Leadership Abroad: Join Us as Program Director or Medical Director!

Our program directors and medical directors are the true heartbeat of LeadAbroad, bringing each program to life. Their unique roles are essential to our mission, and we truly couldn't achieve what we do without them!

Meet some of our our 2024 Program Directors:

• Kelsey Fikkert

  • PRO Costa Rica 2023

  • DIRECT Cape Town (assistant) 2024

  • GO Rome 2024

• Abbey Tudor

  • LEAD Greece 2023

  • GO Barcelona 2023

  • DIRECT Cape Town Sessions 1 & 2 2024

  • GO Lisbon 2024

• Amanda McQuitty

  • LEAD Greece 2022

  • DIRECT Greece 2023

  • GO Barcelona 2023 & 2024

• Olivia Dumas

  • PRO Costa Rica 2022

  • LEAD Cape Town 2023 & 2024

  • GO Barcelona 2024 (assistant)

Our program directors are responsible for leading our team and students on the ground. From program operations to managing logistics, this role is great for someone ready to take charge and excited for a challenge.

As a program director, LeadAbroad covers your international airfare, health insurance, housing, all program related activities and tours, and a local sim card. This role also receives a salary and stipend while working abroad.

One of our 2023 & 2024 Program Directors, Abbey Tudor, loved how much she was able to grow independently and with others through this role. "I learned that there’s beauty in the failure just as much or even more than the success. Lean into it and have confidence bc you and everyone around you will learn huge lessons from that." Our LeadAbroad staff is passionate about putting their best foot forward for not only their students, but also for themselves! Every experience is an opportunity to grow and we love how our staff embraces it fully. "The biggest thing I’ve learned is patience with myself and patience with those around me and to give grace when needed as needed - everyone learns and leads in different ways but if you’re patient you can find what works best for the team and the program!"

Kelsey Fikkert, a 2023 & 2024 Program Director, said "I’ve gained life-changing growth through incredible experiences & meeting unforgettable people!" This truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity that our staff doesn't take for granted! Her biggest takeaways: "I learned how much I value getting to lead & watch students grow as they navigate travel & new relationships. Additionally, I've learned how to build strong teams & coach others in challenging situations."

"The impact you can make on others is immeasurable. Whether this is your team or the students you lead while you are abroad, you can make a positive and valuable impact on someone’s life every day in this role" said Amanda McQuitty, 2022, 2023 & 2024 Program Director. Her advice: "Lead with your heart! I have seen that working on LeadAbroad staff, my most successful moments have been those that are filled with authenticity and pure joy for the experience you are providing for others. Being true to yourself and letting your students and tea see your full personality is what makes the best LeadAbroad staff!"

Apply for our 2025 Program Director role through our staff application before Sunday, October 20th.

We know you're eager to apply, so let's jump right into it! What is LeadAbroad looking for in our program directors:

• Someone who is responsible and organized

• Ideally has worked with LeadAbroad before or who has graduated and is looking for a unique challenge in an amazing location with incredible people

• Eager to fully embrace leadership

If you're looking for a similar leadership directing experience but are currently pursuing medical school or another post-graduate career in healthcare, keep reading. We are hiring a Medical Director on our PRO Costa Rica program to assist with clinics and traditional Program Director responsibilities.

Jesse Cape, a 2022 & 2023 Medical Director for us in Costa Rica explained, "the experience truly impacted my life. I experienced tremendous personal growth in leadership, and in medicine. The people of Costa Rica truly have the kindest hearts. After I finish medical school, I plan to set up similar clinics all over the world - and I wouldn't have this dream unless it were for LeadAbroad. Everyday you get to go into the San Jose community and set up free clinics where students get to experience once in a lifetime shadowing opportunities - like clinical skills and Spanish speaking."

Apply for our 2025 medical director role through our staff application before Sunday, October 20th.

Similarly to our program directors, what is LeadAbroad looking for in our medical director:

• Someone who is responsible and driven

• Currently pursuing medical school or another post-graduate career in healthcare

• Eager to help students grow and learn more for their future careers

If either of these roles sound like you, it's time to get that application rolling! How can you best prepare for your application?

• Be ready for questions about your travel, work, and leadership experiences. We want to hear about YOU!

• Have summer availability. That's when you'll be traveling after all!

• A resume and professional reference contact information.

• A headshot that could be used on our LeadAbroad website if chosen!

• Meyers Briggs results which you can get through this link.

• A 60 to 90 second video letting us know a little more about yourself! Let your personality shine here!

• Spanish placement test (if applicable).

 For more information, feel free to check out this link from our website and our staff information outline. We hope you'll be one of our newest fellows on the team!