Via Voices

Higher education advances technology, strategy, and career development on the academic side, but the administration side tells a different story. Paulo Zagalo-Melo, the newly-appointed President of AIEA and the Senior Internationalization Strategist at VCU, sees a new frontier for international education: one that embraces technology to make strategic decisions and that advocates for university faculty to develop into the next generation of global education leaders.  

Key Insights & Timestamps: 

Guest Spotlight 
Paulo Zagalo-Melo: 
Paulo Zagalo-Melo has exercised leadership in executive higher education administration positions for thirty years. He is the President of AIEA - the Association of International Education Administrators and is the Senior Internationalization Strategist for Virginia Commonwealth University.  

Paulo’s former roles include being the Associate Provost for Global Education at Western Michigan University, the Associate Provost for Global Education, Director of the Global Engagement Office, and Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Montana. 

Paulo has a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Catholic University of Portugal (2012), and a Master in Public Administration degree from Harvard University (2004). 

Key Takeaways: 

Resources Mentioned: 
AIEA | aieaworld.org, Virginia Commonwealth University | vcu.edu 

Connect with Paulo: 

For More Information: 
Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources. 

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Assumptions are often made about the types of students who participate most in international education, mostly regarding background and income. Many colleges assume that students more active in family and employment have less capacity for or interest in global education opportunities. Dawn Wood, Dean of Global Learning at Kirkwood Community College, has found in her career experiences and through her conducted research that international education programs are valued and positively impactful when made accessible and available to students of all backgrounds. 

Key Insights & Timestamps: 

Guest Spotlight 
Dawn Wood: 
Dawn Wood is the Dean of Global Learning at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dawn is passionate about community college internationalization and the importance of global learning for all students. She has published her dissertation and many journal articles about the positive impact of global learning on all students. She strives to create opportunities for all to engage in intercultural dialogue that will lead to a more peaceful world. 

Key Takeaways: 

Resources Mentioned: 
Kirkwood Community College | kirkwood.edu 

Connect with Dawn:  LinkedIn 

For More Information: 
Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources. 

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When you think about study abroad or international students, do you think about community colleges? After 2 years in her position at Kansas City Kansas Community College, Dr. Fabiola Riobe has seen more than 200 international students arrive on campus and has launched the college’s first study abroad program in Peru. Fabiola isn’t afraid to embrace non-traditional students in her quest to make education a global experience for all— in fact, she’s excited to leverage brand new pathways and take KCK around the world. 

Key Insights & Timestamps:  

Guest Spotlight 
Fabiola Riobe:  
Dr. Fabiola Riobe is the Vice President for Educational Innovation and International Programs at Kansas City Kansas Community College. She is an accomplished international executive, industry expert, and education advocate passionate about promoting entrepreneurship and social impact.  

Dr. Riobe is a pioneer alum of the African Women's Economic Consortium, facilitating workshops and thought circles to promote socio-economic development and leadership cultivation. Featured in the Center for Global Enterprise (CGE) for her outstanding contributions to business incubators, Fabiola is the founder and CEO of Kids Global University, committed to preparing youth to be civically engaged through global competency development. Her outstanding work has earned her international recognition, including the 2023 Women of Leadership and Vision Award. 

Key Takeaways: 

Resources Mentioned: 
Kansas City Kansas Community College | kckcc.edu 

Connect with Fabiola: 

For More Information: 
Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources. 

Stay Connected: 

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Navigating uncertainties in the international world doesn’t have to halt study abroad or international student programs. Jill Blondin, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University, brings her expertise in leadership and global education to the forefront of today’s conversation about opening students’ minds and balancing politics and compliance without closing your university off from international opportunities. As VCU aims to double their international student enrollment, Jill talks global strategy, data-driven initiatives, and student-centered programming. 

Key Insights & Timestamps:  

Guest Spotlight 
Jill Blondin: 
Jill Blondin an entrepreneurial, innovative leader and faculty member with more than 22 years of experience in higher education. Currently, Jill leads and coordinates international activities as the Vice Provost for Global Initiatives for Virginia Commonwealth University.  

Previously, Jill served as the inaugural director of VCU Globe, a global education living-learning program devoted to building cultural agility. Under her leadership, VCU Globe received the 2015 NAFSA Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award and the 2018 Andrew Heiskell Award from the Institute of International Education (IIE). 

Jill has also served as a Fulbright Specialist to Brazil (2018), as a speaker with the U.S. Department of State Study Abroad Engagement Grant Program and Fulbright Portugal (2019), the U.S. Embassy Guyana (2022), Fulbright Philippines (2024), and the U.S. Embassy Turkey (2024). 

Key Takeaways: 

Resources Mentioned: 
Virginia Commonwealth University | vcu.edu 

Connect with Jill: 

For More Information: 
Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources. 

Stay Connected: 

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The positive impacts of international education on career readiness and student success are well-known in the industry, but lack understanding and support on a governmental level. Funding barriers keep students from studying abroad and policy uncertainties harm international students learning in the US. Emily Merson, global leader and entrepreneur, wants international education to tell a better story: one where the benefits and positives of well-rounded learning experiences are supported and understood by stakeholders and everyday individuals alike.  

Key Insights & Timestamps: 

Guest Spotlight 
Emily Merson: 
Emily Merson is a highly accomplished and results-oriented global leader with a proven track record of driving innovation, leading global initiatives, and implementing transformational change for US and global universities. Her expertise is in executive leadership, strategic planning, innovation, business development, sustainability, program development, business for good, cross-cultural collaboration, and building high-performing happy teams. 

In her most recent position at AIFS Abroad (2021-2025), Emily’s leadership and strategic vision have steered her US-based team during a period of rapid change and merging of two leading global education organizations. The last 5 years of her career have been focused on building guiding values and excellence in academics and outcomes for a new organization.  

Key Takeaways: 

Resources Mentioned: 
AIFS Abroad | aifsabroad.com, 2016 Global Internship Conference Debate in Boston  

Connect with Emily: 

For More Information: 
Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources. 

Stay Connected: 

Support Via Voices by subscribing on 

Many international education professionals find their career inspiration from personal experiences either studying abroad or being an international student at a US university. For Vivian Wang, Vice Provost for Global Engagement at University of Tulsa, her experience studying in Oklahoma after growing up in Shanghai reshaped her opinion of herself as an educator and set her on the path towards leading internationalization strategies, embracing global partnerships, and advocating for more supportive study abroad programs for students in the US.  

Key Insights & Timestamps: 

[00:00] Podcast begins 

[01:25] Culture Shock: Shanghai to Oklahoma & Vivian’s experience in international ed 

[04:45] International from Tulsa: Global education under one centralized office 

[07:33] Data Storytelling Essentials: Reflecting national trends & Tulsa trends together 

[10:26] Uncertainties & Lessons Learned: Navigating geopolitical policies & climates 

[15:56] Rapid Fire Questions: Vivian talks cultural identity, mentorship & motherhood 

Guest Spotlight 
Vivian Wang: 
Vivian Wang is the Vice Provost for Global Engagement at University of Tulsa. She is an experienced international educator with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. She is skilled in international programs, global partnerships and internationalization strategies. Vivian has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focused in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration from Oklahoma State University. 

Key Takeaways: 

How Does Tulse Define Success? “Our student success is incredibly important in how I define my success in [international education].” As an international student herself, Vivian feels a personal connection to the international goals of University of Tulsa, especially in regard to how international students thrive on campus. Beyond percentages and rates, Vivian hopes her role empowers students to seek a global education and connect with the world around them. 

How Does Vivian Leverage Data? “I think it's so important that we have that information and that data to convey our story and our impact.” University of Tulsa’s stakeholders are incredibly interested in the success of international programming, and Vivian finds herself often reporting data on a quarterly basis to cover everything from student feedback to social media engagement. Data is everything in international ed, and Vivian is excited to see data technology focused on so heavily by companies like Via. 

How Can International Ed Navigate Uncertainty? “I think we need to truly convey our mission of having that transformational experience for students.” With grants on hold and immigration policies changing, Vivian doesn’t want higher education to lose sight of the value of internationalizing. Students deserve a global education and universities need to stay strong in their beliefs of the impact of international programming. 

Resources Mentioned: 
University of Tulsa | utulsa.edu 

Connect with Vivian: 

LinkedIn 

For More Information: 
Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources. 

Stay Connected: 

Support Via Voices by subscribing on 

YouTube: youtube.com/@viatrm 

Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices 

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t 

Higher education is getting caught in the crossfire of cultural and political debates in the US, and one of the biggest components at risk for international education is federal student aid. Kathleen Fairfax, Vice Provost for International Affairs at Colorado State University, has more than 3 decades of experience in public and private sectors, and she’s bringing that experience to being a voice of reason and an advocate for accessibility for international students and study abroad programs across the country.  

Key Insights & Timestamps: 

[00:00] Podcast begins 

[00:41] Entering the Industry: International ed, politics, abroad & advising  

[09:45] Family Life in an International World: Gender barriers in higher education 

[11:37] Higher Ed Tech History: How Kathleen has seen tech change at universities 

[19:22] Outreach & Accessibility: Representing Colorado State’s student body abroad 

[23:07] Cross Cultural Connection: What international ed can give us all 

Guest Spotlight 
Kathleen Fairfax: 
Kathleen Fairfax is a seasoned leader in international education, with more than 3 decades of experience in both public and private sectors. As the Vice Provost for International Affairs at Colorado State University, she oversees the campus-wide comprehensive internationalization efforts, including student and faculty mobility, English language programs, international enrollment, strategic and academic initiatives, and the CSU facility in Todos Santos, Mexico. 

Fairfax is passionate about improving access to international education opportunities, developing efficient and effective operational models, and aligning strategic priorities with concrete action items. 

She holds a PhD in International Education from Michigan State University and is fluent in Spanish. 

Key Takeaways: 

Health & Safety in International Ed: “Nothing can substitute for good technologies when you’re caring for students overseas and responding to a crisis.” As Kathleen has seen technology evolve throughout her career, the biggest change for international education has been the emergence of mobile technology. Gone are the days of abroad programs without connectivity; Kathleen’s students need to feel connected to their family back home and their university for safety.  

Concerns About Abroad Accessibility: “Accessible means financially, but it also means having a diverse participation that’s as diverse as your student body.” At the present moment, a concern Kathleen has encountered at Colorado State has been around making studying abroad accessible for all students. Regardless of financial background or ethnic background, Colorado State wants every student to have the opportunity, encouragement, and ease to travel abroad and to achieve their goals in international education. 

Value vs Reality: “We’re dealing with a conflict between what we value, versus political realities.” Federal student aid being at risk due to current political  policies has rocked the boat at Colorado State and other universities. For Kathleen, the particular focus on language around DEI has created a conflicting experience in her office, where so many of their programs celebrate the cultures of their students, as well as the countries they can visit while studying abroad. 

Resources Mentioned: 
Colorado State University | colostate.edu 

Connect with Kathleen:  

LinkedIn 

For More Information: 
Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources. 

Stay Connected: 

Support Via Voices by subscribing on 

YouTube: youtube.com/@viatrm 

Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices 

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t 

International education has been playing a losing game with technology. Universities have to navigate ever-changing policies around compliance while managing the safety and education success of both study abroad and international students. Enter Via International, an application that brings compliance, communication and connectivity together for international education success. Dave Saben, CEO of Via, talks about this exciting innovation and the “why” behind Via’s work with international ed institutions.  

Key Insights & Timestamps:  

[00:00] Podcast begins 

[01:06] Why AIEA? Technology solutions for the international education world 

[02:41] Beyond Study Abroad: Via empowers international ed beyond a semester abroad 

[04:56] Via International: Connectivity in applications & cross-platform communication  

[13:05] Why International Education? Dave’s personal inspiration for entering the industry 

[15:38] Rapid Fire Questions: Dave talks history, scholarships, & challenging norms 

Guest Spotlight 
Dave Saben: 
Dave Saben is a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience driving growth and innovation through cutting-edge technology. His passion lies in solving complex challenges with transformative solutions that deliver measurable results, create scalability, and improve customer outcomes. 

For the past 15 years, Dave has specialized in AI and intelligent automation, focusing on NLP, machine learning, and advanced analytics. His efforts have helped organizations across industries unlock new opportunities, streamline operations, and create exceptional user experiences. 

As CEO of Via, Dave leads the development of industry-leading platforms that merge emerging technologies with strategic insights. Dave is driven by a mission to empower businesses through AI and technology, ensuring they stay ahead in an ever-changing digital landscape. 

Key Takeaways: 

International Education Needs Tech: “At the end of the day, it’s about the kids, it’s about the students we can serve.” As CEO of Via, Dave has seen firsthand the impact of Via’s technology on university faculty and students. Being able to streamline and support international education with usable solutions that meet their unique needs empowers Dave and his team at Via to seek out more opportunities, like with AIEA, to support global learning.  

Not “Just” Study Abroad: “So much of the technology that exists in the international education space is older than the students we serve.” Although Via’s first focus in international ed was on study abroad, Dave has seen a broader focus to be involved in all aspects of global education. From communication to data optimization, streamlined processes to program evaluation, Via International bridges tech gaps and encourages students to seek global opportunities.  

Via International Brings Innovation: “AI isn’t going to replace people, but what it is going to do is make us so much more efficient.” Data efficiency and innovation is a major goal for Via, especially with the development of Via International. Dave wants universities to feel empowered to prove their worth and he wants students to feel like their presence in international education is prioritized with cutting edge technology and fast-moving, accurate systems.  

Resources Mentioned: 
Via TRM | viaTRM.com 

Connect with Dave Saben: 

LinkedIn 

For More Information: 
Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources. 

Stay Connected: 

Support Via Voices by subscribing on 

YouTube: youtube.com/@viatrm 

Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices 

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t 

What does it take for a university to become synonymous with global learning? To not only encourage study abroad, but to make it an expectation—woven into the fabric of every student’s experience? 

For nearly two decades, one institution has consistently led the nation in sending students around the world, cultivating a deeply international ethos on campus and beyond. 

In this episode of Via Voices, we sit down with Nick Gozik—Dean of Global Education and Assistant Professor at Elon University—to unpack the bold vision, enduring commitment, and personal stories behind the U.S.'s top-ranked study abroad program

Key Insights & Timestamps:  

[00:00] Podcast begins 

[01:03] Early Worldly Experiences: Why Nick chose the international education field  

[03:44] Understanding Elon University: Meet the top study abroad college 

[09:36] What About Tech? How AI & advancing technology is changing international ed 

[12:42] Data Defies Enrollment Expectations: Going beyond study abroad myths 

[16:09] Rapid Fire Questions: Nick talks humanities, culture, politics & industry 

Guest Spotlight 
Nick Gozik: 
Nick J. Gozik is Dean of Global Education and Assistant Professor at Elon University. Previously, he held positions in international education at Boston College, Duke University, New York University, and the University of Richmond. He has taught at New York University, Boston College, Lesley University, and the School for International Training. 

Among his publications, he has co-edited Promoting Inclusion in Education Abroad: A Handbook of Research and Practice (Routledge, 2018) and A House Where All Belong: Redesigning Education Abroad for Inclusive Excellence (The Forum on Education Abroad, 2022). 

Key Takeaways: 

Around the World to Find Yourself: “I think a lot of people that enter the [international education] field do so because they had a transformative experience,” Nick says, evaluating his own reasons for focusing on international education. Between early childhood experiences abroad to later educational journeys in Europe, Nick feels like he found himself through working with individuals around the world and wanting to elevate their work to the next level.  

Study Abroad at Elon: “[Elon University] is known for study abroad, but it’s far beyond that, it’s every aspect of our campus and faculty are passionate about this work.” At Elon University, one of the top schools for studying abroad in the US, Nick is proud to say that the culture of Elon is global. Not only do students study abroad, faculty also teach internationally and embrace a global strategic plan. 

Data Changes Everything: “I think enrollment data becomes so important because it helps us bust some of those myths around where our students are going or who our students are.” When it comes to data from students, Elon University focuses a lot of energy in understanding that their student body is more than meets the eye. When tackling challenges to access or participation in international education, Nick has discovered that enrollment data can not only dispel harmful myths, but can also drive new initiatives for outreach and enrollment.  

Resources Mentioned: 
Elon University | Elon.edu 

Connect with Nick Gozik: 

LinkedIn 

For More Information: 
Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources. 

Stay Connected: 

Connect with Host Brooke Roberts on LinkedIn

International education isn’t just made up of universities and administrators; business partners are an essential component of global outreach and the internationalization process. Gen Next Education is an international education company providing strategic expertise and tactical coordination to hundreds of universities, connecting students in more than 170 countries to learning opportunities abroad. Gen Next Education CEO Girish Ballolla has big ideas for what’s next in the world of higher education, including how AI might be education’s biggest connection opportunity. 

Key Insights & Timestamps: 

[00:00] Podcast begins 

[01:41] Finding a Legacy: 15 years of Gen Next Education opportunities 

[04:31] Leveraging Tech to Scale: Virtual meetings & AI-powered career counseling  

[12:46] Professional Development: Balancing fast-moving tech with person-to-person connection 

[17:45] Rapid Fire Questions: Girish talks global communication & changing education systems 

Guest Spotlight 
Girish Ballolla: 
As the CEO of Gen Next Education, Girish is responsible for envisioning the strategic direction for Gen Next and spends most of his time nurturing relationships across the globe to further Gen Next’s mission of bridging Global Education. 

Girish was born and raised in Bengaluru where he completed high school before moving to the U.S. in 1992 to pursue a college education. He received a B.S. in Genetics and Cell Biology and a M.S. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas.  

Prior to founding Gen Next Education, he spent over 13 years in Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain Management in a variety of industries in the U.S. ranging from chemicals to home improvement, from educational institutions to non-profits, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. 

Key Takeaways: 

Education Industry Meets AI: “How do you engage with people all around the world at the same time, especially in their native language?” Gen Next Education is embracing technology as much as they possibly can, and Girish says that includes taking full advantage of AI integrations. With chat bots and other algorithmic tools available, Girish hopes to engage students around the world, regardless of his staff’s capacity, in their native language and at their convenience.  

Balancing Tech & Connectivity: “For practitioners in our industry, I think being at these gatherings to interact with people and spend that time is so meaningful.” Although Gen Next is embracing tech and virtual opportunities wholeheartedly, Girish still advocates for the importance of in-person learning, especially when it comes to professional development. Being able to connect with industry practitioners at events held by AIEA, for example, offers Girish such a transformative opportunity to learn that he wants to share this with others.  

Dreaming Bigger About Ed: “We’re putting students in an educational system that’s limiting their opportunities while the world is changing rapidly.” Girish sees the future of education beyond the current higher ed system, hoping that universities, professors and private partners grow to understand the diverse needs of ever-evolving global industries. If given the opportunity to make mass change on his own, Girish would focus on creating an accessible education system that expands student opportunities, instead of limiting them to location or practice.  

Resources Mentioned: 
Gen Next Education, Inc. | gennexteducation.com, Destiny Benders Podcast | destinybenders.com 

Connect with Girish: 

LinkedIn 

For More Information: 
Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources. 

Stay Connected: 

Connect with Host Brooke Roberts on LinkedIn