International Administrators Converge at USC

By James Grant on May 27, 2009 12:37 PM

With USC playing host to the most international students of any U.S. university, it is only fitting that the home of the Trojans has a major profile in NAFSA, the Association of International Educators.

This week, more than 10,000 representatives from higher education institutions the world over converge at the Los Angeles Convention Center for the association’s annual conference.

In attendance are nearly 100 USC administrators who specialize in international student services, study abroad, language programs and admissions.

Among the activities and course offerings: a special excursion on May 26 to the USC University Park campus for representatives from all over, hosted by Adam Clayton Powell III, vice provost for globalization, and Tony Tambascia, executive director of the Office of International Services.

Powell welcomed visiting delegates to the School of Cinematic Arts building by citing the global nature of Los Angeles.

“USC is truly a global university - based in a city that USC President Steven B. Sample has called the capital of the Pacific Rim,” Powell said. “Each year, more than 7,500 students from outside the U.S. enroll in USC degree and other programs.

“They come here to a city that has the diversity of a global crossroads with more than 140 nationalities. It is wonderful to have an opportunity to host our colleagues from around the world to give them a glimpse of the many things that make this a special place and a special university,” Powell said.

Back at the Convention Center, the USC booth will be humming with activity this week. Participating in outreach, or giving presentations, among others, are: Matthew Erskine, director of international programs at the USC Annenberg School for Communication; Sean O’Connell, associate director of undergraduate services for the USC Marshall School of Business; Judy Hartwich, senior associate director, USC Office of International Services; Jinah Sihn, special projects manager, USC Office of Globalization; Kate O’Connor, director of the USC Language Academy and senior lecturer at the USC Rossier School of Education, and Guillermina Molina-Sabatini, director of undergraduate student services at USC Marshall.

Dixon C. Johnson, who served as USC executive director of the Office of International Services at USC from 1984-2007 and who served as the president of NAFSA from 1982-1983, will receive a lifetime achievement award at the conference.

TAGS: globalization

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