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A Strategic Imperative: The Power of Skilled Temporary Staff in International Education Offices

A Strategic Imperative: The Power of Skilled Temporary Staff in International Education Offices
Durvine Sindiga

For international education leaders seeking to elevate the quality and effectiveness of their services, the utilization of skilled temporary staff represents a strategic advantage that cannot be overstated. In the dynamic landscape of global education, where international students seek enriching experiences and institutions aim to provide world-class support, the infusion of specialized knowledge and expertise offered by temporary staff can be transformative.

In this comprehensive overview, we present a compelling case for the integration of skilled temporary staff into your international education support infrastructure. These individuals, possessing a wealth of specialized knowledge and experience, play a pivotal role in shaping the international student journey, ensuring seamless navigation through academic systems, cultural adaptations, and the myriad challenges inherent in studying abroad.

Specialized Knowledge: Skilled temporary staff arrive with a profound understanding of international education. Their familiarity with visa processes, cultural nuances, and global academic systems positions them as invaluable assets for addressing the unique needs of international students.

Enhanced Student Experience: International education is as much about cultural immersion and personal growth as it is about academics. Skilled temporary staff are adept at offering tailored guidance to international students, thereby enhancing their experience, fostering cultural adaptability, and smoothing the path to academic success.

Efficient Problem Solving: Temporary staff bring an arsenal of experience in international education problem-solving. Whether it’s tackling visa complications, addressing housing concerns, or mitigating academic challenges, their expertise allows for swift and effective solutions.

Crisis Management: In times of global crises, such as pandemics or natural disasters, skilled temporary staff become indispensable. They excel in coordinating emergency responses, ensuring open lines of communication with affected students and families, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of international students.

Project Implementation & Reporting: Skilled temporary staff can seamlessly manage and execute special international education projects, such as cultural exchange initiatives, recruitment drives for international students, and the establishment of collaborative academic partnerships with foreign institutions. Due to their seniority in the field, they provide data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions, leading to continuous improvements in the quality of international education services.

Cost-Effective Solutions: Employing skilled temporary staff often proves to be more cost-effective than hiring permanent employees with similar expertise. This approach circumvents the long-term commitments, and the associated benefits, offering budgetary advantages. Temporary staff can act as mentors, sharing their knowledge and best practices with permanent staff. This transfer of expertise contributes to the professional development of the office, expanding its capacity to serve international students effectively. Skilled temporary staff also play an integral role in quality assurance processes. Their involvement ensures that international education services consistently meet or exceed industry standards and compliance requirements.

In conclusion, the strategic integration of skilled temporary staff into an international student office elevates the quality of support and services provided to international students. Their expertise, multilingual proficiency, and adaptability make them invaluable contributors to the dynamic and diverse field of international education. By harnessing the unique strengths of these individuals, institutions can cultivate a positive student experience, streamline operations, and enhance the overall success of their international education programs.

About the author: Durvine Sindiga is an accomplished Marketing and Communication scholar practitioner in International Higher Education. Sindiga serves as a subject matter consultant in the areas of, IHE Business Models, Market attractiveness, EdTech Recruitment Platforms, 3rd Party complimentary Systems, Brand positioning, IHE trends & Insights, and HIE Innovation in Africa.

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Episode 29: Cultural Lens on U.S. Higher Education: Analyzing International Perceptions of 'Anti-Woke’ Discourse

Dive into a nuanced exploration of the global discourse surrounding higher education in the United States. Join us for a panel discussion with esteemed international educators as we embark on a journey through the lenses of culture and international perspective, examining how global audiences interpret and engage with the ‘anti-woke’ discourse within the context of U.S. higher education. This engaging panel discussion will delve into the intersections of culture, ideology, and education, and the complex landscape of how international audiences perceive the ‘anti-woke’ narrative that has emerged within U.S. academia.

Whether you’re a senior international officer, or simply curious about the diverse viewpoints shaping U.S. higher education, this podcast episode will provide an invaluable space for critical analysis and insightful conversations.

Speaker Biography:

Fanta Aw is a distinguished leader in international education, renowned for her extensive contributions to global learning, cross-cultural understanding, and educational equity. With a deep commitment to fostering connections between diverse cultures and promoting educational excellence, she has significantly impacted the international education community.

Fanta Aw’s career has been characterized by her dedication to advancing global education initiatives, promoting diversity and inclusion, and nurturing partnerships that transcend borders. She has held influential roles in various organizations, advocating for the importance of international collaboration and learning experiences that empower individuals to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

As a thought leader and visionary, Fanta Aw’s insights and expertise have shaped discussions on the future of international education, emphasizing the significance of equitable access, cultural exchange, and lifelong learning. Her work has not only elevated institutions but has also inspired countless individuals to embrace the transformative power of global education.

Date: September 14th, 2023
Time: 12 noon ET

Sponsored by:

Mark Beirn

AFFILIATE

An experienced global researcher and administrator, Mark Beirn brings a critical approach to risk management, factoring structural racism and identity-based violence into his rubric for supporting equitable global mobility.

Specialization Areas:

– Global Risk Management
– Education Abroad
– Diversity, Equity, Inclusion in International Education
– Health and Safety
– Curriculum Development

 

Stephen Appiah-Padi​

AFFILIATE

Stephen Appiah-Padi is an international educator with several years of teaching and administrative experience in both 4 and 2-year HEIs. An experienced global education practitioner-scholar, with a demonstrated history of success in the field.

Dr. Appiah-Padi has a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada in Educational Policy & Administration with a specialization in International/Intercultural Education.

At Northwestern College, he provided oversight in the administration of education abroad and international student services. In Lansing, Michigan, he first oversaw diversity and intercultural education at Lansing Community College, and later created the Center for International and Intercultural Education (CIIE) which merged intercultural engagement and international education programs of the institution, and he became its first director. Additionally, Dr. Appiah-Padi taught a course, “Diversity in the American Workplace”, to undergraduate management students of the College. In his current position, he provides leadership and vision in advancing strategic internationalization initiatives, including international partnerships and study abroad programs at Bucknell University.

Dr Appiah-Padi has created and facilitated several workshops for faculty and staff development in higher education and in business organizations. He has presented at several national and international conferences. In NAFSA, among several volunteer leadership positions, he has served as Dean of the Fundamentals of Intercultural Communication Workshop, the Leadership Development Committee member, Chair of the Africa Special Interest Group, and a Fellow of the Global Fellowship Program for mentoring emerging leaders of internationalization in African HEIs. He currently serves as a member of the NAFSA Board of Directors.

Rosa Almoguera

AFFILIATE

Dr. Rosa Almoguera has worked as an international educator for over twenty years. She was trained as a Hispanic Philologist at the Universidad Complutense, in Madrid, and did her M.A. at the University of Pennsylvania. Her Ph.D., from Universidad Complutense included a field study and edition of written balladry “Romancero”. During many years Rosa combined teaching and her role as a senior administrator at the Fundación Ortega-Marañón in Toledo, Spain. At the Foundation, Rosa directed and, in many cases created, programs for the University of Minnesota, Notre Dame, Princeton, Ohio State, Arcadia, and the University of Chicago. She has also been a visiting professor at the University of Minnesota, University of Portland, and Interamericana de Puerto Rico.

Beginning in 2016, Rosa works as an international education consultant for both public and private European and US higher education institutions. Rosa has been successful in developing new partnerships and programs, as well as helping improve already existing ones.

Rosa is a member of Forum and NAFSA and has presented with higher education professionals on innovative academic and research programming, STEM in study abroad and Nationalism in Europe. Rosa is currently completing the final Professional Certification from the Forum on Education Abroad.