Meet the team

Sarah Husain - Associate Director for Global Opportunities

I am responsible for the strategic direction of global opportunities at Liverpool and overseeing the work of the team. Originally from the Wirral, I studied for a BA (Hons) in German with Portuguese Minor at the University of Leeds which saw me spend a year in Austria and a semester in Portugal. Following my undergraduate studies, I completed an MA in Contemporary European Studies at the Humboldt University of Berlin. After working as an International Officer for Leeds Council, I returned to my home turf to lead study abroad activities at the University of Liverpool. Outside of Global Opportunities, I enjoy spending time with my young family.

Rich Dunning - Deputy Head of Global Opportunities

I am responsible for the operational management of global opportunities at Liverpool, relationships with our partner universities, new programme development and overseeing the delivery of key projects. Originally from northwest London, I graduated from the University of Liverpool with a BA (Hons) Combined Honours in Portuguese & Psychology, which included spending a year studying at PUC-Rio in Brazil. Since graduating, I've worked in a number of roles in global opportunities at the University of Liverpool, working with both University of Liverpool students and visiting and exchange students. Outside of global opportunities, I love attempting to learn new languages, exploring new cultures and hanging out with friends and family.

Jo Heaps - Global Opportunities Development Manager

I am responsible for new partnership development, global opportunities governance and overseeing the delivery of key global opportunities projects. Originally from Bolton, I hold a BA in Japanese Studies with Japanese Language (University of Winchester), an MA in Advanced Japanese Studies (University of Sheffield) and an MA in Translation and Interpreting (University of Manchester). During my BA, I spent a year studying in Japan as an exchange student and have since lived and worked in Japan for four more years, continuing to develop my love of the language, food and culture (and singing J-Pop at karaoke)! Outside all things Japanese, I enjoy swing dancing and travel all over the UK to take part in dance events.

Edd Barley - Global Opportunities Development Manager

I am responsible for working with partners who wish to send their students to Liverpool for anything from three weeks over summer to a full year of study. I look after relationships which are outside of existing exchange arrangements, as well as finding ways to spread the word about the brilliant offer here in Liverpool. Before moving to Liverpool from London, I worked at several universities in an international capacity, looking after international students in Oxford, teaching English at a university in Oaxaca, Mexico for four years, and cleaning skyscrapers in New Zealand, amongst other things! Most of my time is spent with my family, apart from rare occasions when I can escape to mess around on boats or catch some live music in the best city in the world for both!

Joan Squires - International Summer School Manager

I am responsible for managing delivery of all aspects of the International Summer School (ISS), ensuring the provision of an excellent student experience and efficient programme delivery. Originally from the Wirral, I have always worked within the UK Higher Education sector. Firstly, in widening participation with mature students and then moving onto working on the development of the ISS, welcoming students from around the world to Liverpool. Outside of university life, I enjoy finding new coffee shops to visit, spending time with family and friends and going on walks with my dog.

Eleanor Ehlen - Global Opportunities Manager (University of Liverpool students)

I am responsible for the management of all study abroad programmes and growing the opportunities available to students here at the University of Liverpool. I am Liverpool born and raised and I studied for a BSc in Accounting and Mathematics at Liverpool Hope University, where I also studied at Ball State University (Indiana, USA) for a year. I have previously worked at Liverpool Hope University running their outbound study programme and undertook three volunteering trips to India. I enjoy playing and coaching football and I am a FA Level 1 football coach at a local female grassroots club. I also love travelling, meeting new people and exploring new cultures.

Josh Evans - Global Opportunities Manager (Visiting and exchange students)

I am responsible for managing our visiting and exchange programme here at Liverpool. I graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a BSc in Events Management and Tourism. While studying I worked at a summer camp in Maryland, USA, and had the opportunity to visit many other states on the east coast. After graduating I worked for Disney World in Florida, it was an amazing experience and I had the chance to work with people from all over the world. Prior to my current position, I spent five years working as an adviser within the Global Opportunities team. I love maps, airports, aeroplanes and pretty much anything to do with travel!

Rachel Finney - Global Opportunities Adviser

I provide support for students coming to the University of Liverpool from or going on exchange visits to Australasia, Austria, Benelux, France, Germany and South East Asia. Originally from the United States, I was born in California but grew up in colourful Colorado. During my undergraduate studies at Colorado State University (Go Rams!), I spent a semester in France and a summer term in Italy. My times abroad were very impactful and lead me to study a BA in International Studies with a Minor in French. After graduating, I worked for the study abroad programme Semester at Sea before moving to the UK. Throughout my studies and travels, I enjoy learning new languages and improving my proficiency. If I’m not traveling, you can also always find me at the cinema or catching up on the latest TV shows. I particularly love watching French films and period dramas. Responsible for: Australia and New Zealand, Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Germany, Japan and Malaysia.

Melina Fiol - Global Opportunities Adviser

I provide support for students coming to the University of Liverpool from or going on exchange visits to North, South and Central America, Denmark, Northern and Southern Europe and India. I studied for a BA in Film Studies at Liverpool John Moores University and during my degree, I spent a summer working at Walt Disney World in Florida and took part in a summer school in China. A big personal goal of mine is to visit every Disney theme park in the world - I only have two more to go! Responsible for: North, South and Central America, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Lanxin (Lena) Wu - Global Opportunities Adviser

I offer support to students who are either arriving at the University of Liverpool from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan or going on exchange to these regions. Originally from China, I came to the University of Liverpool through the 2+2 programme with Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and graduated with a BSc in Applied English. Whilst studying abroad, I had the opportunity to explore the UK and travelled all around Europe to countries such as Iceland, Switzerland and Norway. Having enjoyed this experience enormously, I was inspired to apply for my current role. I would like to help all students with similar aspirations create an experience as memorable and fulfilling as mine. Apart from my passion for travelling, I am a massive gamer, and I enjoy a wide range of video games from first-person shooters and card games to RPGs such as Baldur’s Gate 3. I am currently teaching myself programming and one ambitious goal of mine is to make my own game some day! Responsible for: Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.

Grace Edge - Global Opportunities Adviser

I provide support for students coming to the University of Liverpool from or going on exchange visits to South Korea, as well as looking after all short term mobility opportunities. I graduated from the University of Lancaster in 2020 with a BA in Spanish and Linguistics Studies. Whilst at university, I worked abroad for a year as a teaching assistant in Spain, and made the most of several other travel opportunities as a student. After graduating, I have worked in a range of roles including the prison service and the NHS, before returning to the world of travel and education. In my spare time I enjoy all things music and singing, learning new things from books and podcasts, and long walks with the dog. Responsible for: South Korea and all summer programmes.

Niall O'Donnell - Global Opportunities Co-ordinator (Marketing and Events)

I am responsible for the coordination of the marketing and events activity across global opportunities. I studied Marketing at Sheffield Hallam University and graduated in 2016, having also completed a year working for The Walt Disney Company at their UK & EMEA Head Office in London. After graduating, I worked for Everton Football Club within their Media, Marketing and Communications department, which was a fantastic experience as I am a huge Evertonian. Aside from travel and football, my main interest is music, having played bass guitar for over 14 years.

Alicia Shanahan - Global Opportunities Assistant

I am your first point of contact for all general enquiries. I graduated from my undergraduate degree at Keele University in 2017, where I studied American Studies. Whilst at Keele, I spent my second year abroad at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. In my third year, I spent a semester as a Study Abroad Peer Adviser and helped outbound and inbound students make the most of their study abroad experiences. I then completed my Master’s degree in Cities, Culture and Creativity at Liverpool John Moores University in 2022. In my spare time, I enjoy taking acting classes, reviewing theatre productions, swimming and trying out new restaurants in and around the city. I try to watch a film every now and then to keep up with my passion of film theory.