FIYou: Laura Marks ’10

Name: Laura Marks ’10

Hometown: Tarrytown, N.Y.

Job Title/Department: Office Assistant, Office of Education Abroad

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: The Office of Education Abroad helps to create FIU-sponsored study abroad programs and works with a host of international universities to send and receive students with our International Student Exchange Program. I work at the front desk, advising students with general inquiries, processing applications and spreading enthusiasm about all of the great study abroad programs that FIU has to offer. I’m also the proud founder of the Study Abroad Club, which works to promote study abroad on campus and to help acclimate inbound students to the FIU community.

Number of years at FIU: 2

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love connecting with students and showing them that studying abroad can be a reality on any budget, in any field of study. I also love meeting all of the international students that come to FIU on exchange.

What do you think faculty/staff and students should know about your department?

We’re probably the most fun office on campus, so it’s worth stopping by and getting to know us.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

Though it’s not technically “on campus,” I think Tamiami Park is great. I live on campus and it’s nice having such a great outdoor resource right in my backyard, not to mention the yearly fair.

If there is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU, what would it be?

I wish others knew of the phenomenal international community that FIU harbors and the opportunities provided by such diversity for students to become truly aware and appreciative of other cultures and lifestyles.

Family snapshot:

My immediate family is still back in New York, despite my constant efforts to convince them to move down to Miami and finally be warm.

Word that best describes you: Curious.

First paying job: Docent tour guide at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico, N.Y. Essentially, I gave tours of an organic farm whose crops and livestock provided the meals for the restaurant next door, Blue Hill.

Favorite TV show: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

What is playing on your iPod?

It’s broken at the moment, but my favorite Pandora stations are Marc Anthony and Otros Aires, an electronic tango group.

Your proudest accomplishment:

Moving to Miami – into the warmth and out of the cold Northeast.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

I dance salsa and Argentine tango and will be performing for the first time ever with my salsa team this summer.