Gateway
International Student and Scholar Services
Gateway is your partner for enhancing international student and scholar services.
Gateway
International Student and Scholar Services
Gateway is your partner for enhancing international student and scholar services.
When international students and scholars are warmly welcomed and fully engaged on our campuses, they contribute in ways that help prepare all learners as next generation leaders who can effectively work across languages, cultures, and borders to solve shared global challenges. International students and scholars enrich our classrooms, campuses, and communities with unique and diverse perspectives. They contribute to our research and teaching capacity and increase our prestige and position in the competition for global talent. That is why it is so critical, especially during the current context where change and adaptation are constant, for institutions to assess all aspects of their international student and scholar programs and services and to enhance them as needed to meet current and future challenges.
At Gateway, we understand the complexity of international student and scholar services. We understand the cost and time involved in recruiting the best and brightest students and scholars from around the world as well as the commitment and resources required to effectively support their success upon arrival. Gateway offers tailored consulting services to institutions to enhance quality enhancement efforts and support services for international students and scholars. Our services span the full spectrum of a typical international student and scholar office, including international student recruitment strategy, admissions and enrollment management, immigration compliance and reporting, student orientation and support, and more. Let Gateway assist with enhancing your international student and scholar services.
Successful ISSS offices actively seek to contribute to the home institution’s comprehensive internationalization efforts by providing opportunities for intercultural learning and engagement.
Successful ISSS offices provide programming to support international student and scholar inclusion and adjustment to the academic, cultural and social life of U.S. higher education.
In this new era of higher education, colleges and universities must be intentional about supporting international students and scholars. This requires designing and implementing high-quality programs and services targeting the student lifecycle from pre-matriculation through graduation and beyond. Such efforts have been shown to boost enrollment yield rates, increase first-to-second year retention rates, enhance graduation rates, and support the academic and social inclusion of students.
Gateway’s services have been designed for institutions who are just getting started, those that need reassurance and/or assessment regarding existing practices, and those that are ready to implement a more holistic and multidimensional approach to international student and scholar programming and services. No matter where your institution is on that continuum – from “start-ups,” to “clean-ups,” to “ramp-ups” – Gateway is here to help.
Gateway has developed a comprehensive Quality Enhancement Program that is focused on assessing and improving alignment with best practices in international student and scholar services. Gateway’s QEP is an objective, independent review system, informed by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) standards for self-assessment and program review for international student programs and services. Gateway’s QEP is also informed by the professional competences noted by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and student engagement data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), specifically those related to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Gateway’s QEP is intended for U.S. institutions that host international students and scholars.
The Gateway QEP focuses on three broad areas central to the primary functions and operations of any successful ISSS office.
It is difficult for most institutions to stay apprised of the complex and dynamic issues associated with enrolling international students, welcoming international scholars, or employing nonresident aliens. Although our professional associations provide helpful resources, there are very few sources for specific advice and information, and yet penalties for noncompliance with federal laws can be severe. Gateway can assist institutions with the detailed information needed when enrolling international students and scholars.
Gateway consultants will confidentially discuss your questions and provide advice and recommendations as appropriate based on current trends and industry best practice. Some topics areas may include:
Gateway is well positioned to provide customized training and development on most all aspects of international student and scholar services. Gateway tailors its training and development programming to meet the needs of our clients institutions, which includes delivering programs on-site or virtually. Gateway’s core programs include “how to” workshops on SEVIS certification and compliance, immigration basics (e.g., F-1 for beginners) and filing employment-based immigration petitions (H-1B, TN, O).
Gateway consultants have extensive professional experience and expertise in key areas related to international student and scholar services and are ready to offer next generation programs in areas such as the following:
Your Source for Experienced Designated School Officials (DSO) and Responsible Officers (RO)
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 student enrollment flows. These challenges have led some institutions to reduce staffing, consolidate job responsibilities, and reorganize offices. Despite these challenges, institutions that enroll international students have an ongoing legal commitment to comply with certain federal laws and regulations and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requirements.
At Gateway, we understand the complex nature of international student and scholar services (ISSS) and know that institutions often find themselves in need of hard-to-find international expertise. This is where Gateway comes in—we can provide short-term, ISSS staffing to support operations and ensure continuity of international student and scholar services during times of transition or during seasonal periods of peak demand. For institutions that need the flexibility of bringing on temporary or seasonal support without having to hire permanent staffing, Gateway provides provisional ISSS services that align with the requirements set forth by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Gateway International Group has developed and successfully implemented a proven system to source certified Designated School Officials (DSO) and Responsible Officers (RO) 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. Gateway has a team of experienced DSOs/ROs on standby who are ready to provide remote ISSS services anywhere in the United States. Placements may vary from just a few hours per week up to full-time positions and can focus on most any aspect of international student and scholar services.
Gateway works with a diverse array of public and private high schools, colleges and universities around the United States, including academic units within institutions. Gateway supports institutions who are just getting started and those that need reassurance regarding existing practices. Our services are customized to our partner institutions’ needs and budgets. Although, Gateway’s ISSS services are designed for institutions located in the United States, we may be able support institutions and organizations abroad with developing programming and services that align with U.S. expectations for international students and scholars. We are here to help.
Gateway’s services should not be perceived as legal counsel or advice, but rather as a tool to help your institution align with best practices in the international student and scholar services. Gateway is well-equipped to provide trusted guidance, but ultimately our client institution must determine whether to implement any recommendations provided by Gateway.
With over 25 years in international higher education, Mr. David Clubb is a well-respected leader in international education. He currently serves as Director of the Cranwell International Center at Virginia Tech, where he is responsible for leading strategic initiatives designed to support the comprehensive internationalization of the university.
Ms. Elizabeth Leibach has an extensive background in international admissions, student and scholar advising, employment-based immigration law, and international programming. An active member of NAFSA since 1997, she currently serves as Director of International Student & Scholar Services at the University of Kentucky.
Julie has worked in the field of international education for over 15 years. She has extensive experience advising international students and scholars on non-immigrant visa categories, as well as filing employment-based permanent residency petitions for faculty and staff.
Ravi Ammigan, Associate Provost for International Programs at the University of Delaware, leads internationalization strategy with 23+ years of experience. He’s a faculty member at UD School of Education, with research focusing on international students’ experiences, authoring numerous articles and co-editing books.
Gateway International Group proudly allocates 3% of all revenue to support international learning and engagement. We have designated the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) as a recipient of these funds. 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. Meet the recipients of the Gateway International Group Education Abroad Scholarship.
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. James Dorsett has spent most of his 25 years in international higher education solving problems, creating new programs, and developing great staffs. He currently serves as director of the Office of International Education at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, where he oversees exchange partnerships, study abroad programs, and international student and scholar services.
Much of Dr. Dorsett’s work at MICA has focused on refining current and developing new partnerships and creating new policies for dealing with international risk management, hiring international faculty, and supporting international students and scholars. Before coming to Baltimore, Dr. Dorsett directed international student and scholar offices at Michigan State University, Iowa State University, and Wayne State University. He also served as interim Dean of Students for a year at Iowa State.
Dr. Dorsett has been active throughout his career in NAFSA: the Association of International Educators, serving on the association’s Board of Directors 2018 – 2020. His NAFSA involvement also included serving in the chair stream of the Knowledge Community for International Student and Scholar Services and of Region V, as member of the Leadership Development Committee, Region V regulatory ombudsperson, Academy Class II mentor, and presenter of over 30 NAFSA sessions and workshops, ranging from F and J regulations, management, technology, and international student adaptation.
Dr. Dorsett has developed some innovative programs for international students. At Iowa State, he created and obtained funding for a leadership training and scholarship program for international sophomore students to develop the knowledge and confidence for campus leadership roles. Dr. Dorsett worked with the student government to create a student-led, student-funded mentoring program between international and domestic students. Finally, he designed a required first-year experience course for new international undergraduate students, which he analyzed for his quantitative dissertation study. At Michigan State, Dr. Dorsett created workshops for faculty to help them improve instruction to international students and to assist international faculty with the difficulties of adjusting to the US and American academic culture.
Dr. Dorsett’s degrees include a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Iowa State University, an MA in Russian history and a master of education in higher education from Indiana University, as well as BAs in history and English from Baylor University. He has lived and worked in Germany, Russia, and the Netherlands, and is scheduled to participate in the International Education Administrators Fulbright program to South Korea in 2022.
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.
Julie has worked in the field of international education for over 15 years. She has extensive experience advising international students and scholars on non-immigrant visa categories, as well as filing employment-based permanent residency petitions for faculty and staff. Her background includes experience with foreign credential evaluation, oversight of education abroad activities, and approval for international travel to high-risk areas. As an active member of the NAFSA Trainer Corps, Julie has presented workshops on F-1, J-1, and H-1B visa categories, as well as prevailing wage determinations. She currently serves as the Chair of the on the NAFSA leadership team, Knowledge Community for International Student and Scholar Services (KC ISSS) and completed her roles as the International Scholar Advising (ISCA) Network Leader and Past Chair of the NAFSA Healthcare Institutions Interest Group (HIIG). She has presented over 40 sessions at local, regional, and annual conferences and serves as an external consultant. Prior to coming to Vanderbilt, Julie worked at UT Health San Antonio, the University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus and Florida International University. Her honors include selection as a Fulbright Scholar in Germany from 2004 to 2005 and serving on the board of the Colorado and San Antonio chapters of the Fulbright Association.
Gateway Service Areas:
Ravi Ammigan serves as Associate Provost for International Programs at the University of Delaware. With over 23 years of experience in the field of international higher education, he currently leads his institution’s internationalization strategy and global engagement portfolio. Ravi Ammigan holds a faculty appointment in the UD School of Education, where his main research focuses on the academic, social, and cultural experiences of international students at higher education institutions globally. He has authored and co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed articles and is a regular speaker at international education conferences worldwide. Ammigan is editor and co-editor of the books “Cross-Cultural Narratives: Stories and Experiences of International Students” (2021); “COVID-19 and Higher Education in the Global Context: Exploring Contemporary Issues and Challenges” (2022); and “Supporting International Students in U.S. Higher Education: A Theory-Based Approach” (2024). He holds an MA in Communication from Michigan State University and a PhD in Higher Education Internationalization from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan.
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.
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.
