Georgia Association of International Educators (G.A.I.E.)

Networking and GAIE

2012-02-27T05:45:00.002-08:00

Jessica Hall, International Student Advisor, UGA
Jessica has been involved with ISSS since 2004.

I have found the GAIE Conference is a great way to network with colleagues from across the state, especially with folks in my field, and put faces to names, which is always good as I usually only email and chat on the phone. Networking at the conference is also a chance to meet new people and catch-up with those I haven’t seen in a while, as well as get introduced to others from people I already know. As I believe networking is a vital component to my profession, especially with complicated cases, knowing people in my state, next door even, makes the job easier, plus it is always great to learn more. I make sure to introduce myself to those in the sessions, around my table at meals, or those I meet in the elevator as you never know if that person has exactly what you need. People I meet at the conference become not just folks in my rolodex, but mutual confidants, possible presentation partners, people I know can and will chat-it-up, and, of course, friends. Networking opportunities at the GAIE conference could not be easier as there are so many chances to chat between sessions, at the lunches or dinners, or even lounging on the lobby couches. After the conference I was enjoy organizing the business cards, notated with each new contact’s specialty, and then follow-up. I have learned that the GAIE folks are always courteous to share their contact information, ideas, information and knowledge, and always follow-up, so the networking could not be easier. This makes the networking opportunities something to look forward to and a highlight of the conferences. I highly recommend the GAIE organization and it’s conferences as a venue for networking with fellow international educators and making lifelong colleagues and friends.

A Lesson in Communication: My Experience as a GAIE Newcomer

2012-02-21T06:20:00.000-08:00


Dilhara DeSilva is an International Liaison at UGA.

As a newcomer to GAIE, what struck me most were the instant connections that were formed because of shared experiences. These connections bring people together and lead to innovation and inspiration. Sitting at a desk in the same office every day, it is hard to imagine the larger scale of international education throughout Georgia or even the country. GAIE creates awareness that every office experiences ups and downs, but there is a shared lesson to be learned to reach the goal of ultimately improving the future of the international population in the state of Georgia.

Seeing so many informed individuals band together to discuss and debate immigration topics helped me get a better sense of the impact advisors can have on not only the lives of international visitors, but also on the other cogs in the immigration machine. As a newcomer, I was surprised not only by the presence of government representatives from Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection, but also by the communication that was facilitated through the conference. The topic of immigration will not be solved through one session, but the GAIE conference created a forum in which government representatives and international educators could ask questions of one another directly, tackling issues head on. For someone who was educated by my college professors to expect the operations of government agencies to be disjointed from one another, it was inspiring to see communication taking place before my eyes among state and government entities.

Still, being surrounded by knowledgeable international educators can be intimidating for someone new to the field. That’s why the mentor program was an important part of my experience. The mentor program at GAIE had a profound effect on creating a sense of place for me at the conference. At some point during childhood, everyone gets asked that magical question that opens up a world of possibility, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” No matter when and how passion is discovered, in the confines of the real world, it’s sometimes easy to lose track of your goals. The common ground I established with my mentor not only helped put me at ease amidst my newfound peers, but also reminded me of why I am in the field of immigration. Within moments of being introduced, we discovered that we had nearly identical collegiate and professional goals. My mentor and I connected so closely on our interests that it was a pleasant discovery for me to know I am on the right track and my future is bright.

As a newcomer to international education, I am just beginning to learn the lessons that will form my foundation in this field. GAIE’s contribution to my education has been the lesson of communication, to help each other navigate through turbulent waters. I hope that for years to come others too will be able to benefit and find personal growth from the knowledge and experience of the GAIE community.

Winter Conference 2012 A Great Success!

2012-02-02T05:57:00.000-08:00

"Smooth Sailing in Turbulent Waters"
Feb. 8 - 10, 2012
Hampton Inn, MLK Blvd.
Savannah, GA

Thank you all for a wonderful 2012 Winter Conference.
We hope you enjoyed it and learned something new.

GAIE Advocacy Subcommittee Members with Governor Deal

2011-12-14T12:31:00.000-08:00

12/14/2011
Photographed with Governor Nathan Deal are, from left to right: Brett Reichert, Clayton State; Amanda Marie Roshan-Rawaan, Georgia State; and Rebecca Bacon, Georgia Tech.

The three comprise the Advocacy sub-committee of GAIE and were successful in obtaining a proclamation from the Governor’s office this year, as seen in this photo, honoring International Education Week Nov. 14 – 18, 2011.

International Education Week is a program of the US Department of State that encourages campuses nationwide to plan relevant events to highlight the value, impact and importance of international education. The proclamation is hosted for the public to view at: http://adminservices.clayton.edu/isso/iew-proclamation.pdf

The Advocacy sub-committee also works to educate peers and elected officials on important issues in the field. According to NAFSA Association of International Educators / http://www.nafsa.org/, for example, international students and their dependents spent $20.23 billion in the US economy, of which $429 million was spent in Georgia in 2010/2011. NAFSA members also strive to promote study abroad and exchange programs, which are essential to keeping American university graduates competitive and marketable in an increasingly global economy. To learn more about advocacy, subscribe to NAFSA's "Connecting Our World" efforts.