Melissa Whatley is currently a doctoral student in the Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia. Prior to beginning her doctoral studies, Melissa taught both Spanish and French for eight years at a variety of institutions and worked with study abroad programs in both France and Spain. In addition to spending a year in Coria del Río, Spain as an English teacher, Melissa has traveled extensively in Europe, Latin America, and Africa. Her research interests include the organization of study abroad programs, access to and opportunities for international experiences among underrepresented student populations, and minority language education. She currently serves as the graduate assistant for the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities at the University of Georgia.