It’s Not Just About the Students: Community-based Programs and Global Inclusion

2022 Global Inclusion Conference Concurrent Session

If we think about the impact of study abroad programs only on students, we are missing half the equation. The impact on local communities is just as important. By being aware of this dynamic, we have the opportunity to make study abroad anti-colonial, and the community-based model is our best opportunity to do so. Community-based programs are more authentic, impactful, and immersive than traditional programs for students. Equally important, they provide a positive economic and social impact on the host community. Co-presenting with Stephen F. Austin State University, for whom Learn from Travel designed and operated a faculty-led program in a remote part of Panama, we will define community-based global education, provide tools to design impactful programs, and share a framework for evaluating impact.

Presenters:

• Roman Yavich – Learn from Travel
• William Forbes – Department of Anthropology, Geography & Sociology, Stephen F. Austin State University
• Grace Galloway – Learn from Travel

Building Programming and Dialogues on Race and Racism with International Students and Scholars

2022 Global Inclusion Conference Concurrent Session

In order to support the wellbeing of international students and scholars (ISS), we have an obligation as international educators to engage them in dialogue about issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the United States. This session aims to highlight issues that specifically affect international students, such as the experience of being racialized, being part of a racial minority for the first time, or being confronted with continued xenophobia or racism. At the same time, it aims to unpack the assumptions about race and identity international students bring with them to the U.S. Through interactive exercises, lectures, and small group conversation, participants will understand the value of holding these dialogues, and leave with tools as to how to implement such practices at their institutions.

Presenters:

• Jennifer Ready – New York University
• Jeremy Gombin-Sperling – The Fulbright Program

Equity & Inclusion for Refugees in Higher Education

2022 Global Inclusion Conference Concurrent Session

Currently, 5% of refugees enroll in higher education, far below the global average of 39% for non-refugees. UNHCR, along with the global education community has set a goal of 15by30; 15% of refugees will access higher education by 2030. Yet, as new conflicts and crises continue to drive displacement of individuals from their homes, this target becomes ever more challenging, but also more critical.

As universities continue to embrace inclusion and access in their post-pandemic internationalization efforts, considerations must be given to refugees. In this session, we will share foundational information on challenges faced by refugees, highlight case studies of institutions intentionally including refugees in their globalization efforts, and engage participants in breakout discussions on how to incorporate refugee students in university globalization strategies.

Presenters:

• Linda Liu – College Board
• Habso Mohamud – Muina International Education
• Kyle Farmbry, JD, PhD – Guilford College

Coalition Building to Create Access Utilizing a Pan-African Study Abroad Model

2022 Global Inclusion Conference Concurrent Session

This session introduces a unique study abroad model designed to innovate coalition building initiatives as an effective approach to eliminate the persistent gap to access to study abroad among underrepresented groups among HBCUs. To facilitate the conversation, panelists will present the case of the HBCU Africa Education Coalition (HAEC) 100,000 Strong Africa Initiative and present qualitative and quantitative impact data gathered in Summer 2022. Panelists will share implications for future policy and practice as well as potential impacts to student development and the expansion of globalization.

Presenters:

• Marisa A. Gray – Division of International Affairs | Office of Study Abroad, Morgan State University
• Beverly Booker Ammah – 3GC, Inc.
• Mark Brinkley – Office of International Affairs & Global Learning, Tennessee State University

Creating and Maintaining Success and Belonging for International Students Through Global Connections

2022 Global Inclusion Conference Concurrent Session

The field of international education has seen an increase in the need to support international students, beyond immigration and academics. As institutions aim to increase the diversity of students who attend their schools, practitioners must find innovative ways to prepare students for what they may encounter at their U.S. institution. This session will spur practitioners to actively explore strategies that support diverse international student populations, and empower students with tools to assist them in navigating across differences, to become trailblazers and future global leaders. Participants will engage in meaningful discussion, share ideas and resources, create a virtual list of best practices to create spaces, and will identify their campus collaborators and thought partners.

Presenters:

• Rayna Minnigan Harris – Center for Immigration Services & Support, Wake Forest University
• Tara Grischow – Center for Immigration Services & Support, Wake Forest University