The city of Memphis recently hosted the Tennessee Association of International Educators (TAIE) annual conference March 7-8, a gathering that celebrates the exchange of knowledge and cultural insights among international educators.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, marked its presence with a strong delegation, showcasing its commitment to global education and collaboration.
Amidst the exchange of groundbreaking ideas and best practices, UT stood out for its active participation and contributions. The conference, held at Christian Brothers University, provided a platform for UT’s educators to engage with peers from across the state, sharing insights on current issues and trends in international education.
Yana Mitsos (right), New Student and Special Programs Coordinator in the Center for Global Engagement at UT, and presents alongside Rachel Gasser from Rhodes College at the TAIE 2024 annual conference.
A standout session was led by Yana Mitsos, New Student and Special Programs Coordinator in the Center for Global Engagement at UT, along with her co-presenter, Rachel Gasser, from Rhodes College. Their well-attended breakout session was entitled “Are You Ready For It? Guiding International Students from Acceptance to Arrival,” and offered a look at best practices in engaging, orienting and
communicating with incoming international students from a large, public institution perspective as compared to that of a small, private institution. In addition to providing detailed information, the presentation charmed the audience with its witty, Taylor Swift-inspired theme and use of AI-generated images showcasing the singer’s active participation in the international student recruitment and orientation process.
Another highlight of the event was the announcement that Dr. Danielle Walters, COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) Manager at UT, will take on the role of TAIE chair for the 2024-25 academic year. Dr. Walters leads the initiative at UT for internationalizing education through digital collaboration and brings a wealth of experience to her new position. Her appointment is a testament to UT’s leadership in shaping the future of international education.
The conference served as a beacon for scholarly discourse and underscored UT’s dedication to fostering global citizenship and interconnectedness. As the academic community looks forward to the initiatives and programs that will unfold in the coming year, UT continues to affirm its place at the forefront of international education.
Learn more about TAIE: Tennessee Association of International Educators (taie-tn.org)
The COIL Program at UT
The COIL program at UT is a key initiative in promoting accessible and inclusive global learning opportunities. It enables students to engage in real-world scenarios, work with peers from different cultural backgrounds, and gain valuable intercultural experience.
Want to learn more about COIL at UT? Check the Center for Global Engagement website at Collaborative Online International Learning | Center for Global Engagement (utk.edu) or contact the COIL Manager, Dr. Danielle Walters (dwalter4@utk.edu).
The Center For Global Engagement
The Center for Global Engagement, reporting directly to the Office of the Provost, works to lead, coordinate, and support the university’s strategies for global education, research, and engagement. cge.utk.edu.