 | Sam DouglasHey there! My name is Sam. I'm a fourth-year student majoring in English and Japanese. I am also pursuing certificates in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) and translation studies. I have lived in Florida all my life, but I love traveling and hope to move abroad when I graduate! A fun fact about me is that I have studied abroad in Japan twice and have a particular fascination with Japanese mythology. Beyond my studies, I spend my free time reading, going to cafes, hanging out with my friends, running, rock climbing, and doing yoga. |
 | Paola FregoneziActivities AssistantHey everyone! My name is Paola Fregonezi and I am a fourth-year student at the University of Florida! I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology and am on the pre-law track. I am originally from São Paulo, Brazil but have lived in Orlando, Florida for most of my life. I am so excited for this semester as a Language Assistant and Activities Assistant. I love learning about new cultures and meeting new people! During my free time, I enjoy traveling, working out, going to the beach, reading, and spending time with friends and family. I can't wait to meet everyone and to have an amazing last semester! |
 | Shawn KapersaudHey everyone! My name is Shawn Kapersaud and I am a fourth-year international studies major with an area focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. The Spring 2026 semester is my fourth semester here as a language assistant and I participated in the conversation partner program for a few semesters prior. I am super excited to hear the different stories of new ELI students that come from around the world to study here! When I am not at the ELI, you can catch me learning other languages, reading a good book, or trying out new spots to eat. As an avid language learner myself, I know some of the struggles of trying to pick up a foreign language or culture. I also know the glow on someone’s face when you speak to them in their native language. These experiences have inspired me to be on the other side of that journey: I can’t wait to help others navigate the English language and American culture. |
 | Rose MartinezHi, Everyone, my name is Rose and I'm from Puerto Rico. I recently graduate it from UF with a bachelors in Linguistics. I can speak Spanish, English, and a little bit of Japanese. I love learning about new languages, cultures and meeting new peoples and I believe the ELI meets all these qualities! In my free time, I like to play volleyball, watching series at my PC (specially k-dramas), read a books and eat new food! I'm excited to get to know all of you this semester. |
 | Mathis PaulhiacHello! I am a fourth-year student studying International Studies and Marketing. I have lived in Miami my entire life and am half French, half Colombian. Currently learning Portuguese and hoping to work in diplomacy after graduation. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling the world and playing sports. The place I want to visit the most next is Australia. Looking forward to learning about all of you and practicing English. |
 | Emily SzydlowskiHi! My name is Emily and I am currently a senior majoring in international studies, and minoring in Japanese here at UF. I am from Gainesville, Florida and have lived here my entire life. I am passionate about connecting with others through learning about different languages and cultures, and have studied several languages including Spanish, Mandarin, and Polish. Outside of class, I love to dance, go to the gym, listen to music, crochet, and explore nature. It is my first semester serving as a language assistant at the ELI and I am super excited to get to meet everyone and learn about you. You are always welcome to contact me with questions about anything! Looking forward to a fun semester with everyone! |
 | Kemarah ThermidorHi ELI fam! My name is Kemarah Thermidor, and I am a third-year student studying Psychology and Criminology on the pre-law track. This is my third year as an ELI Language Assistant and I am so so so excited for another great year! I speak Haitian Creole fluently and can hold a decent conversation in French and Spanish (test it out!). If you ever want to strike up a conversation with me, feel free to share your story as I love learning about others. The ELI program is an amazing opportunity for me to share my love of words and language while meeting new people from various backgrounds. I can’t wait to get to know everyone better! |
 | Lexa ThompsonHello! My name is Lexa, and I am a graduate student here at the University of Florida. I am so excited to meet with people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. I have been with the ELI for three semesters, and each one has been an amazing experience! Outside of school and work, I like to read or watch movies, and sometimes go dancing. Also, a fun fact about me: I was born and raised here in Gainesville, so if you have any questions about the city I might be able to answer them! I can’t wait to meet you all! |
 | Elijah ZarsadiasConversation Partner Program AssistantHey everyone! My name’s Elijah and I’m a Filo-Rican (Filipino + Puerto Rican) fourth year double-majoring in Linguistics and French and Francophone Studies with a minor in Spanish. I was born in Chicago, Illinois, but I spent most of my childhood in Orlando, Florida. Growing up speaking Spanish and English in these big cities, I witnessed first-hand just how our social circles and environments shape the way we not only process language but also perceive the world around us; these experiences inspire both my research in psycholinguistics and my passion for teaching! Outside of the classroom, I love karaoke (my go-to song is “And I Am Telling You” from Dreamgirls), rock-climbing, and roller-skating. I can’t wait to get to know everyone! |