Nota Bene: Building Momentum in International Studies

Most of you are aware that I am a strong advocate for study-away and international experiences as part of a comprehensive liberal arts education. Throughout my career I have actively participated in building international educational partnerships including co-founding a large global consortium. Four years ago, while at my last institution, I was asked to be a part of a global initiative exploring opportunities for international partnerships. I’ve carried this important undertaking with me to Virginia Wesleyan, and I was proud to be among 24 private college leaders nationwide selected to travel to Guadalajara last month for The Higher Education Summit of the United States and Mexico.

The summit, held March 29-31, was organized by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in conjunction with the Mexican Federation of Private Higher Education Institutions (FIMPES) with generous support from Santander Universidades and Universia. Its theme of “Reaffirming the North American Spirit of Collaboration in Higher Education: Creating Bridges of Communications” emphasized the importance of international exchange and the benefits of globalization in a higher education curriculum.

Participants aimed to provide enhanced exchange opportunities for students and faculty members in both countries; provide students with increased access to internships in Mexico and the United States; and allow faculty members and students to collaborate in shared research projects and development programs. Among the specific topics discussed at the summit were:

• Articulation agreements and student recruitment,
• Faculty and student exchange programs,
• Partnership opportunities,
• Summer programs/housing for student interns,
• Global leadership,
• Vocational discernment,
• Reducing religious extremism,
• Human dignity and civil rights, and
• Fields of study: anthropology, archaeology, biology, general liberal arts focus, healthcare, history, and music.

During our visit, my colleagues and I met with campus leaders of three Mexican higher education institutions: Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Universidad Panamericana, and Universidad del Valle de Atemajac. We also met with the U.S. Consul General in Guadalajara, Tanya C. Anderson, and with local, state, and national Mexican officials, as well as additional university rectors.

I was honored to take part in this summit, and I am grateful to the Council of Independent Colleges, the Mexican Federation of Private Higher Education Institutions, and Santander Universidades and Universia for bringing the United States and Mexico together to, indeed, reaffirm the spirit of collaboration in higher education.

I have long believed that at an institution like Virginia Wesleyan every student should take advantage of an international experience. Working with the leadership of Mandy Reinig, our Director of Study Away Programs, I look forward to making this possible through new partnerships with Mexico and around the world.