Welcome to
Gold Coast
Grace Gutwein
Gold Coast Site Director
The Site Director is CIS Abroad's On-Site staff. Their job is to support the CIS Abroad students throughout their on-site study abroad experience. They serve as a cultural liaison, organizing excursions, cultural activities, and providing invaluable guidance on everything from the local cuisine to navigating public transportation. If students run into any issues while abroad - Grace is there to help provide resources and guidance.
Grace grew up on the East coast of Australia. She has been living on the Gold Coast for over 15 years and loves to show international students all the amazing places this coastal city has to offer while introducing them to the Australian culture and lifestyle. She has been working in the field of International Education for over a decade including as a Study Abroad Advisor at Bond University. She completed a Degree in Communications and Journalism and worked as an editor and freelance journalist for several years before moving into International Education. She has been lucky enough to travel and experience the culture and customs of some amazing culturally-diverse countries including Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, New Zealand, USA, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Mexico, Cuba, UK and Morocco. She loves that every country you visit opens your eyes to new ways of being; so important for cultivating a more empathetic and connected world.
Email Grace: ggutwein@cisabroadonsite.com
Kate Smart
Director of International Operations
The International Operations Director ensures that the study abroad program runs smoothly, overseeing on-site logistics, health and safety measures, and responding to emergencies. Kate works closely with Grace to ensure that the program is set up and ready for students. Then, they work closely together when students are on-site to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible. Kate may work directly with students if they have special requests, experience an emergency, or need additional accommodations when abroad.
Kate is an international education leader with global experience spanning the U.S., Australia, and Asia-Pacific. Beginning her journey as a high school exchange student in Jamaica and later completing a university exchange in Thailand, she brings a passion for student experience in study abroad programs. She holds a Master of International Studies (Latin American Studies) and a Master of Education (International Education), and began her professional career with IFSA Butler in Australia and the United States. She has since led study abroad and exchange programs for institutions including the University of Canberra, Macquarie University, the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales. Most recently, Kate served as Centre Director for Australia & New Zealand and interim Centre Director for IES Abroad’s inaugural Seoul programs, while also holding the role of Dean of the Asia Pacific. Based in Sydney, Australia, she is thoroughly enjoying leading the APAC and Latin American teams for CEA CAPA.
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