Unimportant Questions with Important People: Georgia Costalas

Alyssa Stencavage, Staff Writer

March 20, 2012

What exactly does your job entail?

I have two jobs. I am Executive Director for the Center for Global Education and Diversity, which oversees study abroad, international student services and diversity initiatives; three separate units. Here I act as the supervisor, where I support and help get things done. I am also the Director of International Student Services. I work directly with students about international student issues, help international students come to campus adjust and help professors with paper work involving these students.

What is your main goal in this position?

To provide Wilkes University with opportunities for learning perspectives that are different from one’s own.

What is your favorite hobby?

Biking. I’ve been doing a lot of that in the past year. It’s just been tremendous.

What is your favorite and least favorable part about Wilkes?

My favorite part is that people seem so willing to go out of their way to help. My least favorite part is that I have to travel 62 miles to and from work every day.

What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is “Jane Eyre.”

What is your favorite and least favorite part about your job?

My favorite part is the interaction with students and my least favorite part is the paperwork.

How old were you when you got your first job and what was it?

I was in sixth grade, 11 years old, and I took care of a first grader when she got home from school, such as helping her do her homework.

What you find is the best way for you to relax after a long day at work?

Reading or biking, depending on the weather. If I’m exhausted, reading.

Is this the career you always saw yourself in?

Being in education, yes. I’ve worked with international students since 1982.

Where is your favorite vacationing spot?

Colly, Columbia, my other home. I used to come to the United States for vacation and now I go there.

What has been your greatest or worst experience at Wilkes so far?

Having this job is the greatest experience of my current life. It is my dream job.

What advice can you give to the students here at Wilkes?

To take advantage of opportunities that introduce them to people that are different than themselves. It is safe environment to do that, and it will help them forever.

About the Contributor

Alyssa Stencavage, L&A&E Editor

Alyssa Stencavage is a junior communications studies major at Wilkes University with concentrations in broadcast media and public relations, as well as a minor in marketing. She began her time at The Beacon as a freshman in 2011, when she worked as a staff writer and became the assistant life editor at the start of her sophomore year. She currently is campus life editor. During her sophomore year, she participated in an independent study with the Times Leader, and was also involved with an account team on the Zebra Communication Board during her junior year. She also works with the Wilkes television station, Wilkes Now. Before coming to Wilkes, she wrote for her high school newspaper, while also playing volleyball and running track. Outside of school, Alyssa works as a cashier at a local grocery store and is the oldest of three children. She enjoys listening to music, taking walks and spending time with family and friends. Alyssa believes her experience with The Beacon has improved her as a writer and will help her achieve success beyond her years at Wilkes. In the future, she would like to be an anchor at a local television station.