Long Island University
BA Creative Writing/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Jana Van der Veer
ManagerAcademic & Student Support
Associate Director, Advising and Student Services
Lesley University
Program Coordinator, Program on U.S.-Japan Relations
Harvard University
Coordinator of Marketing and Recruitment
College Year, Athens
I began my career in education as a teacher of English as a Second Language to adults, including immigrants in England, as well as professionals in Japan, France, and the U.S.
Next, I worked in the international education field with American students studying abroad, international students and scholars coming to the U.S., and those interested in entering the international education profession. I was an administrator, advisor, and adjunct faculty for various undergraduate and graduate programs in higher education for over 20 years, during which I developed a passion for helping adult professionals figure out their career and educational goals. My advisees came from varied educational and cultural backgrounds in the U.S. and across the globe.
Through all my professional experience, my favorite part has always been talking with students about what they have done, what they want to do professionally, and how to bridge that gap through education and experience. Seeing them light up when they finally find a path forward that excites them always makes my day.
Lesley University
MA Intercultural Relations, MFA Creative Writing
Lesley University
Graduate Certificate, Career Advising
My favorite piece of advice for adult learners is to: 1) Take advantage of your employer’s educational benefit! And 2) Schedule a call with an academic coach. It can be overwhelming and confusing to figure out what’s available out there, and it’s great to have help, whether you need a sounding board, or school recommendations, or even to possibly learn about a program or field you had no idea existed that might just be the perfect fit.
Get to Know Me
Jana Van der Veer has more than two decades of experience in academic advising, including at universities like Lesley and Harvard! Jana brings a wealth of knowledge to the EdAssist academic coaching team which is put to great use as learners often leave her coaching sessions with a whole new sense of their possibilities.