Cristina Picillo

Interim Director of Advising

Cristina leads the EducationUSA advising service, offering accurate, free and comprehensive information to students, advisors and families in the UK about US study, as part of the State Department's EducationUSA network. Her team also supports US HEIs interested in recruiting in the UK.

Cristina is also the Programme Director for the Sutton Trust Fulbright US Programme, delivered by the Commission and run in partnership with social mobility charity the Sutton Trust. Working with 150 students a year, the team help low income, generally first-generation students explore US universities and apply to universities to gain admission and funding.

Cristina studied French and Spanish at the University of Leeds, spending time abroad, studying in Spain and teaching students in Western France. She has volunteered and worked with the British and Spanish Red Cross and Refugee Council, working with children, young people and refugees. Prior to her current role, Cristina was a Senior Programme Manager for the Sutton Trust Fulbright US Programme.

Having benefited greatly from her own experiences, she is passionate about promoting the transformative experience of educational and cultural exchange in higher education.