Global Engagement Team
Stop in to APEX for GEO 101 with one of the Peer Advisors below during these walk-in hours:
- Tuesday 10am – 12pm
- Wednesday 10am – 12pm + 1:30 – 4pm
- Thursday from 10am – 12pm
Or book an appointment using this link.
Charlie Polinko
I joined the College of Wooster in 2025 as Director of Global Engagement, bringing with me a deep passion for international education and student development. Prior to Wooster, I served as the Graduate Advisor at the University of Michigan’s International Institute, where I established and expanded the Master in International and Regional Studies (MIRS) graduate program. I also supported global initiatives at the Ross School of Business, working with semester exchanges and faculty-led programs.
Before my time in Michigan, I worked with the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, where I developed and led global education initiatives, including managing the Council’s Model United Nations program for middle and high school students and educators.
I earned a B.A. in International Studies and Political Science from Bowling Green State University and an M.A. in Global Interactions from Cleveland State University. As an undergraduate, I spent a transformative year studying abroad in Salzburg, Austria, an experience that continues to shape my work today.
I am excited to support Wooster students as they explore meaningful global experiences that connect their academic interests with the wider world. Outside of work, I dedicate my time to giving my corgi, Oliver, the best life possible.
APEX Departments
Global Engagement Office - Study AbroadBecky Webb
Pathways Program Coordinator, Peace Corps Prep Coordinator, GEO Admin. Coordinator
As the Pathways Program Coordinator, I get the privilege of meeting with students who are interested in exploring different ideas they have for their career. I’m an idea person, so I love hearing what students are interested in and helping them come up with possible ways to explore those interests. I also work to manage Pathways records with the Registrar’s Office and connect students with the faculty & staff on the Pathways teams.
In my role as the Peace Corps Prep Coordinator, I help students navigate the requirements of the program and discover ways to become involved with the Peace Corps if desired. Because the Global Impacts Pathway is closely aligned with Peace Corps Prep, I can offer a deeper level of assistance to that Pathway.
I love the way APEX offers students the chance to take what they’re learning in their classes and apply it to hands-on, practical experiences that prepare them for the professional world. I’m so grateful for the chance to be part of this work.
I came to the College of Wooster after 20 years in secondary education, focusing primarily on project-based learning and other experiential pedagogy, as well as students’ personal and professional communication skills. Taking my passion for experiential education and project-based learning into higher education through my work in APEX has been an exciting new direction in my career journey.
My BA is in Secondary Education (English and Psychology) from Cornerstone University. I have an MA in Teaching and Learning, Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University and a Graduate Certificate in Outdoor Ministry and Leadership from Wheaton College.
After growing up in western Michigan and living in most of the Great Lakes states, as well as studying in Israel and teaching in Taiwan, I now live with my husband and three children here in Wooster. I enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, ice skating, and hiking, as well as travel, reading, laughing, and having intriguing conversations.
Strengths: Connectedness, Belief, Learner, Restorative, Ideation
APEX Departments
Global Engagement Office - Study AbroadPathwaysActivism & Social Change PathwayDigital & Visual Storytelling PathwayEntrepreneurship PathwayGlobal Impacts PathwayPeace Corps Prep at the College of WoosterMuseum & Archival Studies PathwayPublic Health PathwaySustainability PathwayAmelia Crowley
Hi! My name is Amelia (she/her), and I’m so excited to be a Peer Advisor for Pathways and GEO.
I’m a junior, and I’m an Environmental Studies major in the Environment and Society track. I’m also a German Studies minor and I’m in the Environmental Communication and Action and Global Impacts/Peace Corps Prep Pathways.
This past summer, I worked with two conservation non-profits where I live in northwest Pennsylvania, and last semester I went to Thailand with the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (ISDSI) where I learned more about ecology and its ties to culture and community.
In my free time I like to read, crochet, sew, bake, and listen to music. Feel free to ask me any questions you have about Pathways or study abroad!
APEX Departments
Global Engagement Office - Study AbroadPathwaysSaveer Patil
My name is Saveer (he/him), and I’m excited to be a Study Abroad Advisor. I grew up in Pune, India. I’m a sophomore Political Science major. I will be studying abroad in Athens in Spring 2026 and would love to help you with any questions about the application process.
APEX Departments
Global Engagement Office - Study AbroadRed Yasar
Hi! I’m Red (he/him), a senior majoring in Economics with an Entrepreneurship Pathway. I currently serve as a Peer Advisor for both Pathways and GEO, where I manage social media for both programs.
I was born in Bangladesh and raised across the Middle East, and I try to bring an international perspective to my work, especially when supporting students. I’ve previously interned with International Student Services and studied abroad in Australia, where I focused on sustainability and global development. This past summer, I interned at DoorDash, where I gained hands-on experience in outreach and operations. I also have experience working with nonprofits and startups across marketing, investing, and student engagement.
If you have questions about study abroad, the Pathways program, or want tips on navigating opportunities at Wooster as an international student, feel free to reach out or stop by during office hours. I’m always happy to help!
APEX Departments
Global Engagement Office - Study AbroadPathwaysEntrepreneurship PathwayEli Balisi
My name is Eli Balisi (he/him), and I am a junior International Relations major here at Wooster working in the Global Engagement Office as a Peer Advisor!
I spent my semester abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark during the spring of 2025 through DIS. It was a wonderful experience wherein I was privileged to study the complex politics of Europe from an on-the-ground perspective, in the process traveling across northern Europe between Amsterdam, London, Brussels, and northern Germany. I look forward to helping you in your study abroad journey!
