Shay Priester | Cenet Staff Interview

Shay PriesterInterviewed in 2019

Cultural exploration and travel led Shay to pursue academic studies in anthropology, after which she joined the Peace Corps, serving in Ecuador until 2016. Her Peace Corps service encouraged her to continue a career in international exchange at Cenet, where she oversees the safety and support of program participants.

What inspired you to join the team at Cenet?

Cenet is headquartered in my hometown in southeast Missouri, somewhat of an odd place for an international organization. Curiosity drew me in, but the staying power was in the heart of a small organization trying to make a big difference. Whether through exchange programs or local initiatives, Cenet inspires a safer, more prosperous and compassionate world through international education and cultural exploration. I knew I had to be a part of it. 

Why is Cenet unique?

Cenet is comprised of a group of caring, committed individuals who all, in some form or fashion, have participated on or benefited from cultural exchange. I think within our industry that’s common – which is great – but in the broader business community it’s something to be desired. We’re a small staff with big ideas and plans to realize them. And we’re always going places. Together.

Can you tell us about your role as the Safety & Support Director?

As Safety and Support Director I oversee the daily operations that ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our exchange visitors. Each day brings different undertakings from fielding questions about culture shock, to referring local healthcare providers, or discussing cross-cultural engagement with new employers. I work closely with our Program Directors to see that the best interests of participants are considered in all processes, from the time someone might visit our website to learn about programs, to when they return safely back to their home country after program completion. 

What are your top priorities for maintaining the safety of Cenet participants?

Our expectation is that every participant will have a great experience, and we understand that concerns may arise. Our top priorities are regulatory compliance and vetting of partners, employers, and participants, as well as monitoring events that might affect exchange visitors after they arrive in country. We really work toward preemptive measures by preparing participants with a robust pre-arrival orientation, equipping them with the right information and access to resources, and we’re available 24/7 to assist with any needs.

You participated in the Peace Corps in Ecuador. What were some of the major lessons you learned that help you in the work you do today?

In Ecuador I was dependent on a language, infrastructure, and people completely unknown to me and I humbly got along with the help of others. I learned that people have arrived to where they are from myriad backgrounds and countless experiences, but that there is much more that unites us than divides us. I think that lesson inspires empathy in the work I do and continues to keep me grounded.

I also learned that so much of the work done through cultural exchange can be likened to planting a tree under whose shade one might never sit. The impact seems immeasurable at times, but it’s what keeps me going when I hear alumni speak about the difference it’s made in their lives.

How does your background in anthropology influence you in your current role?

At its core I think anthropology is an aporetic enterprise. From it I gleaned a pragmatic approach to questions and became comfortable with discomfort. Those studies embedded an insatiable curiosity about how we all make sense of the world, and made me a better communicator and observer, all factors that contribute greatly to my current role at Cenet to provide support to exchange visitors. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

To me, meaningful travel comes by way people-to-people connections. That type of cultural exchange provides us the opportunity to see our own values and realities through a different lens, and to appreciate the differences that make the world an interesting place. More and more, travel has become a lot smaller to me. I treat my own surroundings as an opportunity to travel and explore. I used to think it required airfare and getting lost, but the idea of travel could be as simple as taking a walk around the block and meeting someone new.  

If you could participate on any Cenet program, which would you choose and why?

I would love to participate on a Trainee program in Culinary Arts. I think it would be a demanding but rewarding experience. In my travels, food has been one of the best ways to break down cultural barriers – it’s almost a language unto itself. A quick year dedicated to understanding that art, along with the challenges of learning everything from the supply chain down to serving a guest, I think it would be invaluable. 

What do you hope participants take away from Cenet programs?

Exchange visitor programs offer an opportunity for a deeper understanding of American culture and values while simultaneously providing us an understanding of others. Participants gain valuable experience in the professional sector and return to their home countries as ambassadors of ours, and hopefully as more informed citizens. My hope is that this soft diplomacy leads to a more prosperous life for participants and a more peaceful world for everyone. 

Where do you hope to see Cenet’s programs in the next five years?

I hope we continue to encourage people to be thoughtful visitors to the U.S. and the world, and that we continue to bring the world home for those who might not be able to travel. We’re intentional with our growth, and I would love to make programs more accessible for those with different needs and continue to invite a diverse array of exchange visitors.

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