Yolanda Charlan

Yolanda Charlán is a distinguished leader in international education, with three decades of experience in higher education managing and coordinating study abroad programs, and student affairs across Europe and the United States. She holds a degree in English Language and Literature from Universidad Complutense de Madrid. She has served as Director of the ACM-IAU Madrid Center since April 2025, where she oversees all operational and student support functions, serving as the primary institutional representative for students.

For the past 20 years, Yolanda held senior roles at IES Abroad Madrid as the Regional Expert of Europe, where she specialized in crisis management, conflict mediation, and the coordination of mental and physical health support for international students. Her expertise includes developing and implementing emergency protocols, managing student conduct, and fostering inclusive, safe environments for students. Yolanda is recognized for her ability to lead multicultural teams, build institutional partnerships, and deliver transformative educational experiences that promote global citizenship and personal growth. Prior to her work with IES Abroad Madrid, she lived in the US where she taught literature and Spanish culture and civilization at Washington and Lee University in Virginia and worked for several study abroad programs, including CAPA.

In addition to her administrative leadership, Yolanda completed an M.A. in Life Coaching at Escuela de Organización Industrial de Madrid in 2017 and is a certified executive and team coach, with advanced training in conscious coaching, emotional intelligence, and neurolinguistic programming. She has mentored students and professionals as a cotutor in master’s programs and as a private coach.

Yolanda’s international background spans the UK, USA, Holland, Italy, and Belgium and she is fluent in Spanish, English, Italian, German, and some French. Her commitment to social responsibility is reflected in her volunteer work with the Red Cross in Madrid, supporting women affected by gender-based violence. Yolanda Charlán’s career is defined by her passion for education, her dedication to student wellbeing, and her vision for creating inclusive, globally minded academic communities.