Dreams Abroad Director

Leesa Truesdell ‎is a passionate advocate for helping others achieve their goals and dreams. She has dedicated her career to the public sector and focusing on serving others. She has had the good fortune of working with some of the country’s leaders in state and federal governments, education, and nonprofit sectors. Leesa is currently working as an Instructor and Immigration Specialist at the Center for Intensive English Studies where she assists incoming students with the application process and answers immigration questions, as well as teaches English as a Second Language.

 Leesa was trained as an International Student Advisor at Florida State University where she assisted foreign students with course enrollment, employment and traveling while living in the United States. She worked as an international student advisor assisting hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students while they studied in the USA. Her most recent abroad position, an English teacher in Spain, gave her the opportunity to shape the futures of over 500 Spanish youths who wanted to be proficient in English and learn about American culture. Prior to living in Spain, she served in the Florida legislature, providing research and analysis on public policy initiatives. She frequently served as a policy advisor and, to gain background and perspective, would meet with community leaders and stakeholders throughout the state. Leesa attributes her success and inspiration in public service to the many mentors she has had in the “chapters” of her life. She believes that each person has taught her valuable lessons, always learning from making mistakes, and bouncing back more resilient than ever… her secret to success!

 Leesa Truesdell launched the Teach Abroad interview series and Dreams Abroad website to showcase the stories of her colleagues and friends while teaching abroad. Over the past few years, she has found that her life has been enriched by embracing the uncertainty of living abroad. However, as she puts it, the experience has forced her to “step out of [her] comfort zone.” One of the blog’s themes is that everyone in life is doing the best they can with what they have, no matter where they are located.