NASPA Goes International
Does international travel interest you? Would you like the opportunity to visit with student affairs colleagues and learn how student affairs work is conducted in other countries? Would exposure to other educational systems be valuable in working with your own international and study/work-abroad students?
If you answer yes to these questions, you join a growing number of student affairs professionals who are seeking opportunities to expand their knowledge of other cultures and to increase their professional contacts with colleagues from other countries. In response to this growing demand, and in recognition of the global nature of education, NASPA has initiated a number of international exchange programs for NASPA members. The following information will provide a general overview.
Australia/New Zealand - The exchange with Australia and New Zealand involves a partnership with the Australia/New Zealand Student Services Association (ANZSSA). The exchange agreement calls for reciprocal visits in alternating years by delegations of up to three colleagues.
China - The exchange with China involves a partnership with The Association of Normal University Student Affairs in China (ANUSAC). The exchange agreement calls for reciprocal visits in alternating years by delegations of up to three colleagues.
France - The exchange with France involves a partnership with The Centre National des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires (CNOUS), the federal agency responsible for overseeing student services in France. The exchange agreement calls for reciprocal visits in alternating years by delegations of up to five colleagues.
Germany - The exchange with Germany involves a partnership with the Deutsches Studentenwerk (DSW), Germany's national coordinating body for student services. The exchange agreement calls for reciprocal visits in alternating years by delegations of up to five colleagues.
Ireland - The exchange agreement with Ireland involves a partnership with The Confederation of Student Services in Ireland (CSSI). The exchange agreement calls for reciprocal visits in alternating years by delegations of up to five colleagues.
Mexico - The exchange with Mexico involves a partnership with The Instituto Technologico y de Estudios de Monterrey (ITESM), a multicampus, technologically based university. The exchange agreement calls for reciprocal visits in alternating years by delegations of up to three colleagues.
South Africa - The exchange with South Africa involves a partnership with the South African Association of Senior Student Affairs Professionals (SAASSAP). The exchange agreement calls for reciprocal visits in alternating years by delegations of up to four colleagues.
Spain - The exchange with Spain involves a partnership with the Consejo de Colegios Mayores Universitarios de Espana (CCMU). The exchange agreement calls for reciprocal visits in alternating years by delegations of up to five colleagues.
U.A.E. - NASPA is pleased to announce that a new international exchange agreement with the Student Affairs Professional Association (SAPA) in the United Arab Emirates has recently been signed. Universities that are participating in the exchange agreement are: The American University in Dubai; the United Arab Emirates University; the Higher Colleges of Technology--Dubai Women's College; the Higher Colleges of Technology--Dubai Men's College; Zayed University and the University of Sharjah. The inaugural exchange will occur February 25 - March 7 when five NASPA delegates will be hosted by these universities in the U.A.E.
United Kingdom - The exchange agreement with the United Kingdom involves a partnership with the Association of Managers of Student Services in Higher Education (AMOSSHE) of the United Kingdom. The exchange agreement calls for reciprocal visits in alternating years by delegations of up to five colleagues.
Discussions continue to occur with various professional associations/countries to explore expanding the portfolio of relationships that exist at present.
Application Process
Selection of NASPA members to participate in the International Exchange Program is handled by the Coordinator of International Exchanges. Factors that are considered in the identification process of colleagues for the experiences include: 1.) NASPA membership, 2.) involvement with the International Education Knowledge Community or other NASPA initiatives, 3.) geographic, institutional, race/gender, and professional experience diversity, 4.) agreement to attend future NASPA International Symposia, and 5.) agreement to serve as the coordinating venue host for a future delegation from one of the relationships when requested.
Maureen Keefe
NASPA International Education Exchange Coordinator
VP of Student Development & Dean of Students
Massachusetts College of Art
621 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02132
Phone: (617) 879-7705
Fax: (617) 879-7780
Email: mkeefe@massart.edu
