ACIS Staff Spotlight: Meet Liz!

International Program Coordinator Liz Cokeing is a new staff member at ACIS, but her history with us goes way back: her mother is a former Group Leader and used to take her on tour! Learn more about Liz’s unique history and where she sees the future taking her.

1. Tell us about yourself! What are your interests?

Hi! I’m Liz Cokeing. I attended the University of Minnesota and studied Psychology. I’m interested in traveling (obviously!), exploring Chicago, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs.

2. When did you start traveling with ACIS? 

My first trip was back in 2006 when my mom led her first tour with ACIS. I was in 6th grade with a bunch of high school kids. We did the La Fiesta trip to Spain and saw Madrid, Seville, Granada, Costa del Sol. I loved it and it really sparked my love of travel!

3. What made you want to apply to work at ACIS?

When I was really young, I wanted to be an ACIS Tour Manager. But when I realized that I didn’t speak 3 languages, I decided I wanted to just work for ACIS and get to travel all the time. After traveling with ACIS on 7 tours over the course of 12 years, I learned a lot about ACIS’ culture of customer service and quality. After working in the corporate world for two years, I was ready to try to take on a role within the company.

4. What has been your most valuable travel experience so far?

I can’t nail down one single experience, but international travel has made me more confident overall. I figure if I can manage overseas where I don’t know anyone, I can handle just about any other situation!

5. Where do you want to go that you haven’t been and why?

I have not made it to Asia, specifically Thailand, yet. The only thing really holding me back is how long the flight will be!

6. What would your advice be to your younger self?

I’d tell myself to study abroad in college. I didn’t get the chance to, but I wish I had!

7. Any fun stories from your trips to share?

A travel staple we always tried to do on trips was going to do Karaoke at a local pub. It was always great to be hanging with the locals and trying to sing “99 Luftballoons.” During our last trip I got to see my brother get up and do a song with some Germans in Berlin!