ASAPI, represented by co-Chair Stephen Robinson of Champlain College, attended a meeting of European Country Study Abroad associations recently. The meeting was hosted by Webster University in Geneva, and was attended by representatives of country associations from Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, and Ireland. Delegates discussed the development of a Europe-wide study abroad association to share information, provide training, and lobby the EU government, and to provide support for all of those who affect the study abroad experience in Europe. The group will be presenting at the CIEE Conference in Berlin in November, and will hold another group meeting at the conference. For more information, please contact Stephen Robinson at srobinson (at) champlain.edu.
ICOS launches Diverse Voices - training for working with international students
Our colleagues at The Irish Council for Overseas Students (ICOS), an independent, national membership-based organisation that advocates for the rights of international students who choose Ireland as a study destination, have developed a training resource called "Diverse Voices," comprising a video and guide for higher education professionals working with international students in Ireland. The video looks wonderful. It is composed of short, thematic sections exploring topics such as cross-cultural adaptation, culture shock and homesickness; cultural difference and cross cultural communication; adapting to a new academic environment (including language, intercultural classroom, approaches to assessment); and advice on supporting international students. ICOS interviewed over 35 international students and staff (both academics and support staff) from five higher education institutions as part of the video project. It includes a genuinely diverse range of participants.
https://vimeo.com/71323288
The resource pack is being made available free-of-charge to ICOS member institutions and also is available for purchase – see www.icosirl.ie.
Government Policy Update on International Education Sector and Student Immigration System
ASAPI welcomes the acknowledgement and inclusion of the study abroad sector in the most recent Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service policy statement on the international education sector. INIS writes that "Established semester programmes (primarily involving students from US universities attending courses in Irish colleges) will be dealt with outside the ILEP arrangements by the Department of Justice and Equality. The Government recognises the cultural exchange potential of such programmes and the linkages between prestigious universities overseas and Irish colleges with a track record in this field and supports their continued operation." (Page 10-11, note 3) The recognition of study abroad in official government policy is a signficant step forward and ASAPI will continue its dialogue and advocacy for greater understanding of study abroad with INIS and the Department of Education and Skills on a direct basis as well as members of the High Level Group on International Education.
The full text of the policy statement is available here: Policy statement on International Education Final
POSITION FILLED - Residence Life Supervisor, Foundation for International Education
FIE (www.fie.org.uk) is currently seeking qualified, enthusiastic and confident Residence Life Supervisors for a part-time, fixed-term position (either 4-month or 1 year contracts). The position will be based at a third-party managed residence hall, and the successful candidate will be responsible for providing pastoral care to FIE students. The position is live-in, and applicants must be willing to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, as well as bank and public holidays. For more information see: RLS advert Dublin 2015 - YY
ASAPI Spring Social
Spring programs are winding down and summer students will be arriving soon - join your study abroad colleagues/accomplices/fellow travelers to celebrate the end of the semester or to steady your nerves for the big summer ahead. When: Friday, May 8th, 5-8 pm Where: Alfie Byrne's (back room), Earlsfort Terrace, D2 (across from the National Concert Hall) RSVP: info@asapireland.org
