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Via Voices

Via Voices

著者: Brooke Roberts
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This is Via Voices, the podcast that brings you insights from the champions of international education. I’m your host Brooke Roberts, and together, we’ll uncover the stories behind impactful global learning experiences and the professionals who make them possible.© 2025 All rights reserved. "Via Voices" podcast, content, title, and logo owned by Via TRM. Unauthorized use prohibited. Contact: vvp@speakerboxmedia.com. Respect our creativity. 出世 就職活動 経済学
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  • Doubling International Students: How VCU Plans to Expand Global Education with Jill Blondin
    2025/07/24
    Navigating uncertainties in the international world doesn’t have to halt study abroad or international student programs. Jill Blondin, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University, brings her expertise in leadership and global education to the forefront of today’s conversation about opening students’ minds and balancing politics and compliance without closing your university off from international opportunities. As VCU aims to double their international student enrollment, Jill talks global strategy, data-driven initiatives, and student-centered programming. Key Insights & Timestamps: [00:00] Podcast begins [01:13] Why Higher Ed? Jill’s first study abroad experience & how it shaped her career [05:24] Doubling International Students: How VCU measures global education success [10:24] How Data Tells the Story: Compliance, reporting & international ed metrics [13:43] Balancing Uncertainty Abroad: Politics, reactivity & staying student-centered [15:54] Faculty vs Administrative: Education industry from multiple roles & perspectives [21:43] Rapid Fire Questions: Jill talks travel, entertainment, careers & advice Guest Spotlight Jill Blondin: Jill Blondin an entrepreneurial, innovative leader and faculty member with more than 22 years of experience in higher education. Currently, Jill leads and coordinates international activities as the Vice Provost for Global Initiatives for Virginia Commonwealth University. Previously, Jill served as the inaugural director of VCU Globe, a global education living-learning program devoted to building cultural agility. Under her leadership, VCU Globe received the 2015 NAFSA Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award and the 2018 Andrew Heiskell Award from the Institute of International Education (IIE). Jill has also served as a Fulbright Specialist to Brazil (2018), as a speaker with the U.S. Department of State Study Abroad Engagement Grant Program and Fulbright Portugal (2019), the U.S. Embassy Guyana (2022), Fulbright Philippines (2024), and the U.S. Embassy Turkey (2024). Key Takeaways: We’re Better When We Experience the World: “I made it my mission that if I am ever in the position as a faculty member, to open up the world, just as I had my world opened up by the study abroad experience.” While getting her graduate in art history, Jill experienced study abroad for the first time and fell in love with international education. This experience not only inspired her to further study abroad, but to also embrace a global education career. Optimizing Efforts in Global Education: “We don’t need a mini international VCU; what we need is to collaborate and support our students.” When working with international students and with returning study abroad students, Jill and her team in the Global Education Office at VCU have been very proactive in collaborating with other faculty and departments to limit duplicate and unnecessary efforts. Navigating the Unprecedented: “I think it’s incumbent on us to continue to show strong leadership and support for international initiatives, and to believe in the work we do.” When it comes to responding to new administration and increased awareness of global politics, Jill is firm in her belief that international education needs strong leaders who won’t be overly reactive and will guide students and faculty towards solutions that strengthen programming. Resources Mentioned: Virginia Commonwealth University | vcu.edu Connect with Jill: LinkedIn For More Information: Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources. Stay Connected: Support Via Voices by subscribing on YouTube: youtube.com/@viatrm Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t
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    29 分
  • International Education Needs a Better Story: Emily Merson Talks Advocacy & Access
    2025/07/17
    The positive impacts of international education on career readiness and student success are well-known in the industry, but lack understanding and support on a governmental level. Funding barriers keep students from studying abroad and policy uncertainties harm international students learning in the US. Emily Merson, global leader and entrepreneur, wants international education to tell a better story: one where the benefits and positives of well-rounded learning experiences are supported and understood by stakeholders and everyday individuals alike. Key Insights & Timestamps: [00:00] Podcast begins [01:00] The Reluctant Entrepreneur: Global background & career inspiration [02:44] Career Readiness vs Funding Challenges: International ed challenges on all levels [05:20] Telling a Better International Ed Story: Surviving existential threats with a new voice [10:58] Professional Mentorship: Leveraging skills to coach professional growth [13:27] Rapid Fire Questions: Emily talks mindfulness, access, awareness, & entrepreneurship Guest Spotlight Emily Merson: Emily Merson is a highly accomplished and results-oriented global leader with a proven track record of driving innovation, leading global initiatives, and implementing transformational change for US and global universities. Her expertise is in executive leadership, strategic planning, innovation, business development, sustainability, program development, business for good, cross-cultural collaboration, and building high-performing happy teams. In her most recent position at AIFS Abroad (2021-2025), Emily’s leadership and strategic vision have steered her US-based team during a period of rapid change and merging of two leading global education organizations. The last 5 years of her career have been focused on building guiding values and excellence in academics and outcomes for a new organization. Key Takeaways: Funding Woes: “I think the biggest challenge that everyone is facing is scarcity of funding, and who is responsible for fixing that challenge for students and universities.” As international education continues to evolve, Emily sees both struggles and victories on the horizon in regards to funding and scholarships. Emily hopes that companies like AIFS Abroad are seen as partners to universities and students, united under one goal to further access and affordability. Existential Threats: “What we need is a way better story [in international education] about who we really are and what we do.” As international policies change and funding freezes, navigating 2025 is a major test for international education as an industry. Emily and like-minded global education professionals are seeking to unite efforts and convey the value of international education to impact policies and keep international and abroad students safe. Growth Mindset: “It took me 10 years to get anyone to listen to me, and I hope that’s not the case any more [in education].” International education has a scarcity mindset crisis and a serious need for innovation. Emily hopes that upcoming entrepreneurs feel inspired and engaged in the global education community to help solve pressing issues and embrace new technology. Resources Mentioned: AIFS Abroad | aifsabroad.com, 2016 Global Internship Conference Debate in Boston Connect with Emily: LinkedIn For More Information: Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources. Stay Connected: Support Via Voices by subscribing on YouTube: youtube.com/@viatrm Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t
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    21 分
  • From Culture Shock to College Leadership: University of Tulsa’s Vivian Wang Makes it Personal
    2025/07/10
    Many international education professionals find their career inspiration from personal experiences either studying abroad or being an international student at a US university. For Vivian Wang, Vice Provost for Global Engagement at University of Tulsa, her experience studying in Oklahoma after growing up in Shanghai reshaped her opinion of herself as an educator and set her on the path towards leading internationalization strategies, embracing global partnerships, and advocating for more supportive study abroad programs for students in the US. Key Insights & Timestamps: [00:00] Podcast begins [01:25] Culture Shock: Shanghai to Oklahoma & Vivian’s experience in international ed [04:45] International from Tulsa: Global education under one centralized office [07:33] Data Storytelling Essentials: Reflecting national trends & Tulsa trends together [10:26] Uncertainties & Lessons Learned: Navigating geopolitical policies & climates [15:56] Rapid Fire Questions: Vivian talks cultural identity, mentorship & motherhood Guest Spotlight Vivian Wang: Vivian Wang is the Vice Provost for Global Engagement at University of Tulsa. She is an experienced international educator with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. She is skilled in international programs, global partnerships and internationalization strategies. Vivian has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focused in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration from Oklahoma State University. Key Takeaways: How Does Tulse Define Success? “Our student success is incredibly important in how I define my success in [international education].” As an international student herself, Vivian feels a personal connection to the international goals of University of Tulsa, especially in regard to how international students thrive on campus. Beyond percentages and rates, Vivian hopes her role empowers students to seek a global education and connect with the world around them. How Does Vivian Leverage Data? “I think it's so important that we have that information and that data to convey our story and our impact.” University of Tulsa’s stakeholders are incredibly interested in the success of international programming, and Vivian finds herself often reporting data on a quarterly basis to cover everything from student feedback to social media engagement. Data is everything in international ed, and Vivian is excited to see data technology focused on so heavily by companies like Via. How Can International Ed Navigate Uncertainty? “I think we need to truly convey our mission of having that transformational experience for students.” With grants on hold and immigration policies changing, Vivian doesn’t want higher education to lose sight of the value of internationalizing. Students deserve a global education and universities need to stay strong in their beliefs of the impact of international programming. Resources Mentioned: University of Tulsa | utulsa.edu Connect with Vivian: LinkedIn For More Information: Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources. Stay Connected: Support Via Voices by subscribing on YouTube: youtube.com/@viatrm Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t
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    21 分

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