Professional Development in Study Abroad November 4-9 2018
We held our annual Professional Development Symposium in Ireland in November 3-9 2018
This program is designed for Early College Community College & Consortia Administrators, Study Abroad Advisors and Faculty leaders, interested in creating or increasing the capacity of the educational institution to offer high quality, affordable and accessible short-term study abroad programming. Joining us for this program were participants for the 2019 West Georgia Technical College Dual Enrollment Program (Putnam County), the Nebraska Community College Consortium for Study Abroad, Gateway Technical College WI, and State Center Community College, CA.
Seminar Facilitators were Niamh Hamill Ph.D. Professor of Practice in Global Studies at Drew University NJ & Director of Academics at the Institute of Study Abroad Ireland.
Suzanne LaVenture, Director of International Education at Davidson County Community College
Fabiola Riobe, President & Executive Director, CCID; Community Colleges for International Development
John O’Connell, Director of the Institute of Study Abroad, Donegal, Ireland.
Our seminars dealt with best practices for faculty-led programs, timelines for programming, ensuring academic excellence, effective methods of collaboration between study abroad advisors and faculty leaders, models for new initiatives and collaborative/consortia projects, program promotion to students, and a successful integration of study abroad goals with the overall goals of the sending institutions. Here is some of the feedback-
Andy Stock- Political Science Instructor, Central Community College
“I thought the whole program was thoroughly professional, well-organised and enjoyable. I was surprised by how much I learned in such a short time”.
Elaine Asma- International Faculty Liaison, Gateway Technical College Kenosha, Wisconsin
“This Course exceeded my expectations. I was so impressed with Niamh and John’s work in Ireland and I’m very excited to bring Students to Ireland and share this wonderful experience. Thank You.”
Fabiola Riobe- President & Executive Director of CCID USA
“Extremely likely to continue to enhance, engage and promote the opportunities with ISAI. The level of professionalism, humanism and sheer fun that Niamh and John demonstrated was exemplary, even during uncertain times their rapid problem solving and soviet responses made everything seem seamless. Thank you for a life changing experience.”
Michelle Patton- Honors Coordinator/English Professor, Fresno City College
“This was an amazing experience that has changed me. I learned quite a lot and gained a deeper appreciation for this place and it’s stories, and for the way the stories of the Irish intersects with the stories of other groups. These experiences would be invaluable to the students at my school. Thank you so much!”
Ellen Dillon- Assoc. Dean of International Services, Western Nebraska Community College
“ISAI was willing & extremely capable of addressing & shaping our visions for our first consortium trip.”
Katherine Reid- Dual Enrolment coordinator, Putnam County High School
“Niamh and John had a well-planned program that exceeded my expectations. I was apprehensive about all the logistics, but it was clear every aspect of the program was well thought out and organised. For any institution considering sending students to an ISAI program, I highly recommend faculty attending their PD Program. I will leave feeling confident that our students will be well taken care of and have a meaningful, positive experience.”
Pam Saalfeld- Director, Center for Global Engagement, Northeast Community College, Norfolk, NE
“This is an unbelievably organised and professional organisation without feeling pressured or contrived. Students will be enriched as academics, rather than just tourists.”
