Hi everyone! My name is Karissa and I work at the front desk as ECLA’s Student Services Coordinator. I’m proud to call Los Angeles my native city. However, I spent nine years of my childhood growing up in Tajikistan. For this reason, my heart will always be in Central Asia. As a college student, I studied Russian for one semester at Saint Petersburg State Polytechnic University. I also lived with a host family. After graduation, I moved to China to teach English for two years. During that time, I was able to travel to other countries like Cambodia, Philippines, and Japan.
Needless to say, I love working at EC Los Angeles because I feel connected to the world again.
I understand how challenging it can be to live in a new city. I know what it is like to learn a new language and feel like a little kid when speaking. I know what it’s like to worry about getting lost using public transportation. That is why I am here to help! If you have any questions about student life at ECLA, or if you have any questions about Los Angeles, come see me or any other staff member at the front desk!