J.J. Ilseng

Meet J.J. Ilseng, the new Study Abroad and Exchange Advisor for Baylor.  He graduated from Texas Tech for undergrad and from Vanderbilt for grad school.  He also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Romania and loves to travel.  Sic’em J.J.
 
Where are you from?
Ohio.
 
What is your favourite part of working on a college campus?
That I’m working for higher education and that it is where minds go to learn and ultimately where minds go to change.
 
What is your degree in?
---Undergrad? Literature and Linguistics
---Grad?  International Studies in Policies and Management
 
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
Vail, Colorado, because it’s accessible and has mountains and outdoor sports. 
Or…wherever Phish is playing.
 
What events led up to you joining the Peace Corps?
Cousin who influenced me as a kid and after graduating with a degree in language and linguistics, why not travel?
 
What are you excited about doing at Baylor?
Working with international kids and created a cohesive society filled with recognition of cultures on campus. 
 
What’s your traveling personality?
I like to travel alone and to have no idea where I’m going.
 
What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?
To this island by BudaPest that is only open for nine days out of the year where they host a music festival called Sziget every year where over 400,000 people attend. 
 
What’s your favourite pizza topping?
Spinach and feta.
 
Best personality trait?
I like to think of myself as a very acquiescent person.
 
Biggest character flaw?
I think I know everything…and I assume everyone else knows everything as well.