 | Daniela BarrantesHi everyone! My name is Daniela Barrantes, and I am a second-year majoring in Political Science and International Studies on the Latin America and the Caribbean track. I am from Miami, Florida, but my parents are from Nicaragua and Peru. I love traveling, especially to my home countries, and learning about all the different cultures, identities, and languages that call this planet home! In my spare time, I love finding new music, going to the beach, trying new foods, attending local concerts, and re-watching my favorite movies. I’m incredibly excited to make so many memories this semester and get to know you! |
 | Nicole BecerraHello everyone. My name is Nicole Becerra, and I am studying political science. I was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but my parents are Colombian. Growing up, my parents' English was not the best and I often became the bridge, translating and connecting cultures for my family. My parents are the reason why I became interested in this program and why it is dear to my heart. I consider myself truly fortunate to serve as an LA with the ELI because I cherish the opportunity to meet new individuals, immerse myself in diverse cultures, and, most importantly, create a welcoming space where people can feel at ease as they embark on their journey to master the English language. I hope to encourage open dialogue, embrace the beauty of learning through mistakes, and share lighthearted moments along the way. I'm excited to meet everyone and hope everyone enjoys their time here at UF! |
 | Danielle BetancourtHello Everyone! My name is Danielle, and I'm studying English Literature and Linguistics at UF! I’m also working on getting my TESL certificate! I’ve been a Language Assistant for a few semesters now and I’m still so excited every time! I'm interested in learning about other cultures and languages, and I hope to be able to gain more experience with this through the ELI program. I spend a lot of my free time practicing other languages, reading and writing, and finding interesting media from anywhere abroad. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone! |
 | 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! |
 | Joey ClerveauxHi everyone! My name is Joanna Clerveaux, but you can call me Joey. I'm a third year Political Science and International Studies major on the Asia track, and I'm pursuing an African American Studies minor. I'm a new Language Assistant for the Fall 2023 semester, and I'm so excited to interact with you all and learn more about where everyone is from and what they're all about! I love engaging in cultural exchanges, whether that would be through simple conversations, asking questions, engaging in activities, and more. Since I do want to work in foreign service eventually, I think that this would be the best opportunity to learn more about the world around me, and make others feel welcome and comfortable in America as well! I'm incredibly pleased to meet you all |
 | Bridget CraigHi everyone! My name is Bridget Craig and I am from Stuart, Florida, a small beach town where I love to hike, snorkel, and hang out with friends. At UF, I am studying International Studies with a concentration in Latin America and the Caribbean, along with minors in Spanish, Dance, and Sustainability Studies. I am super excited to be a Language Assistant with the ELI again this semester to meet all of the amazing international students and work with such an amazing team! I really enjoy learning about different cultures, languages, and getting to meet new people, and the ELI combines all of those things perfectly. Outside of school, you can catch me hiking, riding my bike around campus, or reading a book in my hammock. I can’t wait for another spectacular semester! |
 | Will FletcherGreetings, all! My name is Will Fletcher, and I am a student here at the University of Florida studying International Studies, focus in Europe, and History. I also have minors in Urban Planning and Philosophy, and I have been a LA for over two years. I have lived all over the United States and have traveled to most states as well as a good number of countries, though I have a strong love for my home here in Gainesville. In my free time, I enjoy reading, running, doing puzzles, and cooking foods from all around the world. I am excited to meet each and every one of the students in the hopes that you all teach me just as much as we hope we teach you. Cheers! |
 | Gavin HartHi, my name is Gavin Hart and I am a third-year senior studying General Psychology with a certificate in AI. My interest in being a Language Assistant stems from my love for people and culture. Being a peer leader gives me a unique opportunity to guide students toward increasing their English skills while having fun with them at the same time. I enjoy rock climbing, singing, running, and learning. Please reach out to me so that I can get to know you better! |
 | Amy KesslerHello! My name is Amy and I am a fourth-year undergrad majoring in Linguistics, minoring in Hebrew, and pursuing a certification in Teaching English as a Second Language. I am originally from Tokyo, Japan but have been living in Ellenton, Florida for the majority of my life. I love learning about different languages, cultures, and identities, so the ELI is an amazing outlet for me to meet all kinds of people! As a language assistant, I enjoy sharing my love of language with students from across the globe. This is my 7th semester at the ELI and I've enjoyed every minute of the experience. In my spare time, I love playing tennis, discovering new music, and playing the banjo. |
 | Grace JohnsonCIP AssistantHi! My name is Grace and I am from Hobe Sound, FL. I have recently graduated from UF where I received a BS in Psychology and a BA in Spanish. I am so happy to be working at the ELI as the Cultural Immersion Program Assistant. I really enjoy learning about different countries and the people and cultures within them, so being able to work with students from all over the world is such a rewarding experience! In the future, I hope to become a therapist for children and use my Spanish education to reach more people. Outside of school, I like to do crafts, listen to music, read books, and play volleyball. You are more than welcome to come to me with any questions you may have or to talk about any of your interests! I can’t wait to get to know you! |
 | Claire LutzHi everyone! My name is Claire Lutz and I am from Philadelphia, PA. This is my second year at UF and I am majoring in International Studies and minoring in Economics on the pre-law track. I am so excited that this is my first semester as a language assistant! I love meeting new people and learning more about their cultures. Outside of school, I love spending time with my two cats, traveling, painting, and watching new movies. I’m looking forward to a great semester! |
 | Leah MazurHello! My name is Leah Mazur and I am a third-year student at the University of Florida! I am pursing a bachelor's degree in History with a minor in Italian Studies within the college of Liberal Arts and Sciences. After undergrad I am planning to continue my education with a master's degree in museum studies! It is my first year as a language assistant at the ELI and I'm excited for everything the semester has to offer. I love learning about languages and cultures as well as love the chance to meet so many new people. I enjoy reading, art, crocheting, playing soccer, hiking, dogs, trips to the beach, and spending time with friends and family. This semester is going to be amazing, and I can't wait to meet everyone! |
 | Rachel NuytenHi everyone! My name is Rachel and I’m from St. Petersburg, FL. I’m currently in my 3rd year at UF studying Linguistics and teaching English and I’m passionate about teaching languages and meeting people from different cultural backgrounds. When I'm not at work you can find me practicing yoga or hiking around Gainesville. After I graduate, I will pursue a career teaching languages abroad. I’m so excited to work as an LA this semester and to share my experience with students through the Cultural Immersion Program and to learn more about the world through them. |
 | 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. |
 | William Speer |
 | Kemarah ThermidorHi everyone! My name is Kemarah Thermidor, and I am a first-year student studying General Psychology and Criminology with a minor in English while on the pre-law track. This is my second semester as an ELI Language Assistant, and I am overjoyed at having this position. In my free time, I love running, reading all sorts of books, and writing (mainly poetry.) I also make an effort to learn other languages and about other cultures. I speak Haitian Creole fluently, am an intermediate Spanish speaker, and learning French. I’m very excited to continue this position as a language assistant this semester as I adore meeting new people and being able to help in any way I can! The ELI program is a great opportunity for me to share my love of words and language and meet 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 fourth-year student majoring in English and Classics at the University of Florida. I am so excited to meet with people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. This is my first semester as a language assistant, but I hope to stay at UF for graduate school and continue with the ELI for as long as I can. Outside of school, I spend most of my time reading or going to the movies. I can’t wait to meet you all! |
 | Sophia Ruiz De AlejoHi everyone! My name is Sophia! I am a third-year linguistics major at the University of Florida. This is my first year as a language assistant. I am beyond honored and excited to be teaching at the University of Florida English Language Institute. I am thrilled to get to know and work with everyone at the ELI! In my free time I love to spend time with my family, friends, and dog. I also love to travel, watch movies, and listen to music. After graduation, I hope to teach abroad. I look forward to learning more about different cultures and meeting new people. I hope that everyone has a wonderful semester |