Ashley Metz
Learning Abroad Program Advisor
Student Services
Pronouns
she/her/hers
Life before CBS…
I’ve been a program adviser in the Learning Abroad Center for 6 years, and before that I was an executive assistant (also in the Learning Abroad Center) for around 5 years. Before coming to the University of Minnesota, I was a Program Support Specialist in the Study Abroad and Global Experiences Office at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida.
Adjusting to college life…
I was an “eager beaver” college student starting freshman year and really jumped into all of the different experiences I could (residence life community building, wind ensemble, intramural sports, Smiles for Kids, student groups, etc.) I was a First Gen student who was anxious about navigating college overall, but thankfully had a lot of support and encouragement from family and various people on campus. I fell in love with culture learning and participated in 3 programs abroad (an instructor-led program to France and Iceland, a traveling classroom semester program in the UK/France/Germany/Austria, and a summer program teaching English in Japan).
Favorite part of the job?
I love meeting new people and getting to know people in general. My college years were some of my favorite years (so much possibility, exploration, and learning), and I enjoy supporting students during these formative years to hopefully help them pursue study abroad if that’s an experience they’re interested in having. I love encouraging and supporting students to move out of their comfort zones to pursue once-in-a-lifetime experiences abroad.
Current passions, hobbies, things that give you joy?
I love my people and spending time with them (my 2 kids and husband, parents, extended family, and friends), traveling, learning about different cultures, drinking too much coffee, listening to and playing music, reading, fishing, hiking, exploring new places, podcasts, watching movies (and tracking on film festivals and prestige film awards).
Be on the lookout for…
Earrings from international travel adventures - one of my favorite things to collect.
Learn more
Learn more
Education and background
Bachelor’s degree, University of Wisconsin-River Falls (English - Creative Writing)
Master’s degree, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Leadership in Education with emphasis on International Education/Higher Education)
Trainings
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Coaching Skills Training Program, spring 2024 cohort