Meet the people who help you go to a North American university
Based in Beijing, New York, Virginia and Victoria, our dedicated staff are there for you. Our employees are some of the leading experts in Higher Education counseling and preparation. Meet the people who will help you at every stage of your admission to university in the USA or Canada - from your first inquiry, through the application process, to arrival on campus, and beyond.
Judy ZhangEnrollment Advisor for Chinese students, Beijing
Jessica SchmidtEnrollment Advisor for Royal Roads University, Canada
Minh NguyenAdmissions Manager for Long Island University, New York
Joyce Risse-Rodriguez
Admissions, James Madison University
Colleen KagetsuAdmissions Manager
for Royal Roads University, Canada
Tom GriffinOnline Student Enrollment Advisor
New York, USA
JUDY ZHANG
Enrollment Advisor for Chinese Students
Nationality: Chinese Languages: Mandarin and English Qualifications: Master’s degree from University of Portsmouth, UK Assists students: From China Location: Beijing, China Telephone: +86 10 85911295
"My name is Judy and I'm based in Study Group's Beijing office. I have been with Study Group since 2008 and work as USA & Canada Program Admissions Assistant. In 2003, I went to the UK and got a master's degree from University of Portsmouth. Studying and living abroad give me an opportunity to experience cross-cultural exchanges, learning about other cultures while representing my own.
Now my responsibility is to help students to process their applications and make sure every single application is completed before they are couriered to the USA or Canada. I also work with Chinese students online. I find working with those students a really great chance to open your mind to other cultures, as well as sharing your own with others.
I will be happy to help you with any questions. Welcome to contact me!"
JESSICA SCHMIDT
Enrollment Advisor at Royal Roads University
Nationality: Canadian Languages: English Qualifications: BA Psychology, University of British Columbia Assists students: who want to go to Royal Roads University in Canada Location: Victoria, Canada Telephone: +1 250 391 2600 ext 4701 "I began my professional career at the University of Regina, first within Student Loans and Scholarships then with International Admissions. I found the position to be rewarding and challenging; two things I believe are a must for a career. And I so greatly enjoyed working with international students that I decided to travel overseas in 2009 to teach English in South Korea. That year abroad was amazing and provided me with even more experience to bring back with me to Canada. I moved out to Victoria in January 2011 for a short term position at the University of Victoria and enjoyed Vancouver Island so much I decided to look for a permanent role with a concentration on international students.
My role within Royal Roads University International Study Centre is a multifaceted one; I work with Royal Roads University staff and faculty, international students, and Study Group on a daily basis to build and maintain quality relationships. I am the first point of contact for students inquiring about international programs at the University. On arrival, I personally welcome each and every student to our Centre. I assist with orientation and testing of international students in their first week and continue to help them with any issues that arise throughout their study path with us.
I greatly enjoy working with international students and helping them to succeed in their educational endeavors."
MINH NGUYEN
Admissions Manager at Long Island University
Nationality: Vietnamese Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from State University of New York, Fredonia Assists students: who want to go to Long Island University in New York Location New York, USA "I was raised in upstate New York and moved to New York City after University to work. I majored in Music (Piano Performance and Pedagogy). Attending a music school exposed me to a lot of international students. It gave me an idea of what it was like for them to study in a foreign country and the different issues they had to deal with. I enjoy learning more about students from all over the world. Higher Education is an important and memorable part of many people's lives.
I have worked for Study Group since 2007. I worked in Student Services before joining the International Admissions Center as Team Leader and assisting students from Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Europe, Middle East, Latin America and Africa. More recently, I became Admissions Manager for Long Island University.
Applying to US universities isn't always easy, but I'm here to make the university application process as smooth as possible. I look forward to helping students realize their dreams by facilitating university admission and answering questions.
Our department exists to assist you in finding the right path for your academic future, and I am confident that based on our strong relationship with Long Island University, you will have a successful experience!
JOYCE RISSE-RODRIGUEZ
Admissions Manager at James Madison University
Nationality: American Languages: English, Spanish, Italian, Korean, German
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Marketing, from Montana State University
Assists students: Who want to go to James Madison University in the USA
Location: Virginia, USA
"I worked many years in the field of corporate and international business marketing in Montana, New York City, and Pforzheim, Germany. I spent three years as a TEFL instructor teaching business English and conversational English to children and adult learners in Suwon and Seoul, South Korea. During this time I also served as the interim English editor for The Korean Herald, the bilingual newspaper in Seoul.
I am a native of New York, yet grew up spending most of my youth in Montana, Texas and Florida. I have traveled extensively throughout Western Europe and Asia. I enjoyed tremendously studying the cultures, customs, economics, religions and languages of these many wonderful countries.
Prior to joining Study Group, I was most recently employed as an on-line English Language Peer with the Korean, German, Italian, and Central and South American Spanish language communities.
I look forward to facilitating smooth placements for international students at James Madison University. My wish is that all students may enjoy rich, rewarding and successful international educational experiences."
Top tip for enjoying life at James Madison University"Take total advantage of the many student cultural groups and extracurricular activities offered on campus. Groups such as the Korean Student Association and Chinese Student Association give you the opportunity to experience additional support from your fellow "home-land" students in dealing with issues such as culture shock. In addition, they provide opportunities to share your home culture with the entire University population at special events and activities.
There are numerous extra-curricular activities available at James Madison University which provide international students with the opportunity to fully enjoy experiencing American culture. The Shenandoah Valley is rich with a wealth of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and river rafting. Being just a couple of hours from Washington, DC and the state capital of Richmond, there are also additional opportunities to visit numerous historical sights and museums. Overall, embrace your studies, forge new friendships and explore fully the bounty of educational opportunities surrounding you."
COLLEEN KAGETSU
Admissions Manager at Royal Roads University
Nationality: Canadian Languages: English Qualifications: BA Psychology, University of British Columbia Assists students: who want to go to Royal Roads University in Canada Location: Victoria, Canada "Before joining the International Study Centre (ISC) at Royal Roads University, I worked as Registrar for private English language schools in Vancouver and Victoria for over 10 years. I provided registration, assessment and student counseling services, and had the opportunity to meet students and agents from all of the world and learn about their different cultures.
As Admissions Manager, I am extremely lucky to be able to learn about what students need and watch their English levels progress through their time at the University. At the ISC, I am assisting students with registration and homestay.
I am originally from Vancouver and moved to beautiful Victoria in 2008. I have a Japanese/Chinese background, but unfortunately do not have either language skills. I have traveled to Japan, Australia, Argentina, Mexico and all across Canada and the United States.
I enjoy interacting with international students and helping them with their academics and adjusting to life in Canada. I look forward to meeting you on the Royal Roads campus!"
TOM GRIFFIN
Online Student Enrollment Advisor
Nationality: Irish Languages: German, English Qualifications: Bachelor of Business Studies, Waterford Institute of Technology Advises students from: Worldwide (except South Asia) Location New York, USA "As an Irishman who has lived in Germany and now New York, I have always enjoyed encountering diverse people from an array of countries and cultures. I've worked with international students for Study Group since 2004, initially as Academic Director of a busy language school and later as Regional Sales Manager.
To date, my time spent in international student recruitment for American universities and private high schools has involved work with students, organizations and business partners from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Japan and many more. Study Group has a high commitment to excellent customer service and student success. I always look forward to assisting you with your questions about studying in America."
