Spotlight On

In this Spotlight On interview, Leah delves into the comprehensive training programs she oversees for faculty and staff involved in study abroad programs. She emphasizes the critical role these programs play in equipping faculty to handle the multifaceted responsibilities they assume abroad, including health, safety, and student affairs. She also highlights the value of interactive workshops, drawing on real-world examples and external expertise to fuel continuous feedback and ensure the training remains effective and responsive to emerging trends and faculty needs.

In this “Spotlight On” interview, LaSharon McLean Perez, Assistant Director for Education Abroad at UC Riverside, outlines her holistic approach to pre-departure preparation. She details a multi-touchpoint program that includes selection maintenance seminars, financial literacy workshops, and safety and wellness training in partnership with SafeAbroad. Lasharon emphasizes the importance of tailored safety training for various destinations and building trust with students to encourage proactive reporting of safety concerns, and the need to keep students informed and supported throughout their time abroad.

In this edition of Spotlight On, Emily Rittenberg, co-founder of Being Well Abroad, discusses the crucial role of psychological flexibility in international education. She explains how this concept, derived from acceptance and commitment therapy, helps students manage distressing thoughts and emotions during their study abroad experiences. Emily emphasizes the importance of pre-departure mental health education and highlights the need for thorough staff training in mental health support and crisis management. By fostering a proactive approach to mental health, Emily aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for students, ultimately enhancing their resilience and overall experience abroad.

In this insightful edition of “Spotlight On,” we sit down with Allie Oberoi, the Associate Director for Global Safety and Risk Management at Virginia Tech, to explore the multifaceted challenges she faces while supporting student travel for research purposes. With a portfolio of approximately 4500 travelers annually, Allie shares her strategies for managing travel risk as a one-person operation.