STAFF
All our staff has extensive international experience. All of them have studied abroad and personally know what is to be in a foreign country. Its dedication and professionalism make possible for ALA to provide an essential part of our additional offering: personal attention and constant support to our students. Consequently our students are always guided to be in the best possible condition on health and safety and to enjoy their stay abroad with us.
Arturo Jarque, Ph.D. – CEO
Dr. Jarque was born in Alicante where he lived and studied until he moved to the USA. He has a Ph.D. in Contemporary Humanities and a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and History from the University of Alicante. He also has a Master of Arts from Louisiana State University and was a Fulbright researcher at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. Professionally speaking, Dr. Jarque was Director of Hispanic Studies for North American Universities at the Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid for nine years and Regional Director and General Manager in Spain for a well-known American study abroad organization for almost seven years. Dr. Jarque was also a teacher for years and has had extensive experience in both the Spanish and American university systems developing academic programs and providing academic related services for American students.
Sara Stice – Barcelona Program Coordinator
Sara is from coastal California, near San Francisco, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of California, Davis. Her infatuation with Barcelona started during a semester Study Abroad program she attended during undergrad, where she was introduced to the vibrant culture of the area and made lifelong friends, who later convinced her to return to Spain. In the fall of 2020 Sara moved to Málaga to work in Spanish public schools as a Language and Culture ambassador, encouraging students to learn English, and in May of 2021 she returned to Barcelona to continue teaching English and working with students. Sara enjoys supporting students in their new adventures navigating new cultures and languages. She loves showing off all the reasons to adore Barcelona as well as sharing some of her favorite spots, such as el Parc del Laberint d’Horta.
Carlos Náger Cobo – Madrid Program Coordinator
Carlos was born in Madrid and holds a bachelor’s degree in Translation and Interpreting from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. After graduating from university, he has garnered as much knowledge as possible through the different job experiences he has been part of (private English tutor, translator, etc.). He has spent time living, studying, and working abroad in different countries such as Belgium and France, which has fostered his ability to become aware of the impact of cultural barriers and showed him how to overcome them. His ability to combine his academic and professional activities is a testament to his organizational and multitasking skills. His hobbies include cinema and good conversation!
Enrique Rivas – Salamanca Program Coordinator
Enrique was born in Salamanca, where he studied Philosophy. The University of Salamanca was founded in 1218 and it is the third oldest university in Europe. After giving much thought to it, he moved to the artsy side of knowledge and came out with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. He worked in the field of art restoration for a few years. Then, on a trip to visit a friend in China, he discovered that teaching Spanish renders a livelier feeling than caressing old paintings, so he made a turn in his career. He spent the next three years working as a teacher in Shanghai and as an official examiner for the Instituto Cervantes. When it was time to go back to Spain, he decided to stay in the education field. Enrique was an exchange student in the USA for a year, and understands from his own experience what it is like to live in a foreign country. He enjoys very much working with students and showing them around.
Elizabeth Kinnon – Sevilla Program Coordinator
Elizabeth is originally from Los Angeles, California but has taken root in Seville for the last 5 years after spending a semester abroad there as a college student herself. She has her Bachelor´s Degree in Spanish for International Service from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. with minors in Anthropology and Latin American Studies. Apart from her personal experience as a study abroad student, Elizabeth has also dedicated the last 5 years to assisting and guiding the international student population in Seville. Elizabeth´s interests include travelling, meeting new people, and learning about new cultures. She is an upbeat and energetic person with a passion for the "sevillano" lifestyle and is eager to be there for you in whatever you might need during this unique experience in your life.