Blog Posts - StudyUSA Global

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Rebecca Hawk

3/6/2023

Director Academic English Language Programs
Framingham State University

What inspired you to work in this field?
For several years, I was working internationally on environmental and policy problems and at the same time teaching English language skills to people from around the world. This dual perspective helped me see how critical good communication skills are for involving people from everywhere to solve the global problems that now face the world. English provides the common language for promoting this communication.

What are the challenges you've faced?
I have worked for more than 10 years at a wonderful university with a rich history in educating students to achieve great things. We have highly qualified instructors who have traveled the world and contribute unique qualifications for teaching international communication skills. The challenge is making sure that people who would like to improve their English language skills hear about our Academic English Language Programs and come to our campus for learning.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?
I would like to continue expanding our program of language instruction so that more students will benefit from gaining language skills, confidence, and knowing how to engage in further international education. My goal is to help every student who comes to us to contribute more to their families, their communities, their countries, and the world.

If you can give 1 or 2 pieces of advice to our prospective international students, what would it be?

If you have a dream of studying in the USA, don’t let anything obstruct you. Do not give up. It is not easy, but accepting the challenge of study abroad will be worthwhile during the experience and throughout the rest of your life! I have personally seen this dream being realized by thousands of students who have overcome difficulties to get to the USA and to complete their degrees or improve their careers.
Students should know they are not alone in this experience. At Framingham State University, we have staff and instructors who really care and help students succeed.

Jennifer Haddad, M.Ed.

3/6/2023

UCF Global Program, Director of Engagement
University of Central Florida Program

What inspired you to work in this field?
I love this quote by Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I have spent my career devoted to this belief, and it’s the source of my inspiration — for 30 years in the field of education, I have held tightly to this belief. I see the opportunity to work in my current position as one more way to actively advance this cause — to use education as a vehicle to transform lives. I’m always excited to see what we can do together as people (and as organizations and entities) to be a part of inspiring, empowering, and serving others.

What are the challenges you've faced?
Fear of the unknown — time has taught me that you need to look fear in the face, persevere through it because what awaits on the other side is peace and contentment!

What do you hope to achieve in the future?
As the international hub for the University of Central Florida, we at UCF Global align our mission with that of the university — “Unleashing Potential.” We aspire to be a campus without boundaries, with a commitment to the development of an educated citizenry, attention to talent-needs internationally as well as in our region and state, and integration of high impact practices that prepare learners for the workforce of the future.

I hope to continue the efforts with UCF Global in unleashing an individual’s potential by making high-quality language learning affordable and accessible.

If you can give 1 or 2 pieces of advice to our prospective international students, what would it be?
Build trusting relationships (personally and professionally)
I have learned from my experience on the journey of parenthood that I carry into my work life — the value of building trusting relationships in safe environments, one in which you can own a mistake, in a space that honors mistakes as stepping stones for learning.

Find a “happy place” to recharge and create balance
I grew up spending all my summers on the beach, which I fondly refer to as my happy place — the ocean. Not only do I frequently travel to the beach for relaxation and down time with my family and friends, but I also find the ocean is the place that I go to create the balance in my life. Whenever I need to come up with sound solutions to fix a problem — not quick answers to problems — I have found that time alone at the ocean clears my mind and puts me in the right-thinking space to be open to ideas and balance.

Michelle Kowalsky Goodfellow

3/6/2023

Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management
Western New England University

What inspired you to work in this field?
I love being able to make an impact on young people’s lives. I also think that it is so important for people to interact and meet people from all over the world. Having this opportunity to engage with people who are different from ourselves is the best way to promote, and ultimately to initiate, global understanding and peace.

What are the challenges you've faced?
In international education, it is important to stay on top of everything that is happening around the world and constantly be learning. This can be a challenge as the world is a very large place, but it is also an exciting opportunity!

What do you hope to achieve in the future?
I hope to achieve a more diverse international population on our campus that allows both the international students coming to our campus as well as our domestic students to have enriching experiences that will forever shape their lives.

If you can give 1 or 2 pieces of advice to our prospective international students, what would it be?

Use your resources — those of us who work in international education/admission enjoy interacting with you and helping you through the process so don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We want to hear from you!

Explore your options. There are lots of great schools, such as Western New England University, that you may have never heard of but they will provide you with a great U.S. education. Do some research and learn about all the various options that you have!

Stephanie Davis Goad, M.S.

3/6/2023

Sr. Coordinator International Admissions & Recruitment
Missouri Southern State University

What inspired you to work in this field?
I’ve always had a curiosity and love for other cultures, and the more I worked with international students, the more I fell in love with helping them adjust and adapt to life in the U.S. They are so far from home and away from everything that is familiar to them, so I am super passionate about helping set them up to succeed here.

What are the challenges you've faced?
Some of the biggest challenges have been getting scholarships to offset the cost for international students, but we have made huge strides. We now offer automatic scholarships to international students who qualify, so it’s great to be able to remove some of the barriers for them.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?
In the future I hope to serve even more international students on our campus and to establish an international alumni network.

If you can give 1 or 2 pieces of advice to our prospective international students, what would it be?
Find a program and a school that is a right fit for you academically, financially and socially. It is important to have a supportive network between the staff, the other students, and the community in which a college or university is housed. Be sure to attend orientation so you can be set up for success. Get involved and if possible, join a university that partners with local families so you can have that family connection and someone to provide additional support. This is something we are proud of at Missouri Southern State University. We have a huge network of friendship families and conversation partners, if students choose to sign up for one.

Abbi Gilbertson

3/6/2023

Associate Director International Marketing Office of International Programs
Edmonds College

What inspired you to work in this field?
My time as an International Student Mentor back in college helped set me on my career path and sparked my passion for international higher education. I love international students. I’m forever inspired by their experiences, their commitment to their education, their curiosity, their courage, and the values that come from culture sharing.

What are the challenges you've faced?
One challenge I’ve faced is the assumption that I am under qualified because of my age or “looking young.” I recall an experience a few years out of college where I was to give a presentation to faculty, and it was assumed I was only there to distribute bottled water. I happily did so before I walked up to the front and started my presentation.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?
I had my first child last year. My daughter. When I think of the future, I think of her. I think of the world we will live in. I hope that I will inspire her to lead with kindness, to always make room at the table for more, and to enjoy exploring this colorful world.

If you can give 1 or 2 pieces of advice to our prospective international students, what would it be?
You are already doing something incredibly brave by pursuing your education in a foreign country. Do your research, work hard, explore, and have fun!

Clarisa Figueroa

3/6/2023

Regional Marketing Director, Americas Region
QS Quacquarelli Symonds

What inspired you to work in this field?
As a Latina born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Puerto Rico, I feel like I was never fully aware of all the opportunities available for my professional and personal growth. I can say my main inspiration has been being able to share the opportunities with potential candidates of higher education and connecting them with schools, influencers in the industry, and organizations eager to help them maximize their potential.

What are the challenges you've faced?
I will say Spanish being my first language was more of a personal challenge. I believe it mentally prevented me from pursuing a master’s degree sooner in life or even pursuing higher paying or higher level jobs. I assumed that was a barrier that would not allow me to move forward. Once I realized it was all in my head and being bilingual was a value more than a roadblock, it really helped my professional and personal confidence.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?
My goal is to inspire other Afro-Latinas like myself. Whether that is to grow in their business, inspire them to maximize their education, or become an inspiration for others to follow. My biggest goal to achieve is for my children and family to be proud of my contribution to society and of leaving a footprint for others. I also would like to maximize my education, so my children, nieces, and nephews know that the sky is the limit.

If you can give 1 or 2 pieces of advice to our prospective international students, what would it be?
I would suggest for them to surround themselves with like-minded individuals. Our paths are never the same but their stories might have some similarities and can bring you support. I would also advise them to be confident about all the things they have to bring to the table. Also, maintain your focus on the goal and everything else will fall into place.

Linda Du, M.S.

3/6/2023

International Programs Manager International Education Department
Shoreline Community College

What inspired you to work in this field?
As a former international student myself who received a lot of support and benefited from studying in the U.S., I want to help international students and promote international education. I hope everyone will get to explore the world and celebrate cultural diversity as a global citizen.

What are the challenges you've faced?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is helping students with limited resources (internet, funding, support network, etc.) enjoy and complete their studies smoothly and successfully.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?
I hope to collaborate with other international educators to increase the accessibility of international study programs.

If you can give 1 or 2 pieces of advice to our prospective international students, what would it be?
Dream big and don’t be afraid to ask your questions. Try to find a few mentors — you can learn a lot from them.

Jennifer Currie

3/6/2023

Director, International Student & Scholar Services
Bridgewater State University

What inspired you to work in this field?
I began my career in international education almost by accident as I was placed in a Global Education office through a temp agency right after I graduated with my undergraduate degree. I stayed because I quickly fell in love with all the opportunities to help students; I realized I loved being a small piece in their journey whether it was personal or professional. It’s something that keeps me motivated and loving the work that I do.

What are the challenges you've faced?
The pandemic!?? I think that was a huge moment for our field and we are still not seeing the full effects of this on the student experiences. The fact that the global community has been so impacted in so many ways is something we are all dealing with and will take time to overcome.

When I think challenges in general I think of how dimensional our work is — it’s immigration documents, holistic advising, connecting students and scholars to mental health resources, getting them to the nearest dentist, triaging a medical emergency, checking consistently to make sure students are still enrolled in classes so they maintain status, working with Residence Life on roommate conflicts, working with outside health insurance providers to help students navigate the intricacies of our U.S. healthcare system. You name it, we do it! It’s being the connecting hub for all things for our visiting students and scholars; it’s the best and most challenging part all at the same time.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?
I hope to still be in a position where I can interact regularly with students and advocate for better experiences for them whether that be expanded curricular options or scholarship and funding opportunities. I hope to see an increase in international students coming to Bridgewater State University and see them continue to enrich our campus by sharing their experiences and cultures. I hope to see our world open back up and be even more inclusive and welcoming of the diversity of international students and scholars.

If you can give 1 or 2 pieces of advice to our prospective international students, what would it be?
Take the leap, come to the U.S., and immerse yourself in all of the things! Take the courses you are interested in, go on that off-campus trip, visit the downtown of the new town or city you are studying in! Don’t miss out on the opportunities because you might feel shy or out of place — many of the domestic students are likely in the same position of being new to college or location.

Also, while our education system may be different from your home country and our culture different, you may feel overwhelmed at first but there is so much wonderful learning that can happen. Remember that it’s a two-way street; you will come to the U.S. to learn about life here but what you will teach others about yourself and your culture is incredibly important and valuable!

Natalie J. Brown, Ph.D.

3/6/2023

Natalie J. Brown, Ph.D., has a career in international education, and her newest role is as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development and Community Colleges at the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).

What has inspired you during your career?
I have been inspired by each student I have met with and the families that support them in studying abroad and seeing the world. I know it sounds cliche, but the world is truly getting smaller, and our global connections will strengthen our prospects for the future, both individually and collectively.

Marina Brito

3/6/2023

Partnerships Manager, Americas
QS Quacquarelli Symonds

What inspired you to work in this field?
With my marketing background, I wanted to choose a field that I could inspire and move people. Working in international higher education, I found that I could empower motivated students through my creativity and encourage them to pursue higher education.

What are the challenges you've faced?
A personal challenge I have faced as a woman in my career is finding the work/life balance. Finding the balance in working hard to play hard and reaping the rewards of the sacrifice. A work challenge I have found is getting to know your audience and how to reach them. Working with different cultures and countries shows you the importance they have of getting a higher education.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?
Through my work, I hope to inspire students to pursue higher education. Help them set a career path with meeting their goals and education needs.

If you can give 1 or 2 pieces of advice to our prospective international students, what would it be?
The first piece of advice I would give to a prospective international student would be, to work on their resume or digital portfolio. Begin a digital footprint of your work that will impress universities and future employers. Update it constantly.