Q&A: Exploring the International Office's Renewed Vision

We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Steve Marshall and Kristiana Sibson, who shared their insights on recent developments, challenges, and exciting opportunities ahead in our International Office, shaping the Faculty’s global strategy and fostering partnerships.

Q: Can you tell us about the return of the International Office? What has the experience been like so far?

Steve & Kristiana: The experience has been nothing short of energizing, a true 'homecoming' for our Faculty. We’re pursuing opportunities to reconnect with institutional partners and exploring new research and collaboration opportunities worldwide, including in Mexico, Spain, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and Chile, among others.  However, we acknowledge that external factors can pose challenges, like the impact of fluctuating currency exchange and interest rates on affordability for students.

Q: Tell us about your roles and how you work together.

Steve: Part of my role as Associate Dean, Research and International, is about overseeing our Faculty's international strategy, but also about establishing and maintaining partnerships, and fostering research collaborations that have a significant impact on our institution's global presence.

Kristiana: As the Manager, International, I work with the Associate Dean, Research & International to identify interests and areas of opportunity within our Faculty, researching potential institutional partners, and support strategic planning and collaborative activities.  I also support the design, coordination, and administration of international programs developed within the Faculty of Education, developing program itineraries and budgets, coordinating logistics, and monitoring program delivery. My role also includes:

• Preparing documentation for international activities;

• Supporting program areas with international promotions and recruitment strategy;

• Liaising with internal and external departments related to global services and education; and,

• Coordinating meetings with visiting researchers and partners.

Q: Can you share any recent developments or partnerships?

Steve & Kristiana: We're excited about hosting two short-term non-credit programs this summer. The first is a Knowledge Exchange for doctoral students from the Education University of Hong Kong. This program aims to facilitate the sharing of ideas and collaborative research between our institutions through a variety of workshops, facilitated discussions and student presentations. The second is the Madrid Educational Leadership Program, developed for bilingual coordinators and school administrators visiting from Spain in July. Additionally, Steve will be visiting partner institutions in Japan and Singapore to explore opportunities for future programs.

Q: What can we expect from the International Office in the coming months?

Kristiana: We're eagerly planning a series of meetings with the program areas across the Faculty to better understand their needs and how we can support them and identify potential opportunities. Expect a flurry of activity, especially when our visitors are on campus! We're also developing a strategic international engagement plan emphasizing ethical practice, sustainability, and reciprocity, which we're excited to begin later this year.