Global Engagement Insights

Alison Nagy, Associate Director of Study Abroad at American University, shares her insights on how to make international education a top priority for universities. With over 18 years of experience, Nagy discusses the importance of offering a wide range of study abroad programs that align with students’ majors, making it affordable and accessible for all. She emphasizes the need for departmental buy-in, data-driven decision-making, and ongoing communication with students throughout their study abroad experience. Nagy’s success in increasing student participation to over 60% proves that international education can be a transformative and integral part of higher education. 

“We want to make sure that there are options for every student who wants to go abroad.” - Alison Nagy

Alison recommends starting with departmental buy-in for universities looking to increase study-abroad participation. By working closely with academic units, universities can develop guidance for each major, outlining the requirements and options for studying abroad. This collaboration ensures that academic advisors are on board and can provide the necessary support to students.

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Jill Blondin, Ph.D. and Associate Vice Provost at Virginia Commonwealth University, has received numerous awards and accolades for her work in international education, including being named one of the top 50 voices in 2023 and SIO of the year.

"International education is vital to the importance of the institution because every institution going forward is a global institution, whether they like it or not." - Jill Blondin, Ph.D.

She discusses the importance of global engagement in higher education and shares insights on strategic budgeting best practices. She emphasizes the need for alignment with the institution’s mission and the value of data-informed decision-making. Jill also highlights the importance of constantly advocating for internationalization and fostering collaboration within and outside the institution.

"My role at the institution as the Senior International Officer is as an advocate; it is the hat I never take off. Without question, the most important part of my job is advocacy." Jill Blondin, Ph.D.

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Paulo Zagalo-Melo is the Associate Provost for Global Education at Western Michigan University. With over 30 years of experience in international education, Paulo has a background in accounting, finance, and management.

Paulo discusses the importance of internationalization in higher education as the most critical growth opportunity to address declining enrollments. He highlights the financial and economic value of international student enrollment and the impact on research, innovation, and cultural understanding. 

“We have to internally show that we are everywhere, that what we do impacts most, if not everything, that the university is doing or could impact if embedded into those activities or those programs.” - Paulo Zagalo-Melo 

Paulo emphasizes the need to align internationalization with the institution's mission and strategic plan, making a strong case for its importance. He also discusses the challenges of securing resources and funding and the role of strategic budgeting in ensuring the sustainability of global engagement programs and higher education overall.

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We often hear putting ourselves in someone else's shoes is the tried-and-true way to understand what they are going through. But learning to look at the world that way and approaching people in that manner takes time and sometimes requires the assistance of trained professionals, such as educational workers. 

Therefore, universities around the world create international programs that enable students to study abroad and with students from different historical and cultural backgrounds, which will undoubtedly add to their personal growth and career development. 

In this episode of Global Engagement Insights, Joe DeCrosta, the executive director of the Center for Global Engagement at Duquesne University, joins our host Ron Carson to discuss internationalization in higher education. Joe explains what these programs include, how they benefit the faculty and students, how he got his colleagues on board with the idea, and their future endeavors.

Moving to another country for education comes with many challenges, including language and cultural barriers. But, even when one is fluent in English, as in this case, our guest Jean Choy says that the cultural shock is no joke. Given the success depends on students' success, it's of the utmost importance for institutions to eliminate bias and help students from different backgrounds assimilate at an appropriate pace. 

Jean Choy is the associate dean of Executive Education, Global EMBA & International Initiatives at the University of Washington, Foster School of Business. In today's episode of Global Engagement Insights, Jean and host Ron Carson discuss how to work with students from different backgrounds, the importance of acknowledging and eliminating bias, and the difference between an excellent researcher and teacher and how to be both. Finally, Jean discusses inclusive learning and how to practice it. 

Global branding refers to the management of a brand in different regions of the world to increase its strength and recognition in the markets where it operates. And if you successfully market your global story and create an excellent global brand, you will attract more people and grow.

But creating a global brand takes a lot of work. It is not enough to advertise and invest money in marketing. You have to get to know the market, determine the target groups and offer them what they need. However, above all, you have to be original and bring something new and attractive.

In this episode of Global Engagement Insights, our host David Sanderson welcomes Jeffrey Riedinger, Vice Provost for Global Affairs at the University of Washington. Jeff explains how to craft a good global story and share it. Jeff and David discuss the importance of using real-time data and what kind of data the University of Washington provides to faculty members and students. 

Studying and working abroad adds a unique layer to one's life experience and allows one to broaden their perspectives, learn new languages, and familiarize themselves with other cultures. But not everyone has the same opportunity, or at least, they think they don't. Therefore, we need to use as many channels as possible to communicate enrollment options at a particular educational institution. 

In this episode of Global Engagement Insights, we are joined by Jim Ketterer, the dean of the School of Continuing Education, The American University in Cairo. Jim discusses what makes an educational institution international, the challenges they faced during the pandemic, and the impact of digital transformation. He also touches upon the importance of mentorships and how global experiences are not about changing your location; they are about changing your mindset. 

Global engagement programs are about big-picture thinking, and they help students prepare for global impact and engagement. But how do you develop a global engagement program in your school?

In this episode of the Global Engagement Insights podcast, our host Chike Lawrence-Mitchell welcomes Ilgu Ozler, the director of the SUNY Global Engagement Program at the New Paltz State University of New York. They talk about the power of global engagement, the importance of big-picture thinking, and the ways to do globally engaged work at a local level.

Being part of the education system has always been prestigious and is a confirmation of one's excellence. But, as with every business, universities must look outside the box to find the best candidates. In addition, the current business climate forces educational institutions to redefine hiring as employees' perceptions and employment preferences have changed.

Therefore, we invited Nick Gozik, Dean of Global Education at Elon University, to discuss the challenges of building an international education office team. Nick and our host Travis Ulrich discuss how universities approach hiring, onboarding, and employee retention. They also touch upon flexibility and remote work and reveal whether they are possible in systems such as university administrations. 

Finally, Nick explains why educational institutions must work on diversity and inclusion to attract the best candidates. Nick also shares details of two e-books he’s currently working on. One is about building a culture that nurtures diversity, enabling staff to give their best self to the organization, and the other is about partnerships between institutions on a local and international level.