Waterloo International is delighted to be participating in the 2021 Ontario Association of International Education Conference (7 to 11 June). Hosted by McMaster University – and with a theme of ‘Opportunities for International Higher Education: Keeping the Future Human’ – the conference serves as the Ontario Regional Meeting for the Canadian Bureau for International Education. Bringing together higher education professionals, government officials, and others with interests in internationalization, the virtual conference will have a series of keynotes, panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities.
Ian Rowlands – associate vice-president, International at the University of Waterloo – and Chris Peace – associate director, operations at Waterloo International – will be leading a session entitled, ‘Advancing higher education institutions’ international relations: opportunities and challenges’.
Examining the ways in which ‘central international offices’ aggregate interests from across the university, represent those interests, and receive and process external queries, Ian and Chris will consider how events during 2020 and 2021 have served to change the work of such offices. Ian will focus upon broader strategic considerations, while Chris will concentrate upon the ways in which these offices operationalize priorities. Breakout rooms – where those with their own experiences and perspectives will be able to share – will also be part of the session. The session is scheduled for Monday, 7 June from 1:20-2:15pm (Eastern Time).
Additionally, Elissa Cressman - safety abroad manager at Waterloo International - is collaborating with Jenna Levi – education abroad coordinator at McMaster University – on a session entitled, ‘Coordinating a financial response to widespread critical incidents affecting international learners: lessons learned’.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, prompting the Canadian government to introduce a global travel advisory and to recommend the immediate repatriation of all travellers. Higher education institutions across Canada responded to support the safe return of students abroad, offering an array of academic, wellness, and logistical supports, including financial assistance. Elissa and Jenna will review the findings of a small working group formed as part of the Canadian Higher Education Travel Safety Network (CHETSN) to reflect on the challenges, successes, and lessons learned in coordinating a financial response during a widespread critical incident. The session is scheduled for Friday, 11 June from 1:20-2:15pm (Eastern Time).
The University of Waterloo is looking forward to engaging with colleagues from across Ontario (and indeed, around the world) at this conference. Sharing perspectives – experiences, reflections, learnings, lessons, etc. – on opportunities and challenges around internationalization in higher education helps to improve outcomes for all involved. Waterloo International thanks McMaster colleagues for their leadership in hosting this conference, and looks forward to participating.
