Steve Hamade

Japan Site Director

The Site Director is CIS Abroad's On-Site staff. Their job is to support the CIS Abroad students throughout their on-site study abroad experience. They serve as a cultural liaison, organizing excursions, cultural activities, and providing invaluable guidance on everything from the local cuisine to navigating public transportation. If students run into any issues while abroad - Steve is there to help provide resources and guidance.

Hailing from Toronto, I spent the first part of my life in Canada. Armed with a BA in Philosophy, I eventually joined the JET Programme as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) to explore my Japanese-Canadian heritage. I anticipated a brief 2-3 year stint, aiming to pursue an MBA thereafter, but shifted course and transitioned from rural Japan to Tokyo. My trajectory encompassed two roles in private education companies. I’m thrilled to be partnering with CIS Abroad. Family inspires me, and I’m a sports enthusiast who cherishes karaoke and onsen — major factors that tied me to Japan, along with meeting my wife and starting a business.

Alexandra Woolner

Director of International Operations

Alexandra Woolner

The International Operations Director ensures that the study abroad program runs smoothly, overseeing on-site logistics, health and safety measures, and responding to emergencies. Alex works closely with Steve to ensure that the program is set up and ready for students. Then, they work closely together when students are on-site to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible. Alex may work directly with students if they have special requests, they experience an emergency, or if they need additional accommodations when they are abroad.

Alex studied abroad in the French Alpes when earning her BA at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Following graduation, she taught English abroad in China, France, and South Korea. After returning to the states, she earned her MA in International Education at SIT Graduate Institute. Alex enjoys exploring culture through food, art, and conversation and has been known to plan travel around best recommendations for street food and immersive museum experiences. In her spare time, Alex participates in community activism through art, repairs vintage typewriters, and gently annoys her cats.

Welcome to Japan

Steve Hamade

Japan Site Director

Welcome to
Japan