Name in Native Language: Σovia Zaµavou-Epiκσov

Department: Speech Communication

Country of Origin: Greece

Language(s) Spoken Other Than English: Greek (some French and Italian)

Areas of Research Interest: Training and development, organizational communication; organizational culture

How Long Have You Been in the U.S.? Since 1982

How Long Have You Been at SIUE? Since 1988

What Do You Like Most About SIUE? The students, faculty, and mission of the University

What Do You Find To Be the Biggest Difference Between the U.S. and Your Home Country? There is no communication degree in Greece so it is very difficult to explain to someone what it is that I do.

Interesting Facts:

Have you considered teaching or conducting research in your country of origin?

I've considered, but I'm not sure if I'd do it. I would consider it more if my degree existed in Greece. I have been here for so long (much longer than I have been in Greece) that this is home in many ways.

What do you think would be the main difference?

The professors are more formal in Greece. They are not as close with their students, whereas here, it is more relaxed.

Have you worked or studied in American universities other than SIUE?

Not as a faculty member, but I have studied at the University of Florida and University of Oregon.

Do you find students at SIUE fairly knowledgeable of your country of origin?

No, they don't even know it's in Europe! As we are getting more international faculty I am finding out that the students are becoming more interested in countries outside the US.