Katja Anton

Site Director in Rome

The Site Director is CIS Abroad's On-Site staff.  Their job is to support the CIS Abroad students throughout their on-site study abroad experience. They serve as a cultural liaison, organizing excursions, cultural activities, and providing invaluable guidance on everything from the local cuisine to navigating public transportation.  If students run into any issues while abroad - Elizabeth is there to help provide resources and guidance.  

I grew up between Finland, Italy, and the UK, so moving across cultures, speaking multiple languages has always felt second nature. After studying Biology, I swapped labs for lenses, working in wildlife documentary production (BBC UK) before building a career as a freelance photographer (KStudioAnton), creative director, and brand founder (Acqua Noosa Perfume).  After many years in Australia, I have recently returned to Rome, a city that has always felt like home. My work has taken me across countries, coordinating international shoots, creating immersive experiences, and collaborating with people from all walks of life. Outside of work, I love travel, food, padel, and spending time outdoors. I love photography and see beauty everywhere, from a dramatic mountaintop view to a dewdrop glistening on a leaf at dawn. Photography allows me to capture both the grand and the intimate slices of life.

Advice for future travelers:
Don’t over-plan. Travel isn’t meant to be rushed or “ticked off.” Leave room for spontaneity, get a little lost, and follow what feels interesting—the best experiences are often the ones you don’t book in advance.

Romina Marchione

International Operations Assistant Director for Italy 

The International Operations Director ensures that the study abroad program runs smoothly, overseeing on-site logistics, health and safety measures, and responding to emergencies.  Romina works closely with Katja to ensure that the program is set up and ready for students.  Then, they work closely together when students are on-site to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible.  Romina may work directly with students if they have special requests, they experience an emergency, or if they need additional accommodations when they are abroad.