Staff & Site Directors

Meet the iCharleston Staff

Bruce Fleming

iCharleston is led by Dr. Bruce Fleming, Director, First Year International and Experiential Programs. He received his Doctorate in Education from Washington State University in 2001, and began at the College of Charleston in 2002.

His research focus is on the first year student experience and the effects of campus ecology on academic and social transitions. At the College, he has developed pre-matriculation programs for first year students, implemented living/learning communities in various residence halls, created and taught spring travel abroad programs (with accompanying academic classwork) and designed international internship programs in England, Spain and Scotland. He developed iCharleston with the support of the College's Office of Admissions.

Carly Pruitt

iCharleston is supported by Carly Pruitt, Associate Director of Orientation and New Student Programs. Carly earned her Masters in Education from the University of South Carolina, and began at the College of Charleston in 2018.

As Associate Director, Carly assists with organization and implementation of orientation sessions for all incoming students, supports professional training for the iCharleston Site Director team, monitors student engagement at iCharleston locations, and assists with administrative needs of the program.

College of Charleston staff will accompany iCharleston students in the fall to their locations where they will be met by their Site Director.

2026 Site Directors

We select our site directors based on their expertise in personal study abroad experiences through the College of Charleston, their knowledge of the College and the resources available to first-year students, and their prior experience working with first-year students.

Caroline Capra - Rome
Meet Caroline
Hometown: Denver, CO
Year graduated: 2025
Major/Minor: Exercise Science; Minor in Psychology
Things I enjoy doing…
- Skiing
- Playing ultimate frisbee
- Listening to live music
- Spending time outside with family & friends
- Playing games
Why did I want to be a Site Director?
- Each time I have been abroad, I have had an igniting feeling to see, learn, and experience more! I have enjoyed the opportunity to grow in a new place that puts me out of my comfort zone and I’ve found joy in helping others do the same. I am looking forward to working with students as they make their unique transition into college while navigating a new country!
Things I did in college to prepare myself for the Site Director position:
- I worked as a peer facilitator my junior and senior years. I was also a team leader my senior year.
- In my junior year, I traveled to England with a class of first-year students over spring break as their student leader.
- Charleston40 Tour Guide for 2.5 years.
- Served as New Member Educator for my sorority, welcoming and mentoring primarily first-year students as they transitioned into Greek Life during their first semester.
Specific study abroad experiences I have had:
- Traveled to Banff, Canada for Spring Break 2023 through a CofC School of Business program.
- Traveled around England to Nottingham, Newcastle, and London as the student facilitator on a FYE Spring Break trip in 2024.
What I am most excited about regarding iCharleston 2026:
- I’m most excited to build meaningful connections with my cohort while exploring Rome together! Starting college already requires significant personal growth, and doing so abroad adds an additional layer of challenge and opportunity. I look forward to supporting students as they navigate this transition and develop confidence in a new environment.
Favorite memory as a CofC student:
- I have no one favorite memory as a CofC student as all 4 years were remarkable. However, the final month leading up to graduation sticks out as exceptionally meaningful for me. While bittersweet, all of my “lasts” gave me the opportunity to reflect on my growth, fully appreciate my college experience, and celebrate how right of a decision it was to come to CofC. Graduation weekend surrounded by family and friends was a perfect conclusion to this celebratory season of life!
Jake Castino - Rome
Meet Jake
Hometown: Fort Mill, SC
Year Graduated: Spring 2026
Major/Minor: International Studies and History; Minor in Education

Things I enjoy doing…
- Spending time at the beach and going out to eat with my friends
- Playing tennis
- Traveling
Why did I want to be a Site Director?
- I learned so much about myself as both a student and a person during my study abroad experience. I have also greatly enjoyed helping students with their transition to college through my role as a Peer Facilitator, and I am looking forward to combining my passion for student mentorship with my love for studying abroad!
Things I did in college to prepare myself for the Site Director position:
- Peer Facilitator from 2023-2026, Peer Facilitator Team Lead Administrator from 2025-2026
- Tour Guide for Charleston Campus Ambassadors from 2022-2026
- Orientation Intern 2025-2026, Customer Service Representative for the Office of New Student Programs 2025-2026
Specific study abroad experiences I have had:
- I studied abroad in Athens, Greece during the fall semester of 2024. I was able to participate in school trips to Aegina, Nafplion, Meteora, and Delphi. I also had the opportunity during the program to travel to Dublin, Scotland, London, Paris, Rome (!), Milos, Cairo, and Istanbul.
What I am most excited about regarding iCharleston 2025:
- I am extremely excited to meet the students and see the way they will be able to enjoy the program. I am looking forward to seeing how they are able to grow, and doing it in Rome is a huge plus!
Favorite memory as a College of Charleston student:
- Meeting so many of my best friends as a CofC student was one of the best highlights of my time at the College. So many of my fondest memories as a student happened during late night study sessions and dorm hangouts with friends, trying out Charleston restaurants together, and celebrating each other’s successes throughout college. I also loved my study abroad program, and the weekend trips that I took to Rome and Cairo were highlights of my experience.
Ava Gonglewski - Madrid
Meet Ava
Hometown: Lutherville, Maryland
Year Graduated: 2023
Major/Minor: Communications; Minor in Sociology
Things I enjoy doing…
I love walking my dog (Lia) around Charleston and Hampton Park, going to the beach, going out to eat with my friends, and traveling!
Why did I want to be a Site Director?
I wanted to be a Site Director as soon as I got to campus as a freshman after returning from London. I felt I learned and grew so much while abroad and wanted to go back!
Things I did in college to prepare myself for the Site Director position:
I was a student in the 2019 iCharleston London program, was a Peer Academic Coach (PAC), and graduated from the College of Charleston May 2023.
Specific study abroad experiences I have had:
- Student in the iCharleston London cohort in 2019
- iCharleston Dublin Site Director: 2023, 2024
- iCharleston Madrid Site Director: 2025
What I am most excited about regarding iCharleston 2026:
I am most excited to explore Madrid with iCharleston 2026 and be there to see all the growth within the cohort – both abroad and when we return to the College of Charleston campus.
Favorite memory as a College of Charleston student:
I loved studying abroad and all four years of College of Charleston so much. Graduation is a fond memory as I was able to reflect on my time at the College with my friends and family.
Morgan Kelly - London
Meet Morgan
Hometown: Taylors, SC
Year graduated: 2025
Major/Minor: English (WRP); Minor in History
Things I enjoy doing…
- Cuddling with my cats!
- Playing video games
- Exploring
- Reading
Why did I want to be a Site Director?
I want to help first-semester students find their reason to stay at the College of Charleston; my study abroad to London in Summer 2024 was one of my reasons! I hope to assist students with this once-in-a-lifetime experience and watch them grow over their first semester.

Things I did in college to prepare myself for the Site Director position:
- Writing Lab Consultant in the CSL (3 years)
- Orientation Intern (2 years)
- Center Stage Board involvement (2 years)
Specific study abroad experiences I have had:
- London – Summer 2024 (Underground History)
- iCharleston Rome Site Director: 2025
What I am most excited about regarding iCharleston 2026:
I am so excited to meet and work with our cohort! Being a Rome Site Director was amazing as I love History, so I especially enjoyed sharing my interests in Archaeology with iCharleston students in Rome. Returning to London after my student experience there in 2024 will be amazing!

Favorite memory as a CofC student:
My favorite memory from my time at CofC is the first production I was involved in as part of Center Stage, CofC’s student theatre group. It was the first time I felt at home at the College, and the community I found through it was one of the major reasons I stayed!
Lizzie Kuesel - Madrid
Meet Lizzie
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Year graduated: Spring 2024
Major/Minor: Communications; Minor in Marketing
Things I enjoy doing…
- Traveling
- Being outside:) (walks, hikes, going to the beach, anything! )
- Going to concerts
- Playing guitar
- Quality time with friends and family
Why did I want to be a Site Director?
- I was fortunate to study abroad in the Spring semester of my junior year and absolutely fell in love with travel and the idea of exploring the world. I also wanted to be a Site Director because I enjoy working with students and helping them accomplish their goals. I cannot wait to step into this leadership role and guide these students as they explore and dive into the adventure of a lifetime!
Things I did in college to prepare myself for the Site Director position:
- Studied abroad Spring semester of Junior year
- Peer Academic Coach (PAC) School year of 2023
- Orientation Intern Summer of 2023
Specific study abroad experiences I have had:
- Getting to see the northern lights in Iceland.
- Camping in the Sahara Dessert.
- Getting to live in Valencia, Spain for 5 months
- iCharleston London Site Director: 2024, 2025
What I am most excited about regarding iCharleston 2026:
- I am most excited to return to London and explore more of the city along with the students of iCharleston 2026! I am excited to see how these students will grow and flourish throughout our time together.
Favorite memory as a College of Charleston student:
- My favorite memory has got to be graduation weekend. It was a beautiful weekend filled with family, friends and celebration. The perfect wrap up to the past 4 years at this incredible school.
Madeline Ritger - London
Meet Madeline
Hometown: Clover, S.C.

Year graduated: 2024

Major/Minor: English Writing, Rhetoric, & Publication; Minors in Creative Writing, Literature & Film
Things I enjoy doing…
- Traveling
- Living in London!
- Reading and long walks
Why did I want to be a Site Director?
- My time studying abroad taught me a lot about myself, my values, and my own capabilities. I wanted to be a site director to help future CofC students develop the same confidence in a fun environment. And, most obviously, I love travel!
Things I did in college to prepare myself for the Site Director position:
- I was a Peer Facilitator my senior year of college and served as facilitator for the FYE trip to Italy where we travelled to Sienna, Spoleto, and Orvieto.
Specific study abroad experiences I have had:
- I studied abroad in Spoleto, Italy my junior of college during the Maymester.
- iCharleston Rome Site Director: 2024
- iCharleston London Site Director: 2025
What I am most excited about regarding iCharleston 2026:
- I am most excited to get to know the students and have them explore their new location! London is amazing and I am looking forward to returning to work with our fabulous colleauges at Foundation for International Education.
Favorite memory as a College of Charleston student:
- As a student, my most favorite memories are loading up on cinnamon toast crunch in plastic cups from the dining hall and heading to the library with my friends for late night study sessions that almost always resulted in late night gabbing sessions. I feel my best friendships developed between the bookcases!

Site Director Duties & Responsibilities

iCharleston site directors are selected based on their previous study abroad experiences through the College of Charleston, knowledge of the College and the resources available to first-year-students, and prior experience working with first-year students.

Site Director Responsibilities
Your Site Director is available to help you navigate your iCharleston experience:
- working with the partner institution to facilitate your transition from high school to college and a new country.
- encouraging and advising participants so that they complete the requirements of the iCharleston program and are officially admitted to the College.
- scheduling one-on-one and group meetings with students to help with the transition process and suggest additional resources for specific concerns/issues (eg., writing lab, online academic resources, etc.).
- getting updates from iCharleston professors on the academic progress of participants and conducting a mid-term assessment of each participant’s academic standing.
- providing opportunities for iCharleston participants to meet students from outside their group.
- keeping participants informed about the College of Charleston, iCharleston academic partners, and study-abroad locations.
- acting as a sounding board for participants and suggests options whenever possible.
- enrolling in a required class with iCharleston participants. Site directors model classroom behavior and observe the academic performance of participants in their group.
- laying out the guidelines and requirements of the iCharleston program and being available to help participants successfully complete those requirements.
- organizing events that help participants develop a better understanding of the traditions, customs and norms of the country, city and community in which they live.
- planning scheduled visits for College of Charleston faculty and administrators who help pave the way for a smooth transition to the College.
- acting as an emergency contact for iCharleston participants.
- helping students use resources offered by iCharleston partner institutions and the College of Charleston.
- mentoring and guiding participants so that they develop the proper balance between academic, campus and personal life.
Roles Outside the Scope of the Site Director
Your Site Director is not responsible for any of the following tasks or requests:
- performing maintenance or security functions in the residence halls of iCharleston partner institutions.
- living on the same floor as iCharleston participants or act as a residential advisor. (iCharleston partner institutions have professional staff available and on call.)
- helping with homework assignments or projects.
- making administrative decisions such as grades, living situations, admission to the College, etc. (These are handled by the iCharleston administrative team and partner programs.)
- cooking or shopping for food for iCharleston participants who are in locations that don’t offer a meal plan.