Advising Team
Cody Ryberg
Assistant Director of Global Abroad Programs
Wake Forest semester programs, including Barcelona: Business & Global Studies, Chile: Across South America, Chile: Spanish Immersion, INSTEP Cambridge, and INSTEP London
he/him
Favorite International Experience: Experiencing TradFest music festival in Dublin
Cody’s Favorite International Dish: Ceviche
Cody’s Favorite Podcast or Person to Follow: “I prefer to watch episodes of Anthony Bourdain’s shows or get a travel guide from Moon, Lonely Planet, or Rick Steves. There are plenty out there, just find the one that speaks to you and your interests!”
Travel Tip from Cody: “Don’t be afraid to try new foods. See what the locals are eating and try it. Don’t ask what it is until after the meal. Unless you have allergies, then always ask! Also be sure to utilize the information our Global Ambassadors have about going abroad. Don’t be nervous to contact them, they want to talk about their time away just like you will when you return.”
Amanda Batten
Study Abroad Advisor
Favorite International Experience: Definitely ziplining over and then hiking up into the Pulhapanzak waterfall in Honduras with friends, and because I can’t choose just one, also tent camping in the Zambian bush for two months
Amanda’s Favorite International Dish: Arroz chino de pollo
Amanda’s Favorite Podcast or Person to Follow: JUMP with Traveling Jackie and also Not Lost
Travel Tip from Amanda: “Your shoes matter! Always go for usability and comfort over style. You would hate to find yourself with a change of schedule and climbing up the side of a mountain with opened-backed clogs (as spoken from experience).”
Christina Canon
Study Abroad Advisor
Wake Forest semester programs (including our 3 House programs), Salamanca, Dijon, and Student Visas
she/her
Favorite International Experience: Spending Christmas Eve swimming with wild dolphins and sea turtles in Mauritius
Christina’s Favorite International Dish: Thai mango sticky rice, Filipino turon, and French almond croissants
Christina’s Favorite Podcast or Person to Follow: The Sporkful (perfect podcast for foodies around the world) and the Banh Mi Podcast (thoughtful podcast in French that explores Asian identities)
Travel Tip from Christina: “Yes, it is cool to say you have been to many different countries, but there’s something so special about staying in a new country for a long time. Explore new places, but also savor becoming a local.”
Timothy Dykes
Study Abroad Advisor
Wake Forest semester programs, including Wake Washington
he/him
Favorite International Experience: Snowboarding in the Tien Shan mountains in Kazakhstan
Timothy’s Favorite International Dish: Banitsa and Ayran
Timothy’s Favorite Podcast or Person to Follow: Pack Hacker (packing lists and travel gear)
Travel Tip from Timothy: “Don’t be afraid to explore off the beaten path. It’s great to see popular tourist sites but sometimes the best spots are hidden away where only the locals go.”
Tyler Favale
Study Abroad Advisor
Favorite International Experience: Attending local festivals and traditions! My favorite was celebrating Sankt Hans Aften in the Danish countryside with friends
Tyler’s Favorite International Dish: Kanelbullar
Tyler’s Favorite Podcast or Person to Follow: @omar.nok (Egypt to Japan without flying)
Travel Tip from Tyler: “Be flexible. Not everything will go according to plan and that’s okay. Sometimes the unexpected things are the most rewarding.”
Kylie Holloway
Center Coordinator
Favorite International Experience: Going to a cacao farm in Costa Rica and making chocolate
Kylie’s Favorite International Dish: Jamaican rice and peas, tostones, massaman curry
Kylie’s Favorite Podcast or Person to Follow: @authentic_traveling
Travel Tip from Kylie: “Make sure your luggage is easily identifiable in case it ever gets lost in transit! Get a suitcase/bag in a fun bright color, or tie a colorful ribbon to your luggage to make it easy to spot (or to describe to someone else).”
Leadership and Staff
David Taylor
Assistant Dean of Global Study Away Programs
he/him
Favorite International Experience: Witnessing sunrise unfold on Easter Island with the moai carved figures in the foreground
David’s Favorite International Dish: Takoyaki
David’s Favorite Podcast or Person to Follow: The Atlas Obscura Podcast
Travel Tip from David: “Get lost from time to time! Explore cities and towns on foot without a specific plan or destination. Allow yourself the time to simply take in the sights, sounds, smells, and people along the way.”
Jessica Francis
Executive Director of Global Abroad Programs
she/her
Favorite International Experience: Spending Tuesdays with my great uncle in Galway, Ireland
Jessica’s Favorite International Dish: Pavlova with fresh fruit (from New Zealand)
Jessica’s Favorite Podcast or Person to Follow: @jessicanabongo | @sliceofpai | @the_shopkeepers | @girleatworld
Travel Tip from Jessica: “Learn about your location before you arrive-I love to read a book by a local author before traveling somewhere, and then searching out the places or food that is featured in the book. Same goes for watching a movie, listening to a podcast, something to start considering the local perspective and experience.”
Janice Claybrook
Associate Director of Global Study Away: Operations & Strategic Initiatives
she/her
Favorite International Experience: Standing as snow fell in Copenhagen at dusk and watching as the park filled with children and families – the experience of being in a living snow globe
Janice’s Favorite International Dish: Breaded tuna steak with mustard and sesame on orange sauce (I think this is the Italian translation: Trancio di tonno impanato con senape e sesamo su salsa all’arancia) and Frikadeller
Travel Tip from Janice: “If you are a little nervous about your upcoming experience, remember that it’s okay and normal. Use that feeling to move outside your comfort zone and as a reminder that you can meet a challenge and do difficult things.”
Sarah Dale
Global Records and Data Analyst
Study abroad student registration, abroad student records, abroad curriculum maintenance
she/her
Favorite International Experience: Cross-cultural course comparing ancient Minoan (island of Crete) and Old Kingdom Egyptian art, architecture and society
Sarah’s Favorite International Dish: Cretan yogurt and honey
Sarah’s Favorite Podcast or Person to Follow: Perfect Travel Only and The New York Times 36 Hours
Travel Tip from Sarah: “Consider traveling solo at least once in your life. This experience can reveal aspects of yourself you might never discover otherwise.”
Vickie Smith
Administrative Assistant
First point of reception for all visits, inquiries and calls. Schedules student appointments and coordinates workflow for the Center
she/her
Favorite International Experience: Spending a year living in Basel, Switzerland and exploring various destinations across Europe
Vickie’s Favorite International Dish: Raclette and Swiss chocolate
Vickie’s Favorite Podcast or Person to Follow: I love watching Rick Steves’ Europe
Travel Tip from Vickie: “I would recommend that you make the most out of public transportation. Download train/bus apps and familiarize yourself with the public transportation system.”