 | Talia BockHi everyone! My name is Talia, and I’m majoring in criminology and costume design at UF. I love learning about different languages and cultures and am specifically interested in art around the world. I am excited to learn more about art in the form of fashion, music, dance, etc., through all my students! In the future I hope to practice fashion law, in order to help protect the creative identity of small designers around the world. In my free time I love reading, sewing, vintage shopping, or practicing yoga. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and am excited for an amazing semester! |
 | 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. This is my first semester at the ELI, so I'm super excited to get to know everyone! |
 | Paola FregoneziActivities AssistantHey everyone! My name is Paola Fregonezi and I am a third-year student at the University of Florida! I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in Psychology 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 my first semester as a Language 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 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 fall 2025 semester is my third 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 second-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 AssistantHi everyone! My name is 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, IL, but I spent most of my childhood in Orlando, FL. Growing up as a Spanish-English bilingual in big cities, I witnessed first-hand the struggles that the English-learning community frequently faces in their journey towards fluency and how this fluency relates to their sense of cultural authenticity. These experiences, as well as my fascination towards language itself, motivate my research in Language Acquisition and my time with the ELI. I also speak Québec French fluently and am currently learning Brazilian Portuguese. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy rock-climbing, karaoke (go-to song: “Love” by Keyshia Cole), and roller-skating! I’m super excited to get to know everyone! |