Kirsten Dabelko

Kirsten joined OGO in 2013. She has previously held several administrative and teaching positions in international education. She was the founding Director of the Global Communities living-learning program at University of Maryland, where she also led three study abroad programs to the Czech Republic, Denmark and Costa Rica. Kirsten is a native of Denmark and has taught Danish to U.S. military personnel, diplomats and other adult learners. 

Kirsten holds Master’s degrees in American Studies and Political Science from University or Southern Denmark and Ohio University, respectively, and she is ABD in Government and Politics from University of Maryland. She has taught courses in American Politics as well as Intercultural Communication.

At OGO, Kirsten leads OGO's global health, safety risk management efforts. This includes managing pre-departure training and orientation efforts, facilitating on-site support, and facilitating risk analyses for upcoming student and program travel. Kirsten additionally coordinates OGO’s exchange programs for OHIO students, a role she particularly enjoys because she herself first came to Ohio University as an exchange student from Denmark.

When not at work, Kirsten enjoys spending time with her family, taking long walks with her dog, gardening, or sitting down with a good book. She enjoys traveling and is always dreaming up future trips. 

Ask Kirsten about:

Travel health and safety protocols and considerations, outbound exchange programs, intercultural communication and cultural adjustment.

"I enjoy working at OGO because it's always inspiring to engage to work with students, who are excited about upcoming adventures. It's also great to work with OHIO faculty and staff, who put so much work and heart into planning program offerings. Finally, I enjoy my fantastic colleagues at OGO" - Kirsten on her favorite aspects of working at the Office of Global Opportunities.