One Team Across The Globe

Matt Smith

President of Educatius North America

Matt is a true globetrotter, with extensive experience in the high school exchange industry gained in various positions around the world. Having worked as Regional Manager, Head of Operations and President of Educational Home Stay Programs, he understands what it takes to immerse yourself in a new culture and a new language in a new country.

Michele Harrison

Educatius Commercial Director, UK & Ireland

Well-known for her deep love of languages, Michelle has been welcoming high school exchange students for many years. She joined Educatius Group in 2014 to create exchange programs across the UK and Ireland. Michelle loves watching students grow more confident during their program, with some staying longer than they had originally planned.

Simon Costain

National Director, Australia & New Zealand

Simon brings over 20 years of leadership in education, travel, and digital marketing, with a proven track record in international student recruitment, product innovation, and leading global teams. He began his career at ISV, recruiting 35,000+ students into volunteer programs across five continents.

As GM of Go Study Australia, he built one of the sector’s most respected agencies. At NextEd Group, he led growth, marketing automation, and digital transformation. He also launched the world’s first accredited Advanced Diploma of Marketing Automation with HubSpot. Simon is passionate about creating life-changing student experiences and empowering young people to make a global impact.

Erica McAllister

Educatius Boarding Program Manager, USA

After teaching English in South Korea for two years right after college, Erica decided to build her career in international education. Her experience as a teacher and advisor for international students has allowed her to share many exciting moments, such as when they get accepted into the college of their dreams after a successful high school exchange.

Eva Gómez

Country Manager, Get Ready, Spain

We can´t choose where we come from but, we can choose where we go. I have worked with international students for 30 years. I studied journalism and tourism, trying to join my two passions: travel and communication. The possibility of learning about new cultures, showing our traditions, creating cross-cultural bridges to understand the world, and seeing it through another lens was enriching and stimulating. I dream of a more compassionate world, and I believe that we help our students to achieve their dreams, fostering international understanding through educational and cross-cultural programs.

Óscar Porras

Director, JEV Langues, France

Oscar Porras is the Director of JEV Langues, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a truly international mindset to everything he does. His own exchange journey started when he was young, when he spent a high school year in Ireland. That experience gave him a deep understanding of what it means to step into a new culture, learn a language in real life, and to grow. Oscar continued his studies in Madrid, building on his passion for languages, people, and international education. Those who work with him know that he brings a spark to every room, his positive energy is always present.

Beate Lenzbauer

Country Manager, Astudy, Italy

Beate’s passion for helping students find the right high school exchange is rooted in her own international education experiences. After high school in her native Germany, Beate went to Rome where she lived with a welcoming host family. During her university years, she spent some time studying in China and in the US. Travel, international education and helping others enjoy the life-changing experience of a high school exchange are part of her DNA.

Stefanie Zillessen

Country Manager, DFSR, Germany

Åsa Stareborn

Nordic Sales Director, Educatius Nordics

Åsa joined Educatius in 2024 and brings strong international experience. She has been an exchange student in the USA, France, and Spain, and has also hosted students herself. With a degree in Business and Economics from Uppsala University, Åsa is passionate about guiding students toward personal growth and meaningful cultural experiences.