Our 2018 Annual Conference Recap

Study abroad professionals descended on Chicago for the 2018 IES Abroad Annual Conference from October 10-12^th. We enjoyed meeting new colleagues and reconnecting with long-time friends from around the world. And if you weren’t able to make it – we missed you!

Over the course of three days, attendees had stimulating conversations with colleagues, participated in expert-led sessions, and celebrated the accomplishments of outstanding study abroad students and professionals.

Here are a few of the highlights:

Advising Students of Color in Education Abroad

With the focus on increasing diversity representation in study abroad, the field has paid attention to recruiting students of color to programs through inclusive marketing and various financial incentives. However, more attention can be paid to how we best serve students of color through advisement. This session drew from the Access, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (AIDE) Roadmap and the Top Five Tips to Developing a Diversity & Inclusion Strategy, created by the Race and Ethnicity Task Force of Diversity Abroad.

Presented by:

• Hernando Sevilla-GarciaDiversity Relations Manager – IES Abroad
• Marcus KingAdvisor & Program Coodinator – Prairie View A&M University

Speaking the Language of a Gen Z Student

Gone are the days of the millennial student. As noted above, for the next decade study abroad students are part of Generation Z – a generation that is achievement driven, action-focused, non-traditional, tech dependent, and determined to make the world a better place. This session looked at characteristics of Gen Z students at a macro level, and discussed how we can we speak their language, meet their needs, and gain their trust.

Presented by:

• Abby BaricSenior Communications Manager – IES Abroad
• Anna McCloskeyMarketing Manager – IES Abroad
• Emily Churchillstudent at the University of Richmond and IES Abroad Correspondent of the Year

Protecting Your Students via Pro-Active Risk Assessment & Risk Management of Your International Programs

This session discussed a variety of pro-active ways to help protect students from foreseeable harm by assessing and pro-actively managing known risks and dangers. Participants created an international risk plan for one of their institution’s international programs involving an inherently dangerous activity. Participants also learned practical steps for conducting and preparing multiple kinds of risk plans.

Presented by:

• William HoyeExecutive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel – IES Abroad
• Ogechi MuotohSenior Associate – Hogan Lovells

Our 5th annual Film Festival received more than 96 submissions–the most-ever submitted to the Film Festival–and we couldn’t be more impressed with our students’ creativity! Annual Conference attendees saw a preview of each of the three finalist films along with a short intro of each student filmmaker on why people should vote for their submission. Voting ends November 5th!

Kate Flannery, known for her role as Meredith on The Office, also gave a short appearance via video encouraging everyone to attend the Film Festival Event that she will host on November 7th in Chicago.

J. Kline Harrison from Wake Forest University was announced as the new Chair of the General Conference, an elected position he will hold for a three-year term. We look forward to having him represent the Consortium to the IES Abroad Board of Directors.

We are looking forward to having the following study abroad leaders on the IES Abroad Academic Council:

• Ali JanicekFranklin & Marshall College
• Kristen MalloryClaremont McKenna College
• Kelly O’Sullivan SommerUniversity of California, San Diego

A special shout out to all of the people who have previously served on IES Abroad committees! We’re thankful for your time and dedication.

Gold

The Graphic Arts Studio, Inc. 

Cultural Insurance Services International

Silver

Diversity Abroad