NAFSA has relaunched its flagship diversity, equity and inclusion program, the NAFSA RISE fellowship, a two-year professional development program to foster creativity, innovation and excellence for professionals working in the international education space.
The fellowship aims to provide representation for professionals from underrepresented minority backgrounds and ensure the inclusion of participants into established NAFSA programming and networks.
“We believe it is our responsibility to create and celebrate efforts that develop international education practitioners”
It also aims to support continued learning and lead the empowerment of participants to help them give back to their institutions, communities and the field at large.
“NAFSA believes that diversity in our classrooms, our communities, and our workplaces is our strength,” explained Esther Brimmer, NAFSA executive director and CEO.
“As the largest and most comprehensive association dedicated to international education, we believe it is our responsibility to create and celebrate efforts that develop international education practitioners from all backgrounds.”
In year one, fellows enrol in NAFSA’s Academy for International Education, a year-long development program where trainees are provided foundational training around nine international education professional proficiencies and the primary knowledge areas of international education.
They will benefit from coaching from a seasoned international educator and an increase in their competence as an international educator through an individualised learning plan, training, and networking.
The fellows will also have access to a network of international education colleagues, both at the regional and national level, to support them in their professional journey, and, in the second year, fellows will implement their individual learning plan to positively impact their institution, campus, and/or community in a variety of ways.
The NAFSA RISE Fellowship Program intends to foster professional growth among early-career practitioners from underrepresented minority backgrounds, by offering foundational training in key areas of global competency, coupled with strategic networking, coaching, mentoring and the opportunity to lead change in their own community.
NAFSA will cover all expenses related to this program, estimated to be worth $6,000.
The deadline for applications is November 15, 2019, via the NAFSA RISE webpage.
