Christian Alyea is the Co-Founder and Director of Study Abroad Association. He and the Study Abroad Association team work hand in hand with community colleges and universities across the United States to customize and develop top-notch, faculty-led study abroad programs to assist schools in achieving their international education goals.

After his experience as a Rotary International Exchange Student, and later studying abroad extensively for five years in Slovakia, he saw firsthand the life-changing impact studying abroad can have. He realized his purpose in life was to provide these opportunities to as many students as possible. His goal became to ensure programs would be as affordable and authentic as possible, so more students could experience the world and have similar life-enriching experiences.

Motivated with the passion for study abroad and international relationships, he and the SAA team have created a network of outstanding programs across the globe that are within reach of thousands of students. Since 2009, Study Abroad Association has taken over 11,000 students and faculty abroad to 30 different countries around the world.

Study Abroad Association is currently working with over 150 colleges and universities across the United States of varying sizes, with enrollment ranging from 1,000–90,000students. SAA member institutions are growing daily. When not leading programs himself, you can most likely find Christian traveling with his family and friends, preparing new destinations, exploring the outdoors, presenting at conferences, or brainstorming on new ideas.

Q: What would you like to see your team accomplish in 2020?

I'd like every member of our team to be empowered and in a position that inspires and motivates them to perform day in and day out for the greater good of the company.

Q: Who is your role model or hero? 

Bruce Poon Tip.

Q: What is your favorite book?

The Hard Thing About Hard Things.

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Q: Do you use any specific method or system to run daily operations?

Hubspot.

Q: Why did you choose your present industry at this time?

It's a booming industry that we're passionate about. All of our team has been enriched by international educational travel and we want more students around the globe to have these opportunities.