On-site staff for Verona, Italy

The Verona program has a Program Director who provides comprehensive support to students throughout their study abroad experience. The Program Director and program staff meet the group flight at the airport, provide an on-site orientation, take you to your program housing, and organize interesting field studies and optional tours.

Meet the Verona team

Simona Lai, Interim Verona Program Director, oversees the Program Coordinator and Assistant team, who help support students on-site, including with arrivals and departures, orientations, and field trips. She has degrees in Foreign Languages for Linguistic and Cultural Mediation and a Master’s degree in Foreign Languages for International Communication. She's also received an advanced graduate certification in Foreign Language teaching.

Program Coordinator

Program Coordinator, Valentina Montin, received her bachelor's degree in Language Mediation for International and Diplomatic Organizations, driven by her passion for foreign languages and diplomacy. Her studies gave her the opportunity to live and study abroad twice, first for a short period of time in the U.K., and then in Belgium for six months.

Valentina is fluent in Italian, English, and Spanish, has conversational skills in German, and is currently learning Korean. One of the highlights of her journey so far was her internship at USAC Verona, where she had the chance to connect with international students and further develop her passion for education and cultural exchange.

Program Assistant

Program Assistant, Monica D’Agostin, received her bachelor’s degree in languages and cultures for tourism and international commerce and holds a master’s degree in languages for international commercial relations, both from the University of Verona.

She studied abroad twice — in Zaragoza, Spain and in Wilmington, North Carolina (at UNC Wilmington). She speaks Italian, English, Spanish, and French.