#heelsabroad

919-843-6299

derek@unc.edu

Advisor for Asia-Oceania

Derek advises for programs in: ASIA - China - India - Indonesia - Japan - Mongolia - Nepal - Singapore - South Korea - Thailand - Vietnam Oceania - Australia - New Zealand U.S. Domestic Programs   ***PLEASE NOTE: The Advisor for the UNC-NUS Joint Degree program is Adrienne Cromwell*** Derek is the Study Abroad Advisor for Asia, Oceania, and Domestic Programs. Prior to joining UNC Study Abroad, Derek worked in experiential education, where he designed and instructed college accredited courses in China, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos, and Jordan. As an undergraduate, Derek studied abroad on the Antioch Buddhist Studies program in Bodh Gaya, India. There, he was awoken at 4am each morning by roosters crowing, bells ringing, and monks chanting. He believes strongly that students gain the most when they step out of their "comfort zone" and engage with different cultures and worldviews. Derek holds a Bachelors from Washington State University and a Masters from Harvard University. He is a former Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand, where he worked in education and community development. Derek lives in Chapel Hill and enjoys being outdoors with his puppy, Mesa.