Two Additional Staff Members Join the Office of International Services
As of July 1, two additional staff members have joined the Office of International Services. Thor Duryea and Ray Espinol have joined the team as International Student and Scholar Advisors.
Meet Thor Duryea
Hi everyone, my name is Thor Duryea and I am elated to be joining the great work that is being done at OIS and OGE. I grew up in northern Georgia and attended Young Harris College, the University of Georgia (B.A. Journalism), and the University of Missouri (M. Ed.). I spent 10 years teaching and working abroad in Taiwan and South Korea, with most of my time being at Seoul National University of Education as an assistant professor and advisor. While there, I specialized in progressive teaching methodologies and pre-service and in-service teacher training. I served as the study abroad advisor for our incoming and outgoing students as well. Four years ago, my family moved to Raleigh and I took a position with an NC State partner, New Mind Education, working with Chinese international students from recruitment through their first year. Through that role I had many opportunities to work with the amazing team at OIS, and I am very proud to be part of that team now! I look forward to learning and growing in my new role and finding ways to contribute to the overarching mission of NC State.
A fun fact about me is that two of my ancestors, Charles and Frank Duryea, produced the first US automobile. It was called the Duryea, and is occasionally on display at the Smithsonian (American History).
Meet Ray Espinol
Hi, I am Ray Espinol. I originally grew up in Sydney, Australia and then my family moved to Atlanta, Georgia where I completed high school. After graduating from the University of Georgia (B.A. International Affairs), I taught English in Miyazaki, Japan through the JET Program. These experiences led me to pursue a master’s degree in Higher Education from Florida State University with the goal of working with international students. I am beyond excited to take everything I have learned in America and abroad and apply these skills to my new role as an advisor in OIS!
Why did you decide to join OIS? Have you worked in higher education and/or with international students before?
My international education journey began with my involvement with the International Student Life office at UGA. At FSU, I was fortunate to work as the Graduate Assistant for Global Exchanges where I advised and supported both incoming and outgoing exchange students. I also had the opportunity to intern with FSU’s International Student & Scholar Services office processing documents and learning federal regulations from advisors. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career as an advisor and work in a large international education office.
What are you most excited about in your new role as International Student and Scholar Advisor?
I am most excited to work with and learn from the wonderful staff members in OIS and the international students and scholars that contribute to NC State’s diverse and multicultural community. I’m ready to get to work and help wherever I can!
Tell us one fun fact about you.
I am a trained cellist and love to practice classical cello literature including works by Dvorak, Saint-Saens, Elgar, and Bach.