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Gateway
International Partnerships and Collaborations

Let Gateway help you enhance your global presence.

Institutions around the world are rapidly expanding their international partnerships and collaborations in order to extend academic offerings, boost their international profile, enhance faculty engagement in international research, increase international student and scholar mobility flows, generate revenue, and much more.

At Gateway, we understand the complexity of sourcing and securing international partnerships and collaborations. We understand the cost and time involved in this process as well as the commitment required to effectively sustain partnerships over time. Gateway’s services have been designed to assist institutions with selecting, establishing, and sustaining strategic international partnerships and collaborations. Let Gateway help you enhance your global presence.

Next Generation International Partnerships and Collaborations

The many changes to higher education in recent years have led to new thinking around the value and potential of international partnerships and linkages. While most institutions have traditionally focused their efforts on establishing student exchange agreements and collaborative-research partnerships, many institutions are actively exploring new ways of engaging.  This includes, for example, establishing academic continuity programs, forming collaborative degree programs, and setting up discipline-specific micro-campuses. With the mainstreaming of online learning, institutions are also increasingly engaged in COIL programming, course-level virtual exchange alliances, micro-credentialed programs, and blended learning off shore hubs.

Modern smart technology introduced by Industry 4.0 is transforming all facets of higher education, including international partnerships and collaborations. An array of educational organizations now provide savvy tools to assist institutions with the development and implementation of partnerships that include data and content management systems, interactive digital learning environments, and related platforms to facilitate international engagement.

In all respects, establishing and sustaining international partnerships and collaborations can be complex and requires considerable expertise and perseverance. Gateway is well-positioned to support institutions and organizations around the world with establishing and maintaining effective partnerships and collaborations.

Benefits of International Partnerships and Collaborations

Notwithstanding the financial benefits often associated with global engagement, there are many benefits to establishing a multi-faceted and diverse portfolio of international partnerships and collaborations. Most institutions and organizations pursue international partnerships and collaboration as a means to:

Our Services

Gateway’s services support both institutions and organizations who are just getting started with international partnerships, those that need reassurance and/or assessment regarding existing practices, and those that are ready to implement an aggressive approach to expanding their global footprint. No matter where your institution or organization is on that continuum – from “start-ups,” to “clean-ups,” to “expansion”, Gateway is here to help.

U.S. Colleges & Universities

Many U.S. colleges and universities have maintained the proverbial filing cabinet overflowing with memoranda of understanding that are either long forgotten, or outdated, and institutional exchange agreements that are woefully out-of-balance. Many agreements are singularly focused and lack multifaceted areas of collaboration that promote synergy across an institution and ensure sustainability. It is time to think differently. Gateway can provide assistance in areas such as:

International Institutions (Outside of the U.S.)

Institutions around the world that work within the U.S. higher education context are often bewildered by the vast number and diversity of institutions. Gateway can assist international institutions with boosting their engagement in the U.S. For example:

Higher Education Organizations

Supporting international higher education are a range of educational organizations that are eager to find new client institutions in the U.S., but often lack an essential network of connections. Gateway assists a wide array of higher education organizations, including EdTech companies, education abroad providers, language schools and others with enhancing the efficacy of their efforts vis-à-vis the North America market. For example:

Our Services

Gateway’s services support both institutions and organizations who are just getting started with international partnerships, those that need reassurance and/or assessment regarding existing practices, and those that are ready to implement an aggressive approach to expanding their global footprint. No matter where your institution or organization is on that continuum – from “start-ups,” to “clean-ups,” to “expansion”, Gateway is here to help.

U.S. Colleges & Universities

Many U.S. colleges and universities have maintained the proverbial filing cabinet overflowing with memoranda of understanding that are either long forgotten, or outdated, and institutional exchange agreements that are woefully out-of-balance. Many agreements are singularly focused and lack multifaceted areas of collaboration that promote synergy across an institution and ensure sustainability. It is time to think differently. Gateway can provide assistance in areas such as:

International Institutions (Outside of the U.S.)

Institutions around the world that work within the U.S. higher education context are often bewildered by the vast number and diversity of institutions. Gateway can assist international institutions with boosting their engagement in the U.S. For example:

Higher Education Organizations

Supporting international higher education are a range of educational organizations that are eager to find new client institutions in the U.S., but often lack an essential network of connections. Gateway assists a wide array of higher education organizations, including EdTech companies, education abroad providers, language schools and others with enhancing the efficacy of their efforts vis-à-vis the North America market. For example:

Partner Introduction Services

Gateway recognizes that institutions and organizations often need assistance with locating specific international partners to advance particular strategies or initiatives. Through our extensive international network, Gateway is well-positioned to assist with locating and facilitating introductions to potential partners, whether they be peer institutions, organizations, providers, etc. Our six-step strategy has been designed to support all aspects of selecting, forming and stewarding new partnerships.

Gateway will conduct an initial needs assessment of current practices and existing portfolio and may recommend new and/or expanded strategies for international partnerships and collaboration.
As needed, Gateway will assist with locating and vetting potential partners to complement an existing portfolio or seek new partners for specific areas of collaboration or initiatives.

Gateway will facilitate credible introductions to potential partners based on established criteria. Gateway’s goal will be to facilitate agreements between our client and potential partners.

Gateway can assist with contract negotiations to ensure a foundation for long-term success. Gateway can also assist with the development of agreements, articulation of academic coursework, enrollment management, etc.
Gateway can provide assistance as needed to ensure a smooth implementation of new partnerships. This may include faculty and staff training, application management, etc.
For particularly complex agreements, institutions may want to call upon Gateway to manage specific partnerships, which could include addressing any issues that may arise, assist with enrollment management, promotion, contract renewals, etc.

Gateway at Nafsa

Gateway Gatherings

Gateway can organize formal gatherings, such as luncheons or dinners, in tandem with major international education conferences held in the U.S., including NAFSA, AIEA, or the Forum on Education Abroad. Private events of this nature provide an intimate space at which our clients can demonstrate a commitment to enhancing thought leadership while also nurturing industry partnerships. Gateway manages all arrangements and extends invitations to well-placed professionals representing potential partners for our clients. Generally, guests will be invited from a list of conference participants that have potential for our client. Gateway will also assist with post-event follow-up, as needed. Also, a relevant and compelling theme is selected for the gathering that both serves to draw guests and demonstrate our client’s expertise. Gateway charges a set fee for its services. The client also covers all expenses associated with the event (e.g., meal, drinks, gratuities, room booking, materials and supplies, etc.). Gateway can also assist with delegation visits to the U.S. and abroad. We’re here to help.
"Working with Gateway makes Verto better as an organization. Tony & his team have helped us solve hard strategic problems, sign new partnerships and recruit key Executive staff. They know everything about the field of International Education, and every important person within the field. I look forward to working with them for years to come."
Verto Education

Our Expertise

Gateway is comprised of highly professional and seasoned international educators who bring years of experience in higher education and have extensive knowledge of international partnerships and collaborations. Gateway will assign a team of experienced partnership consultants and other operational staff as needed to fit your goals.

Rachid Bendriss, Ph.D.

Partnership Consultant

Dr. Rachid Bendriss is an international education expert with experience in program development, strengthening international partnerships and global initiatives. He is currently Associate Dean at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar. Previously, he was at the University of Central Florida and Valencia College. He is based in Qatar.

Nico Evers

Partnership Consultant

Mr. Nico Evers is an international education consultant, trainer, and researcher with three decades of experience in the field of internationalization of education, working in Europe, the US, Africa, and Latin America. He is based in Colombia.

Sabine Klahr

Partnership Consultant

Dr. Sabine Klahr has over twenty years of leadership experience in international education. She has served as the senior international officer at several institutions and is currently the Associate Vice Provost for Penn State Global. Dr. Klahr has served as president of AIEA. She is based in the U.S.

Yuichi Kondo

Partnership Consultant

Dr. Yuichi Kondo has over 30 years of experience in international higher education and is a respected expert around the world in areas related international partnerships, program development, intercultural training, student recruitment, and campus internationalization. He is based in Japan.

Mark Lazar

Partnership Consultant

Mr. Mark Lazar is a senior international educator with experience in strategic planning, project management, and global operations. He is experienced at leading large international teams and managing complex operations in locations across the globe. He is based in Germany.

Jesús Rosario

Partnership Consultant

Mr. Jesús Rosario is a Strategic Partnerships Executive at Coursera. Previously with QS, he supported universities globally with understanding the methodology of international rankings and devising data-driven institutional development strategies. He is based in the U.S.

Vibha Sharma

Partnership Consultant

Vibha Sharma’s has worked with World Learning, IES Abroad and the University of Chicago. She has led major grant programs for Fulbright- India to strengthen academic partnerships. Recently, she has worked with the United Nations on Gender and Migration. Vibha is based in India.

Working With Gateway

Gateway takes the time to understand your priorities and concerns so that we can provide the best service possible. Our process with new clients generally includes these steps:
1. Needs Assessment

We will conduct an initial intake call to discuss how best Gateway can support your needs.

2. Primary Liaison

Together, we will identify and assign primary liaisons to ensure effective and streamlined communication between Gateway and your institution or organization.

3. Agreement

We will negotiate a detailed services agreement in accordance with an agreed upon scope of services.

4. Initiation

Gateway will seek an introduction and orientation to your current systems, structures, and protocols vis-à-vis the scope of requested services.

5. Reporting

For all contracted services, as appropriate, Gateway will prepare written reports on services rendered and recommendations proposed.

6. Monitoring

Depending on the nature of the assignment, Gateway will conduct periodic review and assessment meetings to discuss provided services and make modifications as needed.

Our Costs

Gateway prioritizes efficiency and affordability in our pricing. Our prices are flexible and tailored, generally determined on institution type, geographic location, ability to pay for services, etc. Gateway is prepared to be as flexible as possible in the best interests of our partnerships. Contracts are typically fixed term and may also be incentivized with performance-based metrics.

Gateway International Group has made the commitment to allocate 3% of 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’s Virtual Education Abroad Office. 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.

Global University Rankings

Global university rankings have an increasing impact on higher education institutions, influencing, for example, the decisions of future international students in their choice of institutions, international degree recognition, the development of institutional partnerships and linkages, alumni loyalty, global brand recognition, faculty recruitment, etc. In short, rankings are perceived as a global measure of institutional quality and prestige and an institution’s absence can seriously hamper international aspirations. Gateway can assist institutions with leveraging global university rankings and subject-area rankings to their advantage.

Resources on International Partnerships and Collaborations

There are various organizations that provide software and related support for the maintenance of international partnerships and collaborations. Similarly, there are a number of excellent resources available on developing strategic international partnerships. Here are some examples:
Developing Strategic International Partnerships: Models for Initiating and Sustaining Innovative Institutional Linkages. Edited by Susan Buck Sutton and Daniel Obst.
Globalizing University Research: Innovation, Collaboration, and Competition. By Karen Holbrook and Kiki Caruson
Global Perspectives on International Joint and Double Degree Programs. Edited by Mathias Kuder, Nina Lemmens and Daniel Obst

NAFSA’s Guide to International Partnerships: Developing Sustainable Academic Collaborations. Edited by Jane Gatewood

U.S. Higher Education: A Brief Guide. Edited by Robin Matross Helms, Lucia Brajkovic, Kara Godwin, and Nico Evers.

Organizations Representing New Directions in International Partnerships

If you’d like to learn more about these innovative organizations, please let us know.

QS MoveOn is a platform that enables institutions to more effectively build and managed international partnerships and linkages. MoveOn can be quickly deployed and is highly customizable, making it easier for staff to update online portals, forms, dashboards or reports.
Grow your international student recruitment efforts easily and efficiently with Shorelight’s exclusive technology and service platform. Combining robust student data with proven international education expertise and award-winning student services, Shorelight offers one practical solution that meets all of your international student enrollment goals.

Verto Education offers the first year education abroad programming. Participants can gain admission to Verto’s 70+ partner institutions, where the credits earned while abroad count towards graduation. Participants have many options available after their time with Verto, allowing them to stay on track to graduate.

Podium Education is the leader in experiential global learning partnering with institutions to deliver The Global Tech Experience. GTX provides all students, regardless of academic discipline or ability to travel, with intercultural savvy, in-demand tech skills, and project-based work experiences with leading organizations like charity:water, The Grammys, and SpaceX.
Boston Education Group partners with leading institutions to provide a range of educational services and programs primarily targeting Chinese higher education students. With affiliated operations in China, its mission is to support students seeking high-quality, educational opportunities around the world.

InUni serves as a comprehensive educational platform connecting students, universities, and recruitment partners around the world. With a focus on personalized solutions catering to the distinct needs of each institution, InUni specializes in promoting student diversity, driving international enrollment growth, and establishing campuses in key locations.

Our Diversity Promise

Gateway International Group recognizes our responsibility to foster an open and welcoming environment for all to thrive personally and professionally in a global society. We are committed to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and accountability. Diversity enriches our professional community and is a driving force instrumental to our collective success and the fulfillment of Gateway’s mission. We commit to engaging in an ongoing dialogue to thoughtfully respond to the changing realities of our increasingly interconnected world. We will continually strive to work together to address the challenges of the future in a way that removes barriers to success and promotes a culture of inclusivity, compassion and mutual respect.

Let's get started

Gateway stands ready to work with you on providing affordable, cost-effective solutions to meet your needs. Contact us today to start the conversation and learn more about our innovative approaches to international partnerships and collaborations. So that we can connect you with the appropriate Gateway professional, please complete this brief intake form.

Rachid Bendriss

AFFILIATE

Dr. Rachid Bendriss is an ESL faculty and Assistant Dean for Student Recruitment, Outreach, and Foundation programs at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). He graduated from the University of Central Florida (UCF) with an MA in TESOL and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership. Dr. Bendriss provides a dynamic and forward-looking leadership to attract underrepresented student talent through innovative pathway programs and engaged relationship-building. To strengthen long-term partnerships with education stakeholders, Dr. Bendriss established creative initiatives focused on effective college readiness for prospective students, yielding a significant number of highly motivated applicants from Qatar, the GCC, and the entire MENA region.

Prior to joining WCM-Q, Dr. Bendriss was a faculty member at Valencia College and UCF, where he also assumed several administrative leadership roles, such as Assistant Director for the Center for Multilingual Multicultural Studies and the International Services Center, leading institutional global initiatives to internationalize curricula.

At WCM-Q, Dr. Bendriss serves as chair and member of numerous committees, task forces, and advisory boards focused on curriculum reform, admissions, student research experience, educational technology, academic readiness, and student advising. Dr. Bendriss has lectured and written extensively on the internationalization of higher education, recruitment and enrollment management, academic English development, information fluency, and college readiness.

A scholar-practitioner, Dr. Bendriss received the prestigious U.S. Department of State Fulbright Award of International Education, the distinguished Florida Association of International Education Annual Award, and multiple Teaching Excellence Awards.

Gateway Service Areas:

– Student recruitment and outreach
– Program and curriculum development
– Higher education administration and leadership
– ESL and foundation programs

Nico Evers

Affiliate

Nico Evers is an international education consultant, trainer, and researcher with three decades of experience in the field of internationalization of education, working in Europe, the US, Africa, and Latin America. Most recently he worked as Director of Higher Education Services at the Council of International Schools, where he led all aspects of Higher Education membership globally and its interface with member schools. Prior to joining CIS he worked for nine years as Director of International Academic Relations and Professor of Global Internships at EARTH University, Costa Rica. He enjoys contributing to the international education field as a researcher, member of NAFSA’s trainer corps, and peer reviewer of The Journal of Studies in International Education (JSIE), Frontiers journal, and QUIP.

Sabine Klahr

AFFILIATE

Dr. Sabine C. Klahr has over twenty years of leadership experience in international higher education. She is currently the Associate Vice Provost for Penn State Global at The Pennsylvania State University after serving in international education leadership roles at several higher education institutions in the United States. Her doctorate focused on international education leadership and included a dissertation on the integration of education abroad in engineering education. Dr. Klahr was President of the Association for International Education Administrators (AIEA) and has served in volunteer leadership roles for other major international education associations. She regularly contributes her expertise and knowledge of trends and issues in the field of international education via publications, consulting, and presentations.

Gateway Service Areas:

– Internationalization strategy
– International partnerships
– Integrating global learning in the curriculum,
– Trends and current issues in international higher education leadership

Dr. Yuichi Kondo

AFFILIATE

Dr. Yuichi Kondo received his degree from the University of Minnesota majoring in intercultural communication and international education. While in his tenure at Nanzan University, he was responsible for managing the international office and developing a large intercultural immersion program and a system of international student recruitment. After he moved to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in 2006, he also designed several intercultural programs and campus internationalization scheme for the university. While working on the outbound programs, he also served as the Dean of Admissions for 9 and a half years being responsible for the recruitment of both Japanese and non-Japanese students. Professionally, he has been active in a few professional international education organization such as APAIE, JAFSA, and NAFSA.

Mark Lazar

AFFILIATE

Mark S. Lazar is a senior international education expert and non-profit leader, with experience in new business development, strategic planning, program design and management, relationship management and global operations, As President and Co-Founder of Open World Solutions (OWS), Mark assists higher education institutions and global organizations to develop impactful international education initiatives.

Prior to OWS, he worked at the Institute of International Education (IIE) for 25 years, rising to the level of Vice President and serving as a key member of the organization’s leadership team. During his time at IIE, he implemented successful new education and scholarship programs with the U.S. State Department, NYU, GE, Alcoa, Rockefeller Foundation, Schwarzman Scholars Program and many others. Mark is also experienced at leading large international teams and managing operations in locations across the globe.

Jesús Rosario

AFFILIATE

Jesús Rosario is a Strategic Partnerships Executive at Coursera. He works closely on projects aimed at helping promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and support alternative admission pathways for disadvantaged students. His work incorporates pursuing new partnerships, strategic business development, and designing solutions to support universities in online learning, student recruitment and retention, micro-credentialing, and internationalization.

Before his role at Coursera, Jesús served as a Regional Director at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the QS World University Rankings publisher in London. He supported university leadership globally in understanding the methodology of international rankings and devising data-driven institutional development strategies. He also worked as a consultant supporting universities to increase international student recruitment and improve their branding among academic peers, students, and employers.

Vibha Sharma

AFFILIATE

Vibha Sharma has been active in the field of international education for more than two decades.  Her professional journey encompasses study abroad; administration – especially partnership building; and consultancy. A notable assignment was with the University of Chicago where she worked with the senior leadership of the university as Consultant, to establish a University of Chicago Academic Center in Delhi. Prior to that, she served as Director, Office of U.S. – India Higher Education Cooperation at U.S. India Education Foundation, established at the behest of the State Department of the U.S. government. She has also worked with IES Abroad (Chicago) and World Learning’s School of International Training (Brattleboro, Vermont). Most recently, she has participated in United Nations regional deliberations in Manila and in Kathmandu, on the subject of regularizing international Migration.

Vibha has studied in Delhi University and has a background in English Literature and Communications.  She has been the recipient of an Australian Government Scholarship Award and has done graduate studies work in Murdoch University and also at McGill University. She lives in India with her husband; their one son is currently a working actor in Hollywood and Toronto.

Gateway Service Areas:

– Partnerships & linkages(India)
– International campus development
– International student recruitment (South Asia)
– Education abroad

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.

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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.