Meet Our Staff

Asa Fanelli Chair, EF Foundation

For 20 years I have worked with EF to promote international travel and education. Cultural immersion is not just my job; it is my life. My family, originally from Sweden, lived in various countries throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa while I was growing up. I was educated in international schools, where I was lucky enough to meet friends from around the world and learn to speak three languages fluently. I understand first-hand the value of time spent abroad. As a mother of two young boys, I hope that someday they too will want to explore the world.

The people involved with EF Foundation are very special! We are proud of our countries and want to share them with others. Host families open their hearts and homes to EF students and enrich their own cultural understanding in the process. I am continually inspired by the lasting relationships I have seen flourish abroad. Host families, local coordinators, schools and students gain lifelong friendships that transcend geographic and cultural boundaries.

Today, EF's mission to promote cultural understanding and tolerance through foreign exchange is more important than ever before. As Chair of EF Foundation for Foreign Study, I take great pride in a community-based organization capable of making such a global impact.