The Office of Education Abroad is a member of the Forum for Education Abroad (Forum), Institute of International Education, and Association of International Educators (NAFSA). The Office of Education Abroad is guided by the Forum's Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad, 6th Edition, to support high-quality programs.
UAB Education Abroad administers, establishes, and sends UAB students on high-quality education abroad opportunities to prepare them for success in the globalized world.
Visit our Office
UAB Office of Education Abroad
Suite 222M | Sterne Library
917 13th Street South
Birmingham, Alabama 35294
(205) 975-6611
Get to Know Our Staff
Rachel Bailes, Associate Director Education Abroad and Passport Office
Rachel graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies, and a master’s degree in Counselor Education with a concentration in School Counseling.
Prior to UAB, she was an advisor in the Samford University One Stop, counseling students and families on concerns related to financial aid and student accounts, always striving to advocate for students in the pursuit of their higher education goals.
She is passionate about supporting students as they explore and experience the world through education abroad. She values the important insights that are gained through international travel, having spent time in the United Kingdom and Mexico.
As the associate director, Rachel collaborates with various campus partners to provide oversight for the education abroad and passport offices with a goal of delivering high quality education abroad experiences to students and excellent service to customers visiting the passport office.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying local coffee shops and restaurants, and exploring Birmingham with her rescue dog, Zoe.
Justin Lampley, Director of Global Affairs
Justin has been at UAB since 2016, and began his current position of Director of Global Affairs in December 2023, overseeing both the Education Abroad Office and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Prior to UAB, he was an international student advisor at Troy University for over two years, and also worked as an ESL instructor for four years in Busan, South Korea. He also completed a Master’s degree in International Studies while living in Adelaide, Australia. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and two young boys, watching sports (Go Blazers!), playing golf, and enjoying Birmingham's many parks and restaurants.
Brooke Stoves, Education Abroad Advisor
Brooke Stoves is a recent graduate from UAB, who majored in English Literature and a minor in Social Psychology. A passionate traveler, she has explored much of the U.S. and has a special affinity for international adventures. After several visits to Haiti, Brooke spent a semester in 2023 studying at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, where her combined love for literature and travel flourished and blossomed into a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and people.
During her times abroad, Brooke has immersed herself in rich literary history and vibrant cultures, visiting cities such as London, Port Au Prince, Augier, and Birmingham (England, that is!) Inspired by her experiences, she hopes to return to both the UK and Caribbean in the future, as well as travel across Europe and Asia while also encouraging others to explore the world through both academic and personal lenses.
When she isn't writing, working, or planning her next exploit, Brooke is a proud cat lover who spends her time finding joy in various forms of art, such as painting and listening to Bossa Nova. As Education Abroad Advisor, Brooke is eager to share her passion for travel with others and provide assistance to students who are seeking education abroad opportunities across the globe.
Mason Thompson, Faculty-Led Program Coordinator
Mason graduated from UAB with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Chinese Language in 2021. Currently, she is the Faculty-led Program Coordinator, however, she has also been the Passport Agent, and a Peer Ambassador here in Education Abroad. While still a student, she studied abroad in Chengdu, China for fall 2019 and Montevideo, Uruguay for spring 2020.
Mason’s love of adventure has been present since she was a child. She visited 17 states and Mexico before graduating high school and has not stopped exploring since. Her goal is to eventually visit all 50 states and all 7 continents. After her study abroad experience as an undergraduate, she found a passion for making education abroad obtainable for all students.
When it comes to time-off, Mason enjoys exploring new local coffee shops, taking long drives with the top down, and singing off-key karaoke. On sunny days and long weekends, you can find her curled up with a book or at the park enjoying a picnic.
As the Faculty-Led Program Coordinator, Mason collaborates with faculty to develop short term education abroad programs across the world and recruit students across campus. She looks forward to growing and diversifying the faculty-led portfolio.