is from. I attended the University of Evansville, majoring in German and minoring in Japanese, and spent a semester each in Germany and Japan. As a PhD student at Vanderbilt University majoring in German, I had a couple opportunities to return to Germany and Switzerland. Studying and living abroad have always been an important part of my education and life, and I am excited to be a part of Education Abroad & Away at UD!"
	Paul Geis (he/him/his) Director of Education Abroad & Away Paul leads the EAA team and overall operations. He develops and manages EAA budgets and oversees risk management. He leads strategic planning and new initiatives within EAA, in partnership with GIA colleagues and campus partners. "I have been engaged in international education for more than 20 years. I am thrilled to be leading a team of professional international educators as we seek to increase access to education abroad and in the US. I look forward to strategic collaboration with partners across the UD campus."
	Ben Jackson (he/him/his) Programs Coordinator Ben coordinates and works on logistics for Faculty Led Programs. Ben brings a diversity of international and intercultural experiences to this position and we are excited about his enthusiasm for study abroad  as well as his strong skill and background in logistics. "I graduated from Northern Arizona University, where I earned my B.A. in International Affairs/Relations in 2020. I participated in an impactful five-week study abroad program in Greece where I studied the EU refugee crisis. I also spent four months in Kenya for an internship where I worked with youth and on wildlife conservation issues. I recently completed my Masters in Ethics, Peace and Human Rights at the School of International Service at American University in Washington, D.C. Prior to my university education, I served in the US Air Force around the world. I am a Dayton native and am excited to be joining the Flyer family."
	Heather Schieman (she/her/hers) Associate Director of Education Abroad & Away Heather manages and advises for the University Exchange programs, supervises the Professional Advisors and World Associates, and assists in risk management and administration of EAA.     "In the years since I studied abroad, I've been fortunate to explore the world both professionally and personally. My studies in London, England got me started, but I have been able to expand on my understanding of international higher education through on-site work in Europe, Zambia, and Belize coupled with my professional studies of Higher Education at the University of Dayton."