Global Education Office

Richmond, VA (June 7, 2022) — Global Education Office Executive Director, Jill Blondin, Ph.D., recently conducted a workshop on the U.S. higher education landscape, the framework for establishing an international office and grant writing at the University of Guyana in Georgetown, Guyana. The two-day workshop, held in May, was the first part of a collaborative project with C.K. Kwai, Ph.D., director of the Center for International Services and Programs at Cleveland State University.

Blondin delivered the workshop to higher education administrators and faculty in response to a call for expert speakers on U.S. study abroad by the USA Study Abroad branch of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The workshop was developed to assist the University of Guyana with facilitating its interest in implementing key global institutional objectives for the strategic development of an International Students’ Office.

"I saw the opportunity to share internationalization strategies and practices with the administrators and faculty members of the University of Guyana, and I really wanted to assist in helping to establish a centralized international education office,” stated Blondin.

With growing attention to the prospect of international programs from UG students and faculty, the university is embarking upon endeavors to make a global presence more prominent and authentic.

“The University of Guyana is devoted to student success, and it was very inspiring to work with people who are dedicated to enhancing services and support,” stated Blondin.

ECA’s Study Abroad Engagement Grants support U.S. embassies and Fulbright commissions as they attempt to coordinate with local partners to build programs for diverse U.S. students to study or intern in destinations around the world.

Blondin’s extensive experience in leading international education strategy allows her to provide expertise in the internationalization arena. The second portion of the project will include virtual presentations by Blondin and Kwai to the international educators and administrators this summer. The presentation topics will include policies for establishing an International Education Office, developing sustainable U.S. partnerships and engaging internal/external stakeholders in advancing internationalization.

Kwai has previously completed similar projects for the U.S. Department of State in Uganda and Ukraine. “I have shared my knowledge and expertise in Comprehensive Internationalization and learned how other countries/governments view/formed policies on internationalization,” he stated.

Kwai’s interest in helping to facilitate an international program at UG spans developing the process from start to finish. “I see the main objective as to introduce a sustainable model(s) of internationalization to UG, from International Enrollment Management (recruiting international students to UG) to internationalizing UG curriculum,” he stated.

Kwai believes assisting with the facilitation of international programs not only helps the growth of other institutions but is an opportunity for self-growth as well.

“I have always believed that ‘if you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way,’” he states, reciting a quote from a Buddhist monk. “I always learn as much (if not more) whenever I’ve taught a class and/or workshop,” he stated.

The project will culminate in July after Kwai concludes with the second two-day workshop at UG for the educators.

Scroll through the slideshow below to view pictures of the workshop.