client testimonials

"You are an expert and a good advisor. Thank you for your kindness."

 Chinese government official who was awarded the UK's prestigious Chevening Scholarship

"You are very earnest and teach me kindly.  It is easy to follow your advice and I am relaxed during our sessions."

Japanese stay-at-home-mom who was relocating her family to the US for a 5 year assignment.

"Christy has a fun personality and I highly recommend her to anyone who wants to understand 'real' American life. She has tons of experience and can help you adjust to the USA in no time!"

US-American training colleague

"I like your feedback very much. It helped me to improve my spoken skills a lot."

South Korean focused on developing public speaking and presentation skills

"Thank you for your commitment to providing outstanding service. Your excellence in drive, attitude, and thoroughness is exemplary and is much appreciated by our entire staff."

Chinese CEO, online ESL and test-prep academy

"Christy is an experienced and knowledgeable trainer. She understands what clients need and how to help them improve in an efficient way. She leads sessions with passion and humor, and is also a very kind person, willing to help anyone who wants to improve their communication skills." 

Italian manager at a multi-national corporation

 christy @ ambitions abroad

Christy Herlick Gibson founded Ambitions Abroad in 2006, after working for 20 years with international students and scholars, professionals, and expatriate families from around the world.

Christy’s expertise in international education and intercultural relations has evolved from her experiences teaching English at  ELS in South Korea; recruiting, advising, and supporting international students on many US university campuses; facilitating relationships between Center for Cultural Interchange exchange students and their American host families; orienting expatriate families to American social life; and coaching foreign business executives through their transition to leadership roles in multinational corporations.

Christy has substantial experience facilitating intercultural communication training, both online and in traditional classroom settings. She also has managed academic, cultural, and social programs for international scholars and their families at such well-known institutions as the University of Washington's Global Business Center; the Monterey Institute of International Studies; the University of California-Berkeley's International House; and San Jose State University's International House.

During her youth, Christy's parents hosted many Youth for Understanding exchange students and she credits that early intercultural exposure for her passion for international cultures and travel. In addition to teaching ESL in Pusan and Seoul, South Korea, Christy was an exchange student in Canberra, Australia and has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia for business and pleasure.

Christy intuitively understands the needs of expatriates and enjoys supporting her clients in developing a clearer understanding of life the United States, as well as in enhancing their awareness of the many nuances of intercultural communication.

Christy has an MA in Intercultural Relations with a specialization in International Education/International Student Advising (Lesley University) and a BA in Cultural Anthropology (University of Michigan). She also holds a Certificate in Essentials of HR Management (SHRM) and is completing the award-winning Certificate in Intercultural Studies (University of British Columbia).  Christy is a member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators and SIETAR: Society for Intercultural Training, Education, and Research.

 ambitions.abroad