Meet Sean Keefer, SSA alumnus who transformed his Spanish adventure into a captivating novel and international career
What happens when you combine a transformative study abroad experience with a passion for storytelling? For Sean Keefer, SSA Education Abroad alumnus from 1999, it resulted in The Basque Decoy, a historical fiction novel that brings 1970s Spain to vivid life – and launched an impressive international career spanning government and Fortune 200 companies.
The Academic Foundation That Started It All
Sean’s journey began at Hillsdale College, where a chance encounter with his Basque roommate changed everything. “I remember one night he was speaking in an ‘odd’ language, and I asked what it was. It blew my mind that such a language existed,” Sean recalls. This moment of curiosity led him to choose Spain for his study abroad through the SSA program in Seville.
After returning from Spain, Sean felt what he describes as “an itch I needed to scratch” – the need to tell a story about the country that had captivated him. He went on to earn a Master of Arts in European Studies from Indiana University, where his thesis focused on economic change and regional voting patterns in Spain. The combination of lived experience and academic rigor would prove invaluable for his future novel.
Beyond the Classroom: Real Cultural Immersion
Sean’s novel captures the authentic Spanish experience that only comes from true immersion. His protagonist, Xavier Bentley, mirrors many study abroad students’ experiences – living with a “Señora,” navigating the importance of family meals and siesta, and discovering the dramatic cultural differences between regions.
The SSA program’s classes in Seville provided crucial context. “The classes were so fascinating, helping me better understand why Spain is Spain,” he reflects. But it was the adventures outside the classroom that truly shaped his perspective.
One of Sean’s most memorable experiences involved getting lost in the Pyrenees mountains with classmates. After being stranded when their taxi failed to return, they hitched a ride with two locals, a German shepherd, and a tiny Fiat – stopping for beers along the 90-minute journey back to San Sebastian. “It was a memorable experience,” Sean says, one that taught him about Spanish hospitality and culture in ways no textbook could.
From Study Abroad to Global Leadership
Today, Sean serves as Vice President of Government Affairs at Ecolab, a Fortune 200 multinational company, where he oversees emerging public policy issues across the U.S., Latin America, and South America, with previous experience working in Asia and Europe. His Spanish fluency and global perspective – gained during his time abroad – have been instrumental in his success.
“It gave me a global perspective,” he explains. “Although most of my work is with US policy-makers, I also manage LATAM, mainly due to my fluency in Spanish. My understanding of Europe, Spain and global issues meant I brought more to the table than most.”
His career trajectory includes senior positions under Indiana Governors Mike Pence and Mitch Daniels, earning him the Sagamore of the Wabash – Indiana’s highest civilian honor. His international experience even influenced his personal life, as he met his Argentine wife in Buenos Aires.
The Writer’s Journey
The Basque Decoy, published in 2014, tells the story of Xavier Bentley, a journalist from Boston who travels to southern Spain to cover Holy Week but becomes entangled in the country’s volatile political climate following Franco’s death. The novel explores the complex relationships between Catalans, Basques, and mainland Spain during this sensitive historical period.
“By living in Seville and other parts, I could borrow from my time there – the foods, phrases, mannerisms,” Sean explains. “When I took my passion for Spain, wrote down some memories of my time there, and sketched out a time period (post-Franco), it all came together.”
Writing authentically about this era required both academic knowledge and cultural understanding. “By knowing Basques, by visiting the old town in San Sebastian, and absorbing the culture first-hand, made me a better writer,” he notes.
The Power of Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
For Sean, studying abroad wasn’t just about language acquisition or cultural exposure – it was about personal transformation. “Being alone and meeting new people in a different culture is difficult, but beyond rewarding,” he reflects. “Stepping out of your comfort zone, understanding ‘the other’ and becoming a temporary ‘Spaniard’ helped me appreciate Spain’s place in the world.”
This perspective has been invaluable throughout his career. “You have to understand how different peoples and cultures act and react. What works in the US, doesn’t in Spain or Argentina. Motivations and ways of work are slightly different. By understanding that, I am more successful.”
Advice for Future Adventurers
Sean’s commitment to international education is so strong that he’s made study abroad a requirement for his own two sons, Santiago and Ramiro. His advice to current students is both practical and inspiring:
“It matures you, it opens up your point of view, and it takes you out of your comfort zone (and off your phone!),” he emphasizes. “My study abroad helped define who I am, but also my approach to life and work.”
For those interested in writing, diplomacy, or international careers, Sean recommends gaining practical experience alongside coursework. “Try during your program to find a practical thing that will stick out on your resume,” he advises. “Don’t be discouraged if certain opportunities don’t seem to work out – there are always alternative ways to apply your skills and interests.”
The Philosophy of Lifelong Learning
Sean’s journey embodies his belief that “education doesn’t end when you graduate.” As he puts it, “The most successful people aren’t the ones who never fail, but the ones who never stop learning.”
This philosophy has guided his diverse career path and creative pursuits. He’s currently working on The Effective Advocate, a guide for government relations professionals, and planning two more Xavier Bentley adventures set in Argentina and Rome – once again drawing on his international experiences.
Your Story Awaits
Sean’s journey from SSA student to published author and Fortune 200 executive demonstrates the transformative power of study abroad. His story shows that when you embrace the unknown and remain curious about the world, extraordinary opportunities follow.
As he emphasizes, “Storytelling is everything. Whether a government official or corporate leadership, we ultimately are human and have self-interest.” Your study abroad experience could be the beginning of your own compelling story.
Where will Spain take you?
The Basque Decoy is available now. Sean welcomes connections from current students and fellow alumni interested in public policy and government relations at [email protected]. To learn more about SSA Education Abroad programs in Spain, visit ssabroad.org
