Spotlight on Success: Spring 2010

The Spotlight on Success allows colleagues in the ISEP Network to share best practices and advice. After each placement cycle, this feature highlights the stories of selected ISEP members to recognize their success in a number of areas including increased nominations, innovative marketing techniques to students, and supportive staff and coordinators.

The University of Plymouth, England

The University of Plymouth dramatically increased their ISEP activity with 23 applicants, up from 3 participants the previous year. This growth was due partly to the collaboration between its dedicated ISEP Coordinator and two faculty members who were former ISEP participants. Professor Simon Topping credits his ISEP experience as one motivation in becoming an American History lecturer and now strongly encourages his students to choose ISEP. Similarly, Professor Jon Shaw developed his passion for geography during an ISEP experience in the US. According to him, the professional networking opportunities gained through ISEP allowed him to create a popular field course in the American West for Plymouth students.

"I couldn’t do my job without the support I get from faculty members across the university who go out of their way to promote exchange.”
– ISEP Coordinator Alana Hunter (center) joined by Prof. Jon Shaw (left) and Prof. Simon Topping (right)

These dedicated faculty members serve at the front line of the ISEP Network, encouraging students to study abroad and advocating for international education on their campuses. ISEP Coordinator Alana Hunter explains, “I couldn’t do my job without the support I get from faculty members across the university who go out of their way to promote exchange—on top of their regular workload. Simon and Jon are a great help. Having both done an ISEP exchange year during their own studies, they really do impact the students’ decisions.”

ISEP congratulates Alana and the faculty, staff, and students of the University of Plymouth for their achievements in the ISEP Network.

Northern Arizona University (NAU), USA

In their first placement cycle as an ISEP member, NAU nominated 28 outbound students and accepted an additional 10 semesters of incoming exchange students. NAU reports that their recruiting strategy is threefold: (1) study abroad advisors work hard to promote ISEP programs at every event they attend, including classroom presentations, informational meetings, and open houses; (2) improvements in technology in the international education office make information more accessible to students at any time; and (3) students are now better served by having access to a greater diversity of study abroad locations through membership in ISEP.

ISEP Coordinator Ismael Betancourt Vélez commented, "I find ISEP to be an excellent partner in our efforts to further internationalize our campus. The staff at ISEP Central are responsible, resourceful, friendly, and always have your student's best interest in mind. In addition, the ability to see the student placement information online is very helpful. I am happy that we made the decision to join ISEP and look forward to continuing our relationship for years to come."

“I find ISEP to be an excellent partner in our efforts to further internationalize our campus.”
– ISEP Coordinator Ismael Betancourt Vélez

ISEP congratulates Ismael and Northern Arizona University for the first of many successful placement cycles to come.