Rice Abroad


	Barbara Harrison Director Barbara was appointed as Director of the Rice International Programs Office in the Fall of 2006. Previously she held an advising position in the Education Abroad Office at the University of Oklahoma. Barbara has vast experience managing both incoming and outgoing study abroad programs and has devoted much of her life promoting awareness, and the advancement of international education. Originally from New Zealand, Barbara has lived and studied in numerous countries, including Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United States. She is a New Zealand Registered Nurse, and obtained her master’s degree in Human Relations, with emphasis in multicultural counseling, from the University of Oklahoma. She is an active NAFSA member and has held membership since 1981. She has led workshops and presented numerous sessions at the national, regional and state conferences, and has served on both the national and regional teams. Barbara brings to Rice a passion for international education and is very excited to share this with today's students. barbara.harrison@rice.edu

	Courtney de Vries Associate Director Courtney, originally from Oklahoma, had her first experience abroad at the age of eighteen when she was selected to be a delegate on a People to People International Student Ambassador trip to Northern Europe. From there, she went on to pursue an undergraduate degree in European Studies at the University of Oklahoma. While at OU, Courtney went on three separate exchange programs: two in the Netherlands, and one in Mexico. In October 2005, Courtney obtained her Masters of Arts in European Studies from the University of Amsterdam. Courtney advises students travelling to Europe (excluding France and Spain), Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, and Russia. Courtney loves to share her international experience and is excited to help Rice students achieve their goals of going abroad. cdv@rice.edu

	Jay Vinekar Assistant Director Jay is the newest addition to the Rice International Programs Team. He has 2 years experience working in a Study Abroad Office, and 8 years of International Business Marketing and Consulting experience. Jay has lived, worked, and studied in over 14 countries. While attending the University of Oklahoma, where he received bachelor degrees in Finance and Accounting, he spent one year teaching English and studying in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Jay advises students applying to study in Australia, New Zealand, France, India, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southern Africa. As the "new guy" in the office, he is very gung-ho, and ready to do anything it takes to ensure you have the greatest Study Abroad experience possible. jay.vinekar@rice.edu


	Mary Ward Administrative Coordinator Mary came to Rice in the Fall of 2004. After more than 30 years working as a Corporate Administrator with several large companies, Mary had been at Rice for only 3 months when she joined the Office of International Programs. As the Administrative Coordinator, Mary's rich experience drives her passion for helping others and, especially for assisting students with their preparations for study abroad. mary.ward@rice.edu

	Daniel Pinto Assistant Director Daniel joined the Study Abroad office in the summer of 2008 after completing his degree in Business, with a minor in Latin American studies, from the University of Houston. He is very passionate about encouraging students to take the first step in going abroad with his Step One Sessions. Daniel also has extensive travel/living experience in over 10 different countries. Daniel is our newest Study Abroad Advisor, and will be advising students who wish to study in Spanish-speaking countries. He is the head of the team that puts together our Semi-Annual Study Abroad Fair. Daniel is very eager and excited to make this transition to study abroad advisor and will pass that same enthusiasm on to you. daniel.j.pinto@rice.edu

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