Education Abroad Staff Members
Rebecca Luhrs
Acting Director of Education Abroad
My Education:
- B.A., International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies, College of William & Mary, 2004
- M.P.A., Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington, 2011
My Background
In 2003, I entered the field of international education by interning with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Upon graduation, I spent three years implementing study abroad and exchange programs in the Middle East & North Africa for nonprofit organization AMIDEAST. While pursuing my graduate degree, I wrote curriculum units for the World Affairs Council of Seattle and served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco. I joined the UNL Education Abroad Office in 2011.
My study/work abroad
I began traveling (Spain/Morocco) and volunteering (Mexico) while in high school. As an undergraduate student, I led a service learning trip to Guatemala, studied abroad in Morocco and Egypt, and traveled for fun to Thailand and Costa Rica. While working for AMIDEAST, I led a group of high school students to Egypt and visited the Dominican Republic as a tourist. From 2008-2010, I served as a Small Business Development volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps, working with artisans in a small Moroccan village. To return home, my Peace Corps friends and I cruised across the Atlantic Ocean, from Barcelona to Puerto Rico!
My Ideal next travel destination
I've had my eye on Brazil for a long time, after reading amazing accounts of friends who traveled there. I would also love to visit Germany and Lebanon to explore both sides of my cultural heritage.
Jennifer Mostek
Acting Assistant Director of Education Abroad
My Education:
- B.S. Criminal Justice, University of Omaha/Lincoln, 2003
- J.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2008
- M.A. Educational Administration with a specialization in Student Affairs, 2010
My Background
I began working with college students while I was in law school and I found I enjoyed working with students more than legal work. I then completed a master's in Student Affairs and was able to work as a Graduate Assistant with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the University Program Council (UPC), and the CBA Undergraduate Programs Office. After completing my degree I was an academic advisor at another institution. I returned to UNL and joined the Education Abroad Office in 2011.
My Study/work abroad
I had my first taste of international life while in high school. During my junior year I went to England with my high school marching band and marched in the Queen's New Years Day Parade. I then went to Spain during my senior year and improved my Spanish language skills through a homestay. During my freshman year at UNL I again crossed the Atlantic, this time with the Cornhusker Marching Band. This time I marched in the St. Patrick's Day Parade and spent time in Ireland and London. I studied abroad the spring of my junior year, again to improve my Spanish language skills. I spent the semester in Costa Rica at the Universidad de Costa Rica in San Ramon through a UNL program. I had an incredible experience immersed in the classroom with local students and was well-fed and cared for by my host family.
My Ideal next travel destination
I would like to travel to Norway to meet the family of my paternal grandfather and it would be great to also travel to Germany and Poland to search out additional relatives.
Robert Harris
Office Manager, Education Abroad & International Engagement
My Education
- B.S., Marketing, University of Wyoming, 2006
My Background
I have a varied background in a financial setting and a marketing setting. Upon graduation from the University of Wyoming I worked for a year in the local Credit Union. I then moved to Denver, Colorado where I worked with the Financial Planning Association in a Membership Marketing capacity. I moved to Lincoln in the summer of 2012.
My Study/work abroad
My study abroad experience has actually brought me to the United States. I am originally from Jamaica and I came to the University of Wyoming on a Track and Field scholarship. I competed in the sprints, predominantly in the 400 meter discipline.
My Ideal next travel destination
I would love to travel to England. Growing up in Jamaica, which is a former colony of England, it would be a great experience for me to visit. Also I would not mind seeing Manchester United play in some live soccer action.
Brent Holliday
Education Abroad Graduate Assistant
My Education
- B.A., Political Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2002
- M.A., Student Affairs, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, expected 2013
My Background
As an undergaduate I worked for US Airways, and upon graduation I taught English as a Foreign Language (EFL) abroad for several years. More recently, I worked as an intern for Nebraska Wesleyan University's Office of Global Engagement. I am currently a Graduate Assistant pursuing my MA in Student Affairs.
Study/work abroad
I caught the travel bug following my studies abroad in the Czech Republic as an undergraduate at UNL. Since then, I have been fortunate to have lived, traveled and worked abroad extensively. I taught EFL in Japan at a small American-run school and local elementary schools, and in the Czech Republic for a non-profit group. I had a short stint in Hong Kong and I volunteered in Northern India. Study abroad leads to many exciting experiences in life. I learned how to scuba dive in Egypt, I studied Aikido in Japan, I've backpacked and cycled around Europe, hiked in the Himalayas, studied Rajasthani painting in India, and I even ran with the bulls in Spain.
My Ideal next travel destination
I would like to cycle around South America, but I've also got my eye on Central Asia.