Via Voices

Tech Savvy & Strategy Focused: AIEA President Tackles Top Higher Ed Issues

Higher education advances technology, strategy, and career development on the academic side, but the administration side tells a different story. Paulo Zagalo-Melo, the newly-appointed President of AIEA and the Senior Internationalization Strategist at VCU, sees a new frontier for international education: one that embraces technology to make strategic decisions and that advocates for university faculty to develop into the next generation of global education leaders.   Key Insights & Timestamps:  * [00:00] Podcast begins  * [01:58] AIEA Strategic Plan: Embarking on new pathways for global ed leaders  * [03:48] From Accountant to Education: Paulo’s journey to higher education in Portugal & the US  * [09:13] New Role at VCU: Complimenting SIOs & enrollment advisors as a strategist  * [12:56] Becoming Tech Savvy: How vital technology is in modern day higher education  * [16:27] Challenge of Fear: International education is at risk of a panic-driven decision  * [21:40] Rapid Fire Questions: Paulo talks personal passions & professional hopes   Guest Spotlight  Paulo Zagalo-Melo:  Paulo Zagalo-Melo has exercised leadership in executive higher education administration positions for thirty years. He is the President of AIEA - the Association of International Education Administrators and is the Senior Internationalization Strategist for Virginia Commonwealth University.   Paulo’s former roles include being the Associate Provost for Global Education at Western Michigan University, the Associate Provost for Global Education, Director of the Global Engagement Office, and Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Montana.  Paulo has a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Catholic University of Portugal (2012), and a Master in Public Administration degree from Harvard University (2004).  Key Takeaways:  * President of AIEA: “We want to show the leaders of international education where we go from here.” As the newly elected President of AIEA, Paulo is involved in their recent strategic planning and the organization’s newer focus on career pathways. For SIOs and aspiring international educators, AIEA wants to bring strong networking and professional development opportunities to create more leaders and inspire career advancements.  * Senior Internationalization Strategist at VCU: “I add the strategic element and level that SIOs do not have the time to get to.” In a new contracted position at VCU, Paulo brings his experience as a former Provost to expand on strategic initiatives. VCU and other universities often struggle with the capacity of their international education team, and Paulo’s position adds capacity for faculty while enhancing strategic goals for the university.  * Technology Integration in Higher Education: “Higher education institutions advance technology on the academic side, but on the administrative side, we’re very slow at absorbing.” No matter what role Paulo is taking on, technology is his top priority to deliver data-driven results with a level of excellence. Amongst his more technology-cautious colleagues, Paulo aims to be technology savvy and constantly seeks ways to improve his data for better decision making.   Resources Mentioned:  AIEA | [http://aieaworld.org/]aieaworld.org [http://aieaworld.org/], Virginia Commonwealth University | vcu.edu [http://vcu.edu/]  Connect with Paulo:  * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulo-zagalo-melo-a01296b/]  For More Information:  Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.or [https://www.aieaworld.org/#gsc.tab=0]g [https://www.aieaworld.org/#gsc.tab=0]. Visit ViaTRM.com [http://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 [http://youtube.com/@viatrm]  * Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices [http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices/]  * Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t [http://open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t]

All About Opportunity: Dawn Wood Talks Dissertation on International Ed at Community College

Assumptions are often made about the types of students who participate most in international education, mostly regarding background and income. Many colleges assume that students more active in family and employment have less capacity for or interest in global education opportunities. Dawn Wood, Dean of Global Learning at Kirkwood Community College, has found in her career experiences and through her conducted research that international education programs are valued and positively impactful when made accessible and available to students of all backgrounds.  Key Insights & Timestamps:  * [00:00] Podcast begins  * [01:23] Farm to College: How Dawn found international education & returned to Iowa * [04:59] Exploring Interculturality: Student data-driven study for Dawn’s PhD dissertation  * [12:24] Media Circus: Colleges impacted by policy uncertainty & media confusion * [17:23] Rapid Fire Questions: Dawn talks traveling, visiting Ghana, & VISA requirements  Guest Spotlight  Dawn Wood:  Dawn Wood is the Dean of Global Learning at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dawn is passionate about community college internationalization and the importance of global learning for all students. She has published her dissertation and many journal articles about the positive impact of global learning on all students. She strives to create opportunities for all to engage in intercultural dialogue that will lead to a more peaceful world.  Key Takeaways:  * International Ed, Local Impact: “You can see the immediate impact. So many of our students are integrated into the community and can take what they learned immediately into what they do everyday.” At Kirkland, Dawn sees firsthand the impact of international education in all its forms and feels as if community colleges are open to taking full advantage of global education opportunities beyond just study abroad programs.  * Demographics in International Ed: “If the opportunity is there for them and it makes sense for them, [students] are going to take it.” For her PhD dissertation, Dawn surveyed and spoke to students across demographics on their international education and study abroad experiences (including virtual exchange) at Kirkwood. Shockingly, even those thought to be in disadvantaged demographics (i.e. low income) took advantage of global learning and felt its impact positively.  * Managing Media Confusion: “I would say the media and how things are being portrayed, you just feel like, ‘What’s coming next?’” In the midst of massive policy changes in the US, Dawn is concerned with how the media portrays international education and higher education. She feels as if many outlets aren’t talking to those working in the education industry and are portraying issues without a well-rounded perspective.   Resources Mentioned:  Kirkwood Community College | kirkwood.edu [http://kirkwood.edu/]  Connect with Dawn:  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-wood-phd-7401534/]  For More Information:  Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.or [https://www.aieaworld.org/#gsc.tab=0]g [https://www.aieaworld.org/#gsc.tab=0]. Visit ViaTRM.com [http://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 [http://youtube.com/@viatrm]  * Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices [http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices/]  * Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t [http://open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t]

Maintain Your “Why”: Dr. Fabiola Riobe Keeps True on Her Dedication to Higher Ed

When you think about study abroad or international students, do you think about community colleges? After 2 years in her position at Kansas City Kansas Community College, Dr. Fabiola Riobe has seen more than 200 international students arrive on campus and has launched the college’s first study abroad program in Peru. Fabiola isn’t afraid to embrace non-traditional students in her quest to make education a global experience for all— in fact, she’s excited to leverage brand new pathways and take KCK around the world.  Key Insights & Timestamps:   * [00:00] Podcast begins  * [01:01] Family Background to Career Inspiration: Fabiola’s first generation American experience * [03:54] KCK Ecosystem in International Ed: Non-traditional student pathways in learning * [07:55] Sharing Curriculum Through Tech: COIL & a global approach to education experiences  * [10:12] Maintaining the “Why”: Keep community during political & social challenges * [15:47] Rapid Fire Questions: Fabiola talks ROI, workforce development, & cultural immersion  Guest Spotlight  Fabiola Riobe:   Dr. Fabiola Riobe is the Vice President for Educational Innovation and International Programs at Kansas City Kansas Community College. She is an accomplished international executive, industry expert, and education advocate passionate about promoting entrepreneurship and social impact.   Dr. Riobe is a pioneer alum of the African Women's Economic Consortium, facilitating workshops and thought circles to promote socio-economic development and leadership cultivation. Featured in the Center for Global Enterprise (CGE) for her outstanding contributions to business incubators, Fabiola is the founder and CEO of Kids Global University, committed to preparing youth to be civically engaged through global competency development. Her outstanding work has earned her international recognition, including the 2023 Women of Leadership and Vision Award.  Key Takeaways:  * Past Experiences, Present Impact: “I wanted to be in a space to leverage myself and my experience to make a positive impact.” As a child of immigrants with a background in business, Fabiola brings a perspective to the international education industry that focuses on students as individuals. Each path to a well-rounded education may look different for each student, and Fabiola feels empowered watching her Community College embrace internationalization.  * Community College Meets International Ed: “We really focus on attracting all populations and giving them a quality education that can take them wherever they want to go.” Community College students come from all age groups, financial statuses, and living situations. Fabiola wants students at KCK to feel like they can access innovative and international education regardless of how non-traditional their education journey may be.  * Current Issues, Future Solutions: “Why I do this work has been crystal clear and crystalized for so long that now it's all about being agile and pivoting.” When political and social climates demand that colleges change, Fabiola maintains her “why”. With a strong sense of what’s right and a clear motivation to better the lives of students in community college, Fabiola doesn’t let present day political strife become an obstacle to her and her students’ success.   Resources Mentioned:  Kansas City Kansas Community College | kckcc.edu [http://kckcc.edu/]  Connect with Fabiola:  * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiolariobe/]  For More Information:  Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.or [https://www.aieaworld.org/#gsc.tab=0]g [https://www.aieaworld.org/#gsc.tab=0]. Visit ViaTRM.com [http://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 [http://youtube.com/@viatrm]  * Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices [http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices/]  * Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t [http://open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t]

Doubling International Students: How VCU Plans to Expand Global Education with Jill Blondin

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 [http://vcu.edu/]  Connect with Jill:  * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-blondin-9320487/]  For More Information:  Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.or [https://www.aieaworld.org/#gsc.tab=0]g [https://www.aieaworld.org/#gsc.tab=0]. Visit ViaTRM.com [http://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 [http://youtube.com/@viatrm]  * Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices [http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices/]  * Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t [http://open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t]

International Education Needs a Better Story: Emily Merson Talks Advocacy & Access

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 [http://aifsabroad.com/], 2016 Global Internship Conference Debate in Boston [https://www.globalinternshipconference.com/internship-news/boston-2016]  [https://www.globalinternshipconference.com/internship-news/boston-2016]  Connect with Emily:  * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-merson/]  For More Information:  Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.or [https://www.aieaworld.org/#gsc.tab=0]g [https://www.aieaworld.org/#gsc.tab=0]. Visit ViaTRM.com [http://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 [http://youtube.com/@viatrm]  * Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices [http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices/]  * Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t [http://open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t]