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In recent years, there have been major changes in higher education brought about by significant shifts in the global economy, geopolitics, demographics, and public health that have impacted international education operations. At Gateway, we appreciate that these challenges have led some institutions to reduce staffing, consolidate job responsibilities, and reorganize their international offices.
Gateway International Group offers an effective and proven system through which we provide “On-Demand” staffing support during times of transition or during seasonal periods of peak demand. Our highly-trained and experienced professionals are well-positioned to support Education Abroad (EA) and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) offices at U.S. institutions. No matter where your institution is on the continuum – from “start-ups,” to “clean-ups,” to “ramp-ups” – Gateway is here to help.
At Gateway, we understand the complex nature of managing international offices and know that institutions often find themselves in need of hard-to-find expertise. This is where Gateway comes in—we can provide short-term staffing to support operations and ensure continuity of services. Gateway’s services have been designed for institutions that have urgent demand for staffing support or just need the flexibility of bringing on temporary or seasonal support without having to hire permanent staffing.
Gateway can connect your institution with a team of highly-trained and experienced professionals who work in collaboration with a seasoned Gateway consultant who serves as our primary institutional liaison. The Gateway team is ready to provide part-time, temporary support for Education Abroad (EA) and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) offices most anywhere in the US. Placements are generally remote and may vary, as needed, from just a few hours per week up to full-time temporary positions.
Gateway recognizes that education abroad offices often experience staffing turnover that can make it difficult to maintain operations and services. Gateway’s services offer temporary education abroad staffing support during such times of transition that enable the continuation of quality programming and services that students and their families have come to expect.
Gateway provides provisional ISSS services for U.S. colleges and universities certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F or J nonimmigrant students. Services are tailored to institutions that need the flexibility of bringing on temporary or seasonal Designated School Officials (DSOs) and Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs).
At Gateway, we understand the complex nature of education abroad services and know that institutions often find themselves in need of hard-to-find expertise. Gateway’s on-demand services can help institutions with assuring continuity of education abroad programming and operations during times of transition or during seasonal periods of peak demand. For institutions that need the flexibility of bringing on temporary or seasonal support with expediency, Gateway retains a team of highly-trained and experienced education abroad professionals who are ready to step into an education abroad office on a temporary, part-time basis to provide needed staffing support.
Gateway’s services span the full spectrum of a typical education abroad office’s core functions, including 1.) student advising and support services, 2.) program support and portfolio management, and 3.) operational management and administration. Gateway’s services and staffing appointments are tailored specifically to the needs of our partner institutions.
At Gateway, we understand the complex nature of international student and scholar services and know that institutions often find themselves in need of hard-to-find expertise. Gateway’s on-demand services provides an expedient way to source certified Designated School Officials (DSOs) and Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs) and deploy them, under the oversight of a seasoned Senior Consultant, to any school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F or J nonimmigrant students. In certain circumstances, it may also be possible to source Primary Designated School Officials (PDSOs) and Responsible Officers (ROs).
Gateway’s services are ideal for those institutions that need the flexibility of bringing on temporary or seasonal support to maintain their legal commitment to comply with federal laws and regulations and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requirements. Gateway’s services align with the requirements set forth by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Gateway’s services span the full spectrum of a typical ISSS office’s core function, including 1.) strategy and policy, 2.) student advising and support services, and 3.) management and operations. Gateway’s services and staffing appointments are tailored specifically to the needs of our partner institutions.
At Gateway, we understand the complexities involved in international student recruitment and admissions. Our services are designed to assist educational institutions in upholding the core functions and seamless operations of IEM, especially during transitional phases or seasonal peaks in demand. For institutions seeking swift access to temporary or seasonal IEM support, Gateway maintains a cadre of adept and seasoned IEM professionals. These experts are poised to engage with institutions under the guidance of experienced our senior consultants, offering invaluable part-time assistance to address IEM staffing needs.
Our services span the entire spectrum of international enrollment management, encompassing activities such as admissions application review and processing, representation at international recruitment fairs (both virtual and in-person), evaluation of foreign academic credentials, management of sponsored programs, and the provision of overseas (in-country) advising and counseling. Recognizing the diverse nature of US higher education institutions and the unique evolution of international student recruitment and admission strategies, Gateway tailors its IEM On-Demand Staffing Services to align precisely with the distinct requirements of each partner institution.
With nearly 30 years working in international higher education, David Clubb has an extensive depth and breadth of expertise in all areas of international education, including serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) or Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for nearly all of those years. His expertise in ISSS and his entrepreneurial acumen are a great combination for the Gateway On-Demand model. After serving as Director of the Cranwell International Center at Virginia Tech for nearly 8 years, David transitioned into the private sector as Executive Director of The Cranwell Foundation in spring 2023.
Dr. Heidi Soneson is a seasoned international educator focused on strategic partnerships, innovative program design, effective advising, and increased access for diverse student audiences in education abroad.Soneson has been responsible for education abroad programs and partnerships in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand, and Scandinavia.
Elizabeth Leibach has an extensive and diverse background in international admissions/recruitment, student/faculty advising, employment-based/student immigration services, and student success/development, retention and programming. Her career trajectory and path includes experiences and positions within large state, public and private institutions, and an immigration legal practice.
Bonnie’s career in international education spans over 20 years with roles within ESL, Admissions and most recently Director of Education Abroad. These roles have been both in public and private institutions and organizations. Her career was sparked by her own education abroad experience and further evolved through work and living experience in Turkey and Switzerland.
Gateway retains a team of highly-trained and experienced professionals who are ready to step in on a temporary, part-time basis to provide needed support. These Associates are well-vetted in the following ways:
Below are a few of the many associates that support the On-Demand Services.
Gateway On-Demand Associate
(Education Abroad)
Whitney is a highly experienced professional in the field of International Education, with over a decade of experience in various roles at a variety of higher education institutions. She has been instrumental in program development and management, working closely with faculty, students, and administrative staff across academic units. She provides expertise and knowledge of best practices that helps the continuity of education abroad programming during critical times.
“Collaborating with Gateway to deliver critical support to international offices during times of transition has been an immensely fulfilling opportunity for me. Having been in a similar position myself, where I faced the challenges of handling multiple projects and demanding workloads in a short-staffed office, I understand firsthand the value that Gateway is able to provide through short-term project support.”
Gateway On-Demand Associate
(International Student and Scholar Services)
Sara serves as the Associate Director in the Office of International Services at the University of Pittsburgh. Sara has worked on both student-related and scholar/employee-related immigration matters throughout her career. She currently runs point on all employment-based permanent residency-related matters for the University of Pittsburgh employees. Sara enjoys the important work of shoring up foundational strength in an office so that it can function efficiently and effectively.
“My time working as an On-Demand Associate with Gateway International Group has allowed me to showcase my skills as an immigration practitioner while also learning how other offices function. I am able to come back to my day-to-day work with a new perspective and fresh ideas. It is incredibly rewarding to know that my expertise can make a significant impact on offices that are looking to fill some gaps.”
Gateway International Group has made the commitment to allocate 3% of all revenue to support traditionally underrepresented student participation in international learning and engagement. We have designated the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) as a recipient of funds gathered through Gateway Education Abroad. FEA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented in U.S. education abroad.
Education Abroad Faculty Toolkit
Program Design Consultation
Gateway Languages
Gateway FLEX
Education Abroad Provider Directory
David Clubb is a global leader, educator, entrepreneur, change agent, consultant, project manager, and program developer with nearly 30 years of transformative leadership experience, raising standards and realizing sustainable results around the world in places like Belize, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Djibouti, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Haiti, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and Switzerland.
He has been a visionary leader in global engagement and international education, working across all domains of international education – education abroad; Intensive English Programs (IEP); international student recruitment, admission, and retention; international student and scholar services; international partnerships; global/intercultural competency; and internationalization of the curriculum and co-curriculum – to develop and implement strategic initiatives that are data-informed, results-oriented, and aligned with best practices. He has served as a faculty member and in senior administrative positions at several institutions of higher education, including Johns Hopkins University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Colorado, and Norwich University (America’s oldest private military college). Most recently, David was a faculty member at Virginia Tech where he served as the Director of the Cranwell International Center, leading a wide range of strategic initiatives designed to position the university as more globally oriented and internationally connected.
In spring 2023, David transitioned into the private sector as the inaugural Executive Director of The Cranwell Foundation, a family philanthropy based in Blacksburg, Virginia, whose philanthropic priorities are locally grounded and globally minded, aligning well with the work David has done throughout his career in the broad area of global engagement, with a particular focus on connecting diverse people and organizations who work across languages, cultures, and borders to solve shared global challenges.
David earned a Master of Arts degree in Intercultural Studies and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies. He also completed the MBA Essentials (MBAe) certificate program in the Center for Executive Education at the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. David is also a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy (Pittsburgh Field Office). He is a licensed Qualified Administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory (ICS), and also administers the Global Competence Aptitude Assessment (GCAA).
Dr. Heidi Soneson has been professionally active in international education since 1983. She has held positions as Executive Director of Office of International Education and Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Education at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls and Program Director in the Learning Abroad Center at the University of Minnesota, among other positions. In her university positions, she has been responsible for institution-wide international education initiatives, international student services, and education abroad programming. Soneson has served as chair of the NAFSA Education Abroad Regulatory Committee as well as the NAFSA Education Abroad Consular Affairs Liaison Subcommittee and member of The Forum on Education Abroad Council. Soneson has published and presented on a variety of study abroad topics, including study abroad for students with disabilities, visa regulations for US students, ethical visa advising guidelines, GLBT concerns, study abroad in non-traditional locations, and strategies for raising the visibility of study abroad offices on U.S. campuses. Soneson has been responsible for education abroad programs and partnerships in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand, and Scandinavia.
Dr. Heidi Soneson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Comparative Literature from Clark University, a Master’s degree in German Literature from the University of Indiana-Bloomington, and a PhD from the University of Minnesota in German Literature with a focus on travel literature to non-traditional locations.
Elizabeth Leibach has an extensive and diverse background in international admissions/recruitment, student/faculty advising, employment-based/student immigration services, and student success/development, retention and programming. Her career trajectory and path includes experiences and positions within large state, public and private institutions and an immigration legal practice. In her local community she served as the chair of the subcommittee on education, advocacy and communications for the Mayor’s International Affairs Advisory Commission in Lexington. Elizabeth has been a member of the NAFSA’s Trainer Corp since 2011 and has previously served on NAFSA’s Region VI team. At the national level she served on the ISS-RP Travel Subcommittee and as a NAFSA Whip representing Kentucky and Pennsylvania on the grassroots team. She was the first Whip to get a state resolution on international education passed in Pennsylvania, and she considers herself to be a passionate advocate for international education. Elizabeth is currently pursuing doctoral coursework in Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation with a focus on international comparative education at the University of Kentucky. She recently presented a paper at the Comparative International Education Society’s (CIES) annual conference in April 2021. Elizabeth is a Fulbright grantee (2014) and currently serves as the director of the international student and scholar services at the University of Kentucky. She has been with UKY since June 2012.
Bonnie’s career in international education spans over 20 years with roles within ESL, Admissions and most recently Director of Education Abroad. These roles have been both in public and private institutions and organizations. Her career was sparked by her own education abroad experience and further evolved through work and living experience in Turkey and Switzerland. The transformative results of international education have continued to inspire and nurture her work in the field. Having earned a BA in English at UNC-Chapel Hill and a MA in International Education from SIT Global Institute, Bonnie continues to be a student of the world.
Specialization Areas:
– Education Abroad and Exchange Management
– Partnership Development/Agreements
– Risk Management
Amy Bartnick Blume was a Butler University Chemistry major when she studied abroad at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia. She pivoted from this initial degree to her international higher education career by making the most of happenstance from study abroad. Over her years in education abroad, Amy worked in student advising, academic affairs, institutional engagement, and recruitment at the Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University (IFSA).
Amy received her Master’s in Public Affairs in Nonprofit Management at Indiana University and during that time worked at the Center for Urban Policy and the Environment. In her positions at IFSA, Amy engaged and connected with hundreds of students and institutions around the world to build partnerships, promote new education abroad models, and match curricular needs.
Traveling in the U.S. and to over 50 countries around the world, allows Amy the chance to constantly use and expand her intercultural learning. Amy has presented on appreciative advising, alumni engagement, and various topics in education abroad at NAFSA and Forum conferences. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, Amy has supported efforts in the field by volunteering on committees and as a mentor for underrepresented students.
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.
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
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 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.
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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.
