Unser Team weltweit

Lily Zhang - Accommodation Supervisor

Born and raised in Shanghai Lily is in charge of finding our volunteers comfortable flats to live in during their time in Shanghai. She is also a jack-of-all-trades and can fix anything from a blocked toilet to a broken light bulb!

Michael Meng - Project Manager

Michael has been working for Projects Abroad since June 2009. Michael's role is to help arrange each volunteer's project before they arrive in Shanghai; he then ensures that they are happy with their work and is available to offer any advice. Michael graduated with a degree in English and has worked for several years for local businesses in Shanghai; in particular he has experience in the field of marketing.

Danny Wang - Volunteer Coordinator

Danny began working for Projects Abroad in June 2009, having recently graduated from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology. In addition to being fluent in English, Danny also speaks some Japanese. Danny will be on hand to assist volunteers throughout the duration of their time in China.

Rayko Zhang - Volunteer Coordinator

Rayko has been working for Projects Abroad since June 2011. Rayko enjoys helping volunteers during their stay in China. Rayko graduated with a degree in English and has worked in many roles with foreigners. In her spare time she likes making new friends, sports, dancing and travel.

Joyce Jin Hui - Desk Officer

Joyce joined Projects Abroad in November 2011. She graduated from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology with a Major in English. In her spare time she enjoys travelling and photography.

Wendy Wei - Administrator

Wendy has been working in the Shanghai office for several years. She is in charge of all the accounts, arranging the food and transport allowance and is also involved in allocating volunteers to their accommodation.

Kevin Dennis - Regional Director - Chengdu

Kevin graduated in Marketing & Media Communications in the UK, then moved to China with the British Council as an English teacher in 2006. Kevin joined Projects Abroad in January 2010. His role is to ensure that volunteers are happy at work and to arrange regular social activities for all the volunteers. In his spare time Kevin enjoys music, travel, films, books and learning new things.

Dennis Bridgeforth - Assistant Manager

Dennis is a recent Business Management graduate from North Carolina University. His first trip to China was in 2009 when he studied business throughout China, he then worked in Shanghai for a year as a Business Development assistant, before joining the Projects Abroad team in April 2011.

Sangamithra Krishnamoorthi - Deputy Director

Sangamithra has been working Projects Abroad since April 2009. After working with Greenpeace for a year, she joined our team as a Programme Manager. She is on hand to assist volunteers before and throughout their stay in India. Sangamithra's hobbies include taking care of her cat Puja and reading. One of her claims of fame is being awarded a distinction from the late President K. R. Narayan.

Anantha Subramanian - Care Programme Manager

Anantha oversees the programmes for the care volunteers in India. Anantha previously worked as a District Coordinator for the Child Labour Elimination Project with the NGO Hand-in-Hand. While in this role he had some remarkable achievements including the rescue and re-homing of more than 60 children who were working illegally and he helped to start two special residential schools for them. He hope to continue his achievements while working with the Projects Abroad care volunteers.

Raisa Fathima Dawood - Conservation Programme Manager

Raisa is our Programme Manager for the Conservation Project. She originally studied electronics and communication engineering but due to a keen interest in organic farming she switched over to study organic farming and complete some courses in agriculture from the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University. Raisa's interests include being in the company of friends and family, playing throw-ball, trying new spicy cooking recipes and trekking.

Nirmala Periasamy - Medicine Programme Manager

Nirmala has been working with Projects Abroad since May 2009 after being a nurse and midwife for 4 years in Vellore. As the Programme Manager for Medicine, she will be the main contact for medical volunteers before and during their stay in India. Her hobbies include shopping, travelling, cooking, and playing video games.

Dass Antony Cruz - Teaching Programme Manager

Dass has been working with Projects Abroad for almost two years. As the Teaching Coordinator, he offers support for volunteers throughout their stay. Previously he was a chemistry teacher in Manipur in Northeastern India. He enjoys spending time with his family and his new daughter Jobitha.

Austin Sudhakar Solomon - Medical Coordinator

Austin has been working for Projects Abroad since August 2003. Since finishing his English Literature course he has worked as our Journalism Project Co-ordinator and during 2005 as our Tsunami Project Co-ordinator. He is now enjoying his new role assisting with our medical projects. In his spare time, Austin enjoys reading books and playing football. He is currently working on his post-grad in English Literature.

Nadia Chellam Cyril - Social Manager

Nadia joined Projects Abroad after finishing her degree in Engineering at the Avinashilingum University in Coimbatore. Her role as Social manager includes compiling the monthly newsletter, planning weekend trips, organising dirty weekends, and planning social events. In her spare time, Nadia enjoys photography and gardening.

Pandi Veeraperumal - Care Programme Coordinator

Pandi started working for Projects Abroad in July 2001 and is now the co-ordinator for our Care projects. He previously spent time managing the Conservation project and maintains a high level of interest in this area, supporting projects like tree planting and other environmental initiatives. His other interests include playing cricket and running.

Jaya Prakash - Care Programme Coordinator

Jaya joined Projects Abroad India in April 2010. JP as he's known completed his Masters in Social Work and specialised in Community Development. He likes that India is well-known for its hospitality and enjoys the caring aspect of his work.

Victor Chelladurai - Teaching Coordinator and Asst. Social Manager

Victor has been working for Projects Abroad since August 2002. He finished his English Literature course in 2000. As the Asst. Social Manager, Victor leads weekend trips all over Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Victor enjoys learning new skills.

Dinesh - Accountant

Dinesh joined Projects Abroad India in April 2010 as an accountant. He completed his graduation in commerce and takes care of the accounts for the large India office. His interests include listening to music, playing cricket and going for a long ride on his bike.

J. Venkatesh - Journalism Desk Officer and Coordinator

Venkatesh has been working for Projects Abroad since July 2010, and with the journalism team since July 2011. After completing his MBA from Anna University in Chennai, he spent a year working in Singapore. Venkatesh is an avid cricket player who loves listening to music, travelling and photography.

Ingelise Jones - Journalism Project Manager and Sub Editor, Madurai Messenger

Ingelise fell in love with India in 2011 while volunteering as a journalist for Projects Abroad. In January 2012, she returned to India to manage the Journalism Project. A communications professional and keen writer, she is addicted to travelling and experiencing other cultures.

Chhoy Nareth - Assistant Director & Desk Officer

Nareth started working with Projects Abroad in Cambodia in August 2007 after working for a year with the Cambodian NGO Care International. She has also worked as an accountant and secretary with a Japanese Construction Company and volunteered with the Khmer Institute for Development in Kampong Cham Province. Nareth graduated in 2008 from the Cambodian Mekong University faculty of Finance and Banking.

Phen Sophan - Volunteer Manager

Sophan has been working in Cambodia with Projects Abroad since May 2006. He is studying Business Administration at the National University of Management in Phnom Penh. Sophan initially started working as a driver for Projects Abroad; he has also worked as a waiter and spent two years working in Malaysia. Sophan makes sure that all our projects run smoothly in Phnom Penh and he enjoys his role of working closely with volunteers from all over the world.

Sython Sun - Khmer Project Coordinator

After graduating from high school, Sython studied for a degree in archaeology at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. He then worked in Siem Reap carrying out conservation and restoration work at Angkor National Museum. He joined Projects Abroad in Phnom Penh in December 2007. In his free time he enjoys reading and playing sports like football and swimming.

Has Sophourn - Volunteer Coordinator

Phourn as he is known joined the team at Projects Abroad in July 2008. He has a degree in French and has worked as a teacher of both French and English and in IT. Phourn speaks fluent French and will be working closely with the French volunteers in Cambodia. In his free time he enjoys running and swimming and is trained in traditional singing and classical music.

Mok Sopheakvattey - Accountant and Administrator

Vattey is studying English Literature and Accountancy in Phnom Penh, whilst assisting the Cambodian team with accounting, budgeting and administration. She worked as a cashier and receptionist before joining Projects Abroad in May 2007. She enjoys having the chance to practice her English and learn about new cultures form the volunteers.

Chamroeun Mao - General Assistant

Chamroeun joined Projects Abroad in July 2007 and he is likely to be the first of our staff that you meet in Cambodia, as he does the majority of airport pick-ups. Chamroeun also helps out with a variety of organisational and administrative tasks both in and out of the office. He enjoys meeting volunteers from all over the world and loves having the chance to practise his English.

Seang Kim - Social Manager

Seang joined the Cambodia team in July 2009. As Social Manager she arranges regular outreach work for the volunteers in Cambodia and works on the newsletters, blog and social media sites. Seang has a BA in Education and is studying accountancy.

Bunroen Roeurn - General Assistant

Bunroen started with Projects Abroad as an intern in January 2011. He has since worked his way up to become a full time member of the team. In 2011 he coordinated the 2 Week Specials and since January 2012 he has been managing our projects in Siem Reap. He graduated in 2011 with a Degree from Build Bright University in Phnom Penh with a major in General Management. He likes working with volunteers from all around the world and in his free time he likes going to the gym and playing football.

Kanika Suon - General Assistant

Kanika joined Projects Abroad as an intern in January 2011, assisting with accountancy and administration tasks. She graduated with a Degree in Enterprise Management from the Royal University of Law and Economics in Phnom Penh. Kanika's role now includes assisting with special projects. She enjoys working with Projects Abroad where she meets many different people from developed countries and learns new things every day.

Paul Ferber - Conservation Manager

Paul is originally from England, but has been based in Asia for over 10 years now. He currently splits his time between Sihanoukville and the island of Ko Rong Samloem, where the conservation project is based. Cambodia is certainly home now, and he lives with his Thai wife, Sao and their three young daughters. Paul is passionate about all apsects of marine conservation and wildlife. Paul has been involved with Projects Abroad since autumn 2008; the first volunteers arrived on the island soon after, in early 2009.

Carly Atkins - Conservation Volunteer Coordinator

Carly was the 4th ever volunteer to join the Conservation Project in Cambodia and after 3 months as a volunteer at the start of 2009, she then joined the staff team. Carly is from Australia and studied Marine Biology at the University of Melbourne.

Ueli Schmid - Conservation Volunteer Coordinator

Ueli also started his time in Cambodia as a volunteer on Ko Rong Samleom. He joined the staff team in February 2011. Ueli studied tourism in Switzerland and amongst his many skills he is a trained chocolatier and a qualified ski instructor.

Otgonbayar Dashkhuu - Desk Officer

Oogii has been working for Projects Abroad since June 2009. She formerly worked as a circus artist and performed in 14 different countries. Oogii is enjoying working with people from all over the world and in her free time she likes spending time with her family.

Saruul Gankhuyag - Project Supervisor

Sayo has been working for Projects Abroad Mongolia since May 2009. Sayo enjoys learning new languages and picks them up quickly, she learned her English all by herself. In her free time she likes to sing and meet new people.

Arinzul Ganbaatar - Project Supervisor

Arinzul or Zulaa, as she likes to be known, has been working at Projects Abroad since March 2011. Zulaa visits volunteers at work and at their host families. Zulaa enjoys reading, organising volunteer work, teaching and spending time with her son.

Zolzaya Noov - Project Supervisor

Zolzaya or Zolo as she likes to be called started working for Projects Abroad Mongolia in February 2011. As a Project Supervisor, her roles are to welcome the new volunteers, introduce them to their hosts and placement, and offer advice and support to the volunteers. In Zolo's free time, she likes to spend time with her friends and her favourite sports are volleyball and table tennis. Zolo has many interests, including travelling, hiking and swimming.

Sumiya Bilegsaikhan - Social Manager

Sumiya, Sumi in short, joined Projects Abroad Mongolia in July 2011. Sumi arranges social activities for the volunteers and helps with media related work. She creates the monthly newsletters and also supervises the volunteers taking part in Journalism projects. Sumi is very interested in environmental sciences and in her free time enjoys taking photos to post on her blog. She is fond of meeting new people and learning about different cultures.

Navin Amatya - Office Manger

Navin along with his sister Sajani has worked for Projects Abroad for over 10 years now! Navin oversees the pre-departure information sent out to our volunteers and ensures that volunteers are allocated to the most suitable placement. Navin studied Science and Humanities and enjoys working with children. In his free time he likes doing meditation.

Megan Goth - Desk Officer

Megan grew up in the United States and received a Bachelor's in Anthropology with a minor in African Studies at Missouri State University. She worked as a paraprofessional teaching children with autism and Down's syndrome during the last year and then decided she wanted to travel. With that in mind, she went to Nepal to volunteer for three months, fell in love with the country and its people and knew she had to return.

Melanie Schwartz - Desk Officer

Melanie grew up in France, but received her Degree in Special Education from Alma Mater Bologna University. After getting a Master’s degree in International Education, Social Mediation and Intercultural Awareness in Paris, she worked as a volunteer in different countries in Europe and then in India with Projects Abroad. She wants to give volunteers the chance to have an experience as great as hers and to ensure benefits for them and our local partners.

Travis Copeland - Social Manager

Travis is from the United States where he grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. He studied Communications and has worked in the hospitality industry for over a decade. He first came to Nepal in 2011 to volunteer in an orphanage for 3 months, where he fell in love with the people, country and culture. He has since decided to change career paths with the aim of helping others while putting his experience and social skills to work.

Shireen Ravesteyn - Teaching and Care Supervisor

Shireen started globetrotting at a young age, growing up in both Sri Lanka and Australia. Since then, she has pursued a keen interest in the world, completing a Bachelors degree in International Relations. During her degree, Shireen volunteered in Nepal for 3 months, which reaffirmed her love for travel, different cultures and her lifelong dream to work in a developing nation. After working in Cambodia for six months as an English Teacher and always ready for her next adventure, Shireen was drawn back to the majestic land of Nepal to join the Projects Abroad team as the Care and Teaching Supervisor.

Niamh Burke - Teaching and Care Supervisor

Niamh is originally from Canada, and joined the Projects Abroad team in Jan 2012. Niamh is an avid traveller who enjoys meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. After volunteering in Nepal, Niamh extended her stay because of her love for the country. Niamh has previously worked with a travel company and worked in Ireland as a student supervisor. Her interests include working with children, playing hockey and volunteering.

Kieran Harkin - Conservation Manager

Originally from Derry in Northern Ireland, Kieran has a BSc Honours in Environmental Management and a MSc in Environmental Assessment & Management, specialising in ecology. He worked for a year in South East Asia, tackling animal trafficking. He also taught science in Thailand for 3 years. Besides travelling, Kieran's interests lie in photography, art and bird watching. Keiran has recently moved from working on our South Africa Conservation project to Nepal, where he is now managing the new Conservation project there.

Ligaya Kaluarachchi - Alumni Manager

Ligaya, a native from the Philippines, became a member of our Sri Lankan team in January 2005. She moved to Sri Lanka in 2001 after marrying a Sri Lankan. As the Alumni Manager Ligaya manages the Social Media Centre and coordinates alumni related activities. She is in touch with volunteers when they finish their placements and helps develop our alumni volunteer network. Ligaya enjoys spending time with her family and is kept busy looking after her cheeky four year old son.

Charley Perera - Project Coordinator

Charley - "Lokka" joined Projects Abroad Sri Lanka in February 2003 when it was a new destination. "We just want to make volunteers happy" is his motto and he doesn't mind driving late at night or early in the morning to meet volunteers at the airport or at their host families. Charley also sets up new placements and finds new host families.

Gishan Perera - Desk Officer

Gishan became part of the Sri Lankan team in May 2006. He is a very versatile, enthusiastic person and had experience working in many different fields like IT, Agriculture, Travel & Tourism, before he joined Projects Abroad. As the Desk Officer Gishan will be your first contact to the country. He is happy to share his first hand experience of getting accustomed to the Sri Lankan way of life.

Roshini Rathnatilaka - Medical Supervisor

Roshini joined Projects Abroad in June 2011 as our Medical Supervisor. Before joining Projects Abroad she worked as a pharmacist. Roshini holds a BSc in Bio Science. In her leisure time Roshini enjoys travelling, swimming and listening to music.

Anurangana Rajapakse - Project Supervisor

Anurangana joined Projects Abroad in June 2011. She is responsible for ensuring that volunteers are happy at their accommodation and project. During her spare time Anurangana enjoys spending time with friends, watching movies and martial arts.

Bianca Jayasinghe - Project Supervisor

Bianca joined the Projects Abroad team in July 2010 after working as a teacher. Having completed her degree in English and International Studies, she is now reading for her Postgraduate Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies. Bianca lives in Galle and is in regular contact with all volunteers working in the area. She loves to spend her leisure time travelling, reading and listening to music. She is also planning to visit Machu Picchu and go bungee jumping one day!

Apornpradab Buasi - Desk Officer for Community Projects

Apornpradab, or Nou, as she is known, originally worked for Projects Abroad in Thailand from March 2007 to July 2009, when she left to have a baby. Now that Nou's daughter, Mali is getting older, she has rejoined the staff team from December 2011. Nou enjoys cooking.

Inthira Koontaweesap - Desk Officer for Conservation Project

Inthira (Gaii) joined Projects Abroad in Thailand in August 2011. She was born and grew up in Nakorn-Rachasima Province in northeastern Thailand. She moved to Bangkok to study at university and worked there for 20 years. She is now enjoying the more relaxed pace of life in Ao Nang. In her free time Gaii likes dancing and adventure sports like kayaking, climbing, hiking and camping.

Vishal Pawa - Social Media Manager

Vishal joined Projects Abroad in August 2011. He is of Thai nationality, was born in Japan and is of Indian descent. Vishal has lived in Thailand, Malaysia and Australia and had a very international upbringing. He studied International Tourism and Hotel Management at the University of Queensland. He is interested in geography and conservation and loves all animals. He is excited to be working with volunteers from all over the world.

Janrumpai Chaisompongpan - Teaching Coordinator

Janrumpai or Ruang as she is known joined Projects Abroad in November 2010. She was born in Bangkok and lived there for most of her life. From 2002-2004, she spent 2 years in Hong Kong studying in an international school. She has previously taught English, both as a volunteer and as a professional. In her free time she enjoys reading, music, travelling and art.

Nardsupa Kampananondha - Community Projects Coordinator, Krabi

Nardsupa or Miew as she is known joined Projects Abroad in April 2012. Miew grew up in the north of Thailand and moved to Bangkok when she was eighteen. She studied Law at university and joined rural development camps in the north of Thailand which inspired her to volunteer for a global non-profit organisation. She enjoys meditating, hiking and travelling; she has visited Japan and lived for over three months in Hawaii.

Juthamanee Somboonsut - Community Projects Coordinator, Phuket

Juthamanee (Jip) joined the Thailand team in April 2012. She is based in Phuket and coordinates the projects for all volunteers working there. Jip previously lived and worked in Bangkok and has a BA in Public Relations and a MA in Women's Studies. She has past experience working on child protection, health and HIV/Aids projects.

Linnea Bergdahl - Conservation Field Coordinator

Linnea joined the Projects Abroad team in June 2011. She is from the north of Sweden but has been living recently in Gothenburg where she studies Marine Biology. Linnea is a Dive Instructor and has worked in Australia, Indonesia and Thailand. Being from Sweden she is a good cross-country skier and loves her meatballs. A happy life for Linnea includes early-morning runs, a good cup of coffee and great friends.

Sutthiphong Pattarachadiyod - Field Coordinator Intern

Sutthiphong (Arm) grew up in Udon Thani Province in north-east Thailand. He moved to Ao Nang in March 2011. Arm first became involved in Projects Abroad by helping on the beach clean ups. His enthusiasm for conservation and helpful manner was clear which led to a full-time position in December 2011 as an intern on the staff team. Arm loves the outdoors and a wide variety of sports; he is currently enjoying working his way through his dive qualifications.

Hien Nguyen - Desk Officer

Whilst studying at Vietnam's National University, Hien became involved in voluntary work and hosted volunteers from around the world. Hien joined Projects Abroad in July 2011 after graduating. Her role is to be the main contact for volunteers before they arrive in Vietnam. In her free time Hien spends time with friends and travels to fascinating landscapes to explore Vietnam's rich history and culture.

Hieu Tran Xuan - Office Assistant

Hieu joined Projects Abroad in October 2011 after finishing his English translation course at Hanoi University of Foreign Languages. Hieu meets volunteers at the airport and arranges local translators for them. Hieu is also on hand to help volunteers at their accommodation and placements. He enjoys both watching and playing sports such as football and tennis.

Phuong Nhu - Social Manager

Originally from Ho Chi Minh City, Phuong came to Hanoi to study in the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. She enjoys living and travelling in the North of Vietnam. She joined the Projects Abroad team in December 2011. Phuong enjoys learning about the cuisines of different countries, she also loves walking or riding her motorbike around the lakes in Hanoi.

Chloe Brooks - Assistant Manager

Originally from California, Chloe joined the Projects Abroad team in June 2011 after earning a B.A. in Communication from the University of Southern California. So far, she has travelled to China, New Zealand, Australia, the Cook Islands and Belize. Chloe enjoys photography, dancing, baking, and travelling.