Who’s Who Delegate Profile – Melinda Rippe

Melinda Rippe, Quality and Risk Manager at Think: Education Group, has been with Think for three and a half years. She coordinates ESOS and non-academic compliance and continuous improvement activities across the Group’s CRICOS provider codes in NSW, QLD, and VIC.  Melinda has over 10 years experience in international education through roles in Australia and the USA.

Previous to her role at Think, Melinda developed and managed counselling services and helped re-design the online student application management system at StudyLink. She assisted students in the USA and Canada with their Australian study plans while working at IDP Washington, assisted with the AIEC conference at IDP Sydney, and coordinated short-term study abroad programs for American university students going to eleven international destinations while at BCA.

 Melinda earned a Masters of Education as an international student at the University of Sydney. She split her focus between international education and education management.  During her studies she participated in the canoe club and was elected to SUPRA (Sydney Uni Postgraduate Representative Association).  Outside of Uni, she regularly attended the Warratahs rugby home games and learned how to sail.

 Melinda grew up in the USA where her interest in international education started when she attended a language immersion camp in northern Minnesota.  She later worked at the camp as a camp counsellor.

 Melinda draws on her wide range of professional experience in international education, her personal experiences abroad, and her commitment to quality to continually assist colleagues and to improve experiences for students.

(What Melinda failed to mention in her story above, is that when she was studying her Masters at Sydney Uni, she worked with me on the AIEC 2002 in Hobart! Davina)

Who’s Who Delegate Profile – Philipp Ivanov

Philipp Ivanov  is an education and international development consultant. Until recently he was the Acting Deputy Director of the University of Sydney Research Institute for Asia and the Pacific and Head of the International Leaders Program.

Philipp is from Russia. Born and bred on the Pacific coast of Russia in Vladivostok. He got into an undergrad program in China studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies (Far Eastern National University – which is one of 3 major academic centres of Asian studies in Russia), and completed a Master of Educational Leadership and Management from RMIT University.

His working career saw him spend 6 years in China working first as an education development consultant in rural school reform projects in Liaoning province and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Later he worked as a teacher and program coordinator at the International Education Network.

In 2005 he came to Australia to study at RMIT and has been here working in various international education roles ever since.

When not slaving away at work, he likes nothing more than swimming in the ocean – Box Beach near Port Stephens in NSW is one of his favourite places to be. Say hi to Philipp if you see him around the conference, or catch the session he’s speaking in: Enhancing the Soft Power Potential of Australian International Education: Re-defining the Next 25 Years Wednesday 1210-1310pm.

So Many Sessions to Choose From….

I’ve been getting complaints! Now, normally, I’d not broadcast complaints in a public forum like this, but I’m actually rather pleased about these particular ones…  Delegates have been contacting me to complain that there are too many fantastic sessions to choose from, and that they are going to have to make some tough decisions about what they go to, and what they have to miss. My advice to them is to bring along more colleagues and divide and conquer! 

Here’s a sampler of sessions that one of  my IDP Colleagues has put together that will particularly useful to her role. With over 90 sessions and more than 140 speakers to choose from, it might be time to start thinking about your own schedule for the week. For the full conference program, visit the AIEC website at www.aiec.idp.com.

In times of crisis, how can we add value? By making graduates globally employable.
From his recent study with 1,000 international students, acclaimed researcher Rob Lawrence talks about how programs may need to be adapted to cater for the next generation of international students.

The rise of India and China as new world powers: future strategy choices facing Australia
The seminar will address some of the issues defining the emerging possibilities of global trade in higher education and global collaborations with our region.
Speakers: Dr Michael Wesley, Director Lowy Institute; Professor Simon Marginson, University of Melbourne; Professor Armitabh Matoo, Director, Australia India Institute, University of Melbourne

India in Focus
This session brings together a panel of India specialists who will provide a comprehensive overview of current education development in India, particularly for higher education.
Speakers: Dr Neil Kemp OBE, Institute of Education, University of London, Professor John Webb OAM, Deputy Director, Australia India Institute, University of Melbourne, Dr Surendrakumar Badge, Director North American & Japan, Ministry of Finance, government of India

Changes in government’s policy: how has it affected international student recruitment and what does it man for the future?
In light of  significant government policy changes in Australia, the UK and USA, can we sustain the growth in demand, heading into 2012?.
Speakers: Mr Stephen Reimann, Hobsons; Mr Jeffrey Smart, Swinburne University; Mr Daniel Jones, Xavier University.

Global mobility in a future of social media
How will social media be used in the future to enhance global mobility and experience?
Speakers: Miss Sigourney Young & Ms Susan McPharlin, the Faculty of Business and Economics, the University of Melbourne.

Industry Special Interest Group (SIGs) Meetings

If you are looking to connect with industry colleagues who have expertise and experience in your area of international education the IEAA SIGs Meetings are a great option.

The SIGs meetings will take place on Thursday 13 October from 7:50 AM to 8:50 AM – it’s an early start, so grab a strong latte on the way to the convention centre.

Transnational Education (TNE) SIG: HALL A

The TNE (Transnational Education) SIG members are invited to this open meeting during the AIEC 2011.

The meeting will provide a report on 2011 activities and seek input on activities that members would like to see the SIG undertake in 2012.

Come to the meeting and learn how you can be more involved. Come and join the network!

 Internationalisation of the Curriculum (IoC) SIG: HALL B

The Internationalisation of the Curriculum (IoC) Special Interest Group Meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the latest issues, trends and developments in this area and meet people from around the world who share an interest in this important, but often neglected area. This meeting is open to prospective and current members across all sectors. The session will be informal and interactive and include discussions about past, present and future SIG activities and organisation.

 Marketing and Communications (M& C) SIG: HALL C

The meeting of the Marketing and Communications Special Interest Group (SIG) will provide SIG current and future members with an update on the SIG’s activities and achievements in 2011, as well as an opportunity for input into the proposed direction of the SIG for 2012 and beyond.  We are especially keen to hear what professional development opportunities you want, whether these be through workshops, webinars and/or networking events.

Student Mobility (SMo) SIG: HALL D

Current and future members of the Outbound Mobility SIG are invited to take part in the 3rd face to face meeting for the group in 2011.  The meeting will review the SIG’s progress for the year and discuss objectives and activities for the 2012 calendar year.  Topics will include: SIG Leadership team election 2012, professional development, networking and communications, research, and new projects.  The agenda for the meeting will be circulated via the SIG list serve prior to the meeting.

Pathways SIG Open Meeting  Room 10 & 11

 All interested parties and potential members are invited to attend the launch and inaugural meeting of the Pathways SIG, which will be a national forum for providers to share information, develop and benchmark good practice, participate in government policy development, and engage the regulators, including ASQA and TEQSA.

The SIG will aim to recruit members from the university, TAFE and private sectors who provide international pathway programs, including certificate, diploma, foundation and non award programs.  Schools and ELICOS representatives are also welcome.

Who’s Who Delegate Profile – Sri Soejatminah

Sri was born in Yogyakarta, and spent her school years in Irian Jaya/ Papua. After completing an undergraduate degree at Bogor Agricultural University, she spent one year teaching at Cendrawasih University in 1989. In 1990, Sri received an AusAid scholarship to study at Melbourne University and, on returning to Indonesia after graduation, took up a position with the Planning Bureau in the Ministry of Education in Jakarta.  Sri completed her Masters degree in Education at Monash University in 2001, again with the generous assistance of AusAid. In 2006 her family received permanent residence; thus Melbourne became our new home. Although she left a good position in Indonesia ­she felt that life in Australia, and particularly my studies in the field of International Education and Cultural Education, have allowed her to develop much broader horizons and she is eager to pursue work and further research in this field.

Sri is currently completing her doctoral thesis in International Education at Deakin University in Melbourne. After migrating to Australia in 2003, Sri became interested in developments within the Australian International Education sector; the large number of migrant and visiting international students caused her to question how teachers can best prepare themselves to address the ‘cultural gaps’ – both teacher/ student, and student/student ‘gaps’. It seemed to Sri that the promotion of intercultural competence among student teachers would naturally lead to education that would prepare young people for a more global world. Sri’s observations of the multicultural school and university system in Australia made her keen to explore the field of Intercultural Studies, and she embarked on a PhD under the supervision of Professor Ian Robottom.

Sri is eager to pursue work and further research in this field, and her own words, “I am very excited about my life after graduation!”.

Who’s Who Delegate Profile – Sarah Steendam

Welcome to the first of a series of posts giving a little insight into some of the delegates attending this year’s AIEC. We tend to focus on the high-profile presenters and delegates when we profile people, but I find that sometimes it’s the conversations delegates have with the person that they are sitting next to waiting for a session to start that are just as useful as the information gathered from the session itself. Keep an eye out for Sarah when you’re in Adelaide and say hello.

Sarah Steendam, The Netherlands
Sarah Steendam has a major in Communication and Information Sciences, specializing in Intercultural Communication. These studies were a mix between cultural anthropology, international relations, development studies and marketing. This blend of different angles reflects Sarah’s interest and focus in work and life. She engaged in different international positions, starting with international marketing research for the Nuffic (Netherlands organization for international cooperation in higher education, based in The Hague), their Netherlands Education Support Office in Jakarta (Indonesia) and her former university (University of Groningen), working with university offices world-wide and promoting and aligning Dutch higher education in various developing countries (a.o. China, Indonesia, Latin America). Sarah acquired further project management skills in her work as a project leader for the Dutch Refugee Council, working with refugees on image building and awareness raising on immigration and integration.

In the different projects she has worked on her key interests were international cooperation and creating synergies and networks between the stakeholders of a project. She is keen on building bridges between ideals of social improvement and the engagement of other parties (government, communities, higher education institutes, entrepreneurs). She is interested in communication and the creation of a brand or image from both a marketing perspective and as a means to improve the knowledge and efficacy of education projects.

Two years ago Sarah returned to the field of international higher education as senior marketing & communication officer at the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam. At the IHS she is in charge of the international alumni relations and corporate communication. She was recently promoted as team leader Marketing & Communication. Sarah also sits on the board of DHENIM (Dutch Higher Education Network for International Marketing).

What’s our future going to look like?

On the last day of the AIEC, futurist, Mike Walsh, is participating in a discussion faciliated by Annabel Crabb on the topic Every 25 years it’s Time for a New Idea.

Here’s a clip of Mike exploring some of his ideas… just to whet your appetite!

Full Program Now Online

With the countdown to this year’s AIEC in Adelaide underway, now’s the time to start planning your week.  We are bringing you a program packed with stimulating, thought-provoking, challenging and practical sessions. With more than 90 sessions to choose from, you are going to have to make some tough decisions on what to go to.

Check out the full program on the AIEC website… keep in mind that it’s still a draft, but there’s more than enough information on it to get you started!

Facilitated Dialogues Will Get You Thinking

We have some great facilitated dialogues lined up on the AIEC program that are guaranteed to get you thinking, discussing and debating some of the key issues facing international education. Keep them in mind as you start to plan your week in Adelaide. Here are two of them:

IMAGINING AUSTRALIA’S FUTURE IN GLOBAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RESEARCH – A FACILITATED DIALOGUE

(Weds 12 October 4.00pm to 5.30pm Plenary Room)

 Facilitator: Ms Maxine McKew

 Imagining new possibilities about Australia’s future global role in education, training and research is critically important just now.  In the 25 years following the major paradigm shift represented by the full-fee-paying international student program in 1986, and following phenomenal growth and success, international education in Australia faces a range of possible futures.  We certainly haven’t reached understandings let alone agreement about what future directions might or should be.

 The recruitment to home campuses of international students via differentiated regional and country strategies, conventional marketing techniques and commission agents, has underpinned a successful services export industry and also established a platform for broader developments, including “internationalisation of the curriculum, offshore programs, staff and student mobility, and the formation of cooperative links between institutions”.  Is a return to the level of growth we saw in recent years likely or even desirable?  Is this paradigm sustainable?  Do we need a paradigm shift?

 There are clearly weaknesses in Australia’s current approach.  We have been lax in thinking about and working on cultural/strategic/diplomatic relationships through education.  We lack an international strategy for Australian research. Our training and development assistance motives and achievements are a shadow of what they were between 1950 and 1986.

 We currently lack strategic foresight and a commitment to other and new forms of international education.  This session aims to foster discussion about some new possibilities by imagining the future contribution Australia might make globally in education training and research.

 This is a companion plenary to The Global Future of International Education to be held on Thursday 13 October, 16.00-17.30.  

 Panellists:

• Professor Peter Hoj Vice-Chancellor, University of South Australia
• Mr Stephen Connelly IEAA and RMIT University
•  Professor Fazal Rizvi University of Melbourne
• Ms Megan Lilly Director Education and Training, Australian Industry Group
• Ms Claire Field, CEO, ACPET

THE GLOBAL FUTURE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION – A FACILITATED DIALOGUE

(Thurs 13 October 4.00pm-5.30pm Plenary Room)

 Facilitator:  Dr Neil Kemp OBE

 There is a growing sense that the world of education is changing quite fundamentally and that we are possibly entering a new era.  The challenges facing education at a national level are enormous – burgeoning unmet demand in some countries and regions; massive demographic, social and political shifts; economic and financial meltdown impacting countries differently.  Overlain are increasingly pressing global problems which cannot be solved by countries in isolation – climate change and environmental degradation, scarce energy, problems of war and peace, and international terrorism.  Education plays a part in dealing with these matters, while at the same time being pushed and pulled and driven in a variety of directions by these very forces.

 International education in particular has a role to play.  But what forms will international education take in the future?  We do not necessarily share the same views globally about what international education should do, what the benefits are or indeed that the benefits are being fairly shared.

Are narrow national or regional objectives for international education now less important and pressing?  Should we be opening up to broader, shared and more mutually beneficial perspectives involving both teaching and research? What are the opportunities for a more cooperative, non-national, global approach through international education? What are the roles of the different education sectors? What role might new generation ICT play?  

 This facilitated dialogue between experts from around the globe will discuss and explore these issues, and suggest some possible future objectives and directions for international education globally.

This is a companion plenary to Imagining Australia’s Future in Global Education, Training and Research

 Panellists

• Ms Gudrun Paulsdottir, President EAIE
• Ms Nicola Danderidge, CEO Universities UK
• Professor Simon Marginson, University of Melbourne
• ProfessorAwang Bulgiba Awang Mahmud, Director, Global Planning and Strategy Unit, University of Malaya
• Professor John Hudzik, University of Michigan USA
• Mr Shen Yang, Deputy Director-General, Ministry of Education, Peoples Republic of China
• Dr Surnedrakumar Bagde, Ministry of Finance, Government of India (invited)

Head to http://www.aiec.idp.com/ for program details

Save $100 if you register by Friday 29 July

If you book and pay by COB Friday 29 July (that’s tomorrow!), you will save $100 off the cost of a full conference registration. Register via the AIEC website, it will only take you a couple of minutes and as soon as you’ve finished you can start thinking about what you can do with that spare $100… a visit to Haighs Chocolate shop perhaps?  Or even better, use the savings to add-on a half day workshop from the great selection on offer. Find details here: Workshops

More than 670 of your industry peers have already confirmed their attendance, so don’t delay, register today!

Check out the wrap-up video of last year’s AIEC for an idea of what’s in store for you in Adelaide this October.