Catalina Zaza is an alumna originally from Argentina who graduated in 2025 with an MA in International Affairs. She currently works as an Academic and Program Coordinator at CIEE (Council of International Educational Exchange), a non-profit and non-governmental organization founded in 1947, intended to bring the world together through international exchange programs.
How did you secure your current role at CIEE?
During the Fall 2025 Career Fair organized by Center for Career Services, I had the chance to meet the Rome team from CIEE for the first time. I completed an in-person interview for a temporary position covering a maternity leave. I felt well prepared because I had practiced my pitch and refined my answers thoroughly. After the temporary role, CIEE reached out again, but for a higher-level position as an Academic and Program Coordinator. Career Services played a crucial part in securing this role. As a foreigner, moving to another country can make your previous academic and professional experience feel somewhat “lost in translation.” But they supported me throughout the entire process and helped me refine my communication skills, so I could express my value clearly and with more confidence. In addition, they guided me in building a local network, which is extremely valuable as I initially didn’t know anyone in the field here.
What does your role involve on a day-to-day basis?
I have an operational role in shaping the academic programs offered each semester, as well as a responsibility in the allocation of scholarships. The scholarships we manage are merit and academic‑based, and this is truly one of the aspects of my work that I value the most.
Supporting students through these scholarships is not only meaningful for their time in Rome; it can also be life-changing. Many of the students we select would not have access to an international academic experience without financial support. Knowing that our decisions can open doors that transform their personal, academic, and professional trajectories is incredibly fulfilling.
What do you enjoy most about working at CIEE?
What I enjoy most is the dynamic and multicultural environment. My colleagues are primarily Italian, while our students come from the United States, and I really appreciate being in a space where different perspectives naturally come together. I really enjoy seeing how the projects we work on have a direct impact on students’ lives, especially because many of them have never been to Italy (or even outside the U.S) before joining our programs.
This resonates with me personally, as I was also an international student at JCU. I understand what it feels like to be far from home, adapting to a new country, a new language, and a different culture. That’s why it’s so meaningful for me to watch students come to class, engage with the language, learn about local topics, and grow throughout the program. At the end, when they leave and share positive feedback, it reinforces that what we do truly matters.
I also really enjoy connecting with other CIEE centers globally. I am currently starting to collaborate more with offices in Latin America, which I value a lot because it makes me feel a bit closer to home.
How has your MA in International Affairs prepared you for this role?
Studying abroad at an American university really helped me understand the U.S. academic system. I had never been part of a liberal arts university, which meant smaller classes, and a strong emphasis on discussion and participation. I was more used to the structure of my bachelor’s degree in Argentina, where classes were large, student participation was limited, and the focus was mainly on one final exam.
My time spent at JCU was essential in helping me understand the educational format at CIEE and how our students are accustomed to learning.
The learning I received during my Master equipped me with skills that I apply at my job: critical analysis, research, informed decision-making, and the ability to engage effectively with intercultural communication and global perspectives.
How do you see your career evolving over the next few years?
I would love the opportunity to stay in Rome as I feel very comfortable in this city, and it has become my second home after Buenos Aires. My main professional interests lie in public policy and education, and ideally, I hope to build a career at the intersection of the two. Working on initiatives that expand access to high‑quality education through thoughtful policy design is something I find deeply meaningful. In the future, I would love to contribute to projects that focus on educational development.If I could apply this work in Latin America and in my home country, it would be even more meaningful. This experience has been helping me make the transition into the job market, and I am excited to see what comes next.
