Conference Agenda 2024

 Keynote | 9:25 - 9:55 am | Room 301

During our opening keynote Dr. Cris Toffolo will shine a light on her own personal and professional international experiences and how she has changed over time as a result. Together we will explore concepts about how universities may serve as islands of change for humanity’s future, exploring systemic implications and more.

Dr. Cris Toffolo, currently serves as Interim Director of the Office of International Programs at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) in Chicago. In this position she is responsible for advancing the comprehensive internationalization of the institution.  This draws upon her experience as an exchange student to Japan and France. Before directing NEIU’s international office, she was Professor and Chair of Justice Studies at NEIU, teaching human rights, and theories of justice and social change. Since 2014 she has been an active member of NEIU’s Center for Genocide and Human Rights Research for Africa and the Diaspora (GHRAD) researching issues related to post-1994 Rwanda and post-1972 Burundi. This grows out of her experience living and working in various countries of the Global South, including Nigeria. In 1997 she received a U.S. National Endowment for the Humanities grant to work on ethnicity issues at the University of Wisconsin (Madison). While on sabbatical in South Africa (2005-06) she was a senior researcher for a human rights NGO for which she conducted research on anti-racism training programs. For six years Cris served as board co-chair of the Peace and Justice Studies Association (PJSA). She is also a founding board member of the Truth Telling Project for Ferguson & Beyond, which advocates for reparations for slavery and racist state violence. From 1991-2011 she served as Amnesty International’s Pakistan Country Specialist. Her most recent publication is a co-edited volume entitled Teaching Peace Amidst Conflict and Postcolonialism (Cambridge Scholars Press, 2023). Other publications include the Handbook of Research on Promoting Peace through Practice, Academia, and the Arts, (IGI Global, 2018); The Arab League (Chelsea House, 2007);  and Emancipating Cultural Pluralism, ed. (SUNY Press, 2003). Cris holds a BS in Biology from Alma College, A MA in public policy from George Washington University, and a MA and doctorate from the University of Notre Dame in political theory and comparative politics, and was affiliated with its Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies.

Morning Sessions | 10:10 - 10:55 am 

Morning Session: Reverse Culture Shock | Room 603

Join this discussion to learn more about what reverse culture shock is and how it can show up after returning back to the U.S. Use this time to reflect on your own experience with returning home, or to prepare yourself for returning after you have studied abroad.

Alyssa Schmirler is currently a Program Advisor for IES Abroad where she enjoys preparing students for their adventures studying abroad. Alyssa’s first opportunity to live abroad was in 2014 when she studied abroad for a semester in Varanasi, India during her Bachelor studies. In 2015 she joined the Peace Corps and taught English in Talas, Kyrgyzstan for 2 years. Alyssa went abroad again in 2018 for her Master’s in Amsterdam, Netherlands where she lived for 3 years. During her Master’s studies she also conducted research for 6 months in Nairobi, Kenya. She is, therefore, no stranger to (reverse) culture shock!

Michael Nance currently serves as a J-1 Coordinator of Partnerships and Student Exchanges at the Office of International Programs at Northeastern Illinois University and previously served in the role of English teacher with Jerusalem Post Lite Talk. Michael is passionate about international student mobility and has led successful implementations of non-formal and formal educational programs through effective intercultural dialogues, collaborative partnerships and through cultivating solid relationships with cross-cultural teams.

Morning Session: Reflecting with Gen Z | Room 613

Participate in this session to reflect on the October 2023 Gallup Poll: The Voices of Gen Z: Perspectives on education, well-being and the future. Attend this session to discuss Issues that Gen Z face and share feedback with study abroad administrators on how these factors impact both prospective and returned study abroad students. 

Cara Miller is a Study Abroad Advisor at DePaul University and has been traveling the world since 2003, encouraging others to study, work and volunteer abroad! Cara earned her Master’s degree from the School for International Training (SIT Graduate Institute) in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management. Cara studied abroad during her junior year in Paris and afterward, garnered professional experience teaching in Chicago Public Schools, leading high school and university-level student groups to France, Spain and Italy; and working at the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C as well as the Australian Consulate in Chicago as a Public Diplomacy Officer. 

Morning Session: Networking for Introverts by Extroverts | Room 301

Networking for Introverts by Extroverts: Does the thought of trying to 'network' send butterflies into your tummy? Or maybe you feel confident but are just looking to learn more about what 'networking' really means? Join this session to address those fears that come up, learn the basics of networking, hone your skills, and practice first hand with support and feedback.

Lily is a Chicago based professional with over 10 years of international higher education experience. She currently works as the University Relations Manager for the Arava Institute. Prior to this role, she worked as a regional director and program manager for students traveling to programs in Asia Pacific. Much of her personal work in international higher education has been focused in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice including building out informational resources for both educators and students.

Power Hour Sessions | 11:00 - 12:00 am 

Power Hour: Transformation and Change Workshop | Room 603

A familiar refrain from students returning from study abroad programs is how the experience "changed their lives". This workshop on Change will take a closer look at whether this statement is true, and if so, how did students actually change. The interactive format will explore the concept of Change from a variety of perspectives, examine its multiple dimensions, highlight students personal experiences, and identify opportunities for students to become Agents of Change. 

Zinta is a consultant with ZK Consulting Intl, specializing in strategic planning in higher ed. She was the Director of International Education at College of DuPage for 20 years before she retired. She earned her PhD in African Languages and Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She trained Peace Corps Volunteers going to West Africa at the Virgin Islands Training Center in St. Thomas. She is fluent in Latvian and French and studied numerous other languages.

Power Hour: Work/Teach/Intern/Volunteer Abroad Panel | Room 301

Are you looking for ways to go abroad again? Want to be paid to live and work abroad? Are you thinking about applying to graduate school abroad? Representatives from across the international education profession will share how you can live, work, volunteer and study abroad once again post-graduation.

Hannah DeMilta has been involved with Lessons from Abroad Chicago since 2014. She previously volunteered as marketing chair and conference co-chair for the annual conference and now is a member of the current board and organizing team. She studied abroad in Australia as a student and was inspired to move to Sydney after graduation to pursue her career in marketing. After four years she returned to the U.S. and has spent the last 10 years in International Education. She is currently Head of Community at Sage Corps, helping students intern at global startups. Hannah is a graduate of Otterbein University where she majored in Public Relations with a Deaf Culture and Language minor.

Sheila Moloney studied abroad with Semester at Sea during her undergraduate degree program from Winona State University. She developed a passion for diverse cultures and international education and she strongly believes that IE transcends borders, opens minds and enables individuals to go beyond their comfort zone. Sheila currently serves as a Program Manager for Greenheart Travel and has enjoyed many opportunities within the International Education field over the past ten years.

Lindsay Pomazal is an international education professional who knows first-hand the transformative experience of living, working and studying abroad. Currently she is the Admissions Lead & Remote Program Manager for Sage Corps, an international internship program sending students to work with startups. A Michigan native, she was bitten by the “travel bug” while on study abroad in Japan and hasn’t been able to shake it since. She has a passion for expanding horizons and building relationships. After graduating from Michigan State University, Lindsay spent three years teaching English abroad on the JET Program in rural Miyazaki (the surf capital of Japan). A teacher and advisor at heart, her mission is to connect Sage Corps students with transformational international experiences while helping build the next generation global workforce.

For Kenneth Parris, becoming an Advisor in International Education is a direct result of the impactful international experiences he personally had, which have forever navigated his personal and professional decisions. Through them, his enthusiasm for cultural exchange developed and led him to being an advocate for global mobility. He believes in the internationalization of perspectives because we are better and more interesting when we are exposed to new ideas, particularly ones far-traveled. International education allows for this through assimilation of all that you learn while in a new culture, from academics to the local way of living.

Ruby Regina Benigno is the Assistant Director for the Office of International Affairs at North Park University where she oversees International Student Support Services and Study Abroad. Prior to working in international education, she taught English in public schools in Chicago and Japan and worked in the private educational sector. 2024 marks her tenth year in education. She worked and lived abroad through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program which inspired her to pursue an M.Ed. in International Cultural and Educational Policy Studies at her alma mater, Loyola University Chicago. She currently serves as one of the Conference Coordinators for International Educators of Illinois. In her spare time, she's updating her Chicago coffee shop matrix and buying more books that she actually reads.

Mary Parsons recently completed her Master's degree in International Education at the Universidad de Alcala in Spain. There she learned a great deal about global education while doing graduate work. The fact that the master’s degree was taught in Spain by professors from several different countries provided for a truly international perspective on the world of global education. Living in Spain also gave me the opportunity to learn Spanish. She enjoys continuing to learn and practice the language and is glad to be at the Lessons From Abroad Conference this year!

Megan Stoltenberg currently serves as a Recruiter for the Peace Corps Office of Recruitment and Diversity. Megan is passionate about promoting citizen diplomacy and volunteer opportunities abroad. She encourages potential volunteers to engage in building relationships, exchanging cultures and knowledge and helping to transform lives for generations. Learn more about the Peace Corps and gain tips to guide you through the application process by connecting with Megan. Serving in the Peace Corps is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and have the experience of a lifetime!

Power Hour: Pre-Departure Orientation | Room 613

If you are preparing for an upcoming study abroad program, then this pre-departure session is FOR YOU! Learn about differences in academic culture; how to manage finances; understand culture and culture shock; how to stay healthy and safe while abroad; best practices for living with a local Homestay family; packing tips and advice for a positive and meaningful experience abroad! 

Cara Miller is a Study Abroad Advisor at DePaul University and has been traveling the world since 2003, encouraging others to study, work and volunteer abroad! Cara earned her Master’s degree from the School for International Training (SIT Graduate Institute) in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management. Cara studied abroad during her junior year in Paris and afterward, garnered professional experience teaching in Chicago Public Schools, leading high school and university-level student groups to France, Spain and Italy; and working at the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C as well as the Australian Consulate in Chicago as a Public Diplomacy Officer. 

Afternoon Sessions | 1:00 - 1:45 pm

Afternoon Session: There is no Planet B: Harper College’s Sustainability Journey | Room 603 

What do the words “sustainable” and “sustainability” actually mean? For many, these terms might just sound like hollow buzz words, ostensibly referring to a variety of disconnected actions to “improve the world”, “reduce waste,” and/or “create a more green workplace.” This presentation will describe the experiences of one Midwestern community college on its journey to planet-friendly policies and initiatives. Join us to hear about how a group of faculty and staff at Harper College (in Palatine, IL) began a grassroots effort to reduce environmental impact on campus through the shared governance structure of the college, curriculum infusion, study abroad, and other collaborative initiatives between various campus stakeholders.

Dr. Richard Johnson is Professor of English and Humanities at Harper College, where he established the Office of International Education and served as its first Director for 12 years. Under his leadership, the Office of International Education was recognized for its innovative approach to internationalization of the community college. In 2018, the Office won the NAFSA Senator Paul Simon Spotlight award, and in 2020, it received IIE’s Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education. A medievalist by training, Richard is the author of Saint Michael the Archangel in Medieval English Legend and a number of articles on Old English hagiography. He is also a beekeeper and a banjo enthusiast in his spare time.

 Julie Ellefson is a professor emeritus at Harper College.  She is passionate about teaching and practicing walking gently on the Earth.  Together with general chemistry students, she initiated a small-scale compost program at Harper. She developed a study abroad honors liberal arts chemistry course to Rancho Mastatal, a sustainability education center in Costa Rica. Julie continues to teach a learning community, Living Sustainable Lives, with Professor Garcia, which pairs ethics and chemistry. She earned a master's degree in chemistry from DePaul University and a master's degree in education from National-Louis University. She is currently a Master Gardener intern and is working with colleagues at Harper to promote native and vegetable gardens on campus.

Afternoon Session: How to Incorporate your Study Abroad Experience on your Resume | Room 301

Learn how to leverage your study abroad skills to improve employment outcomes post-graduation. Studying abroad can help you land your dream job! Employers are often impressed with the skills gained while studying abroad. Learn how to feature your study abroad experience in a cover letter and on a resume, and articulate your newly acquired soft skills in an interview by attending this workshop.

Shannon Diegel has more than 16 years of professional experience in the field of international education. She currently serves as a Program Manager at Sage Corps, an international internship program that sends college students to intern abroad with startup companies. Shannon previously served as a Senior Program Manager at International Studies Abroad and at The Education Abroad Network. She earned her Bachelors of Business Administration at Loyola University Chicago and her Master of Arts degree in International Education at the School for International Training (SIT Graduate Institute).

Katie earned her undergraduate degree in German languages and literature at The University of Notre Dame. She is an enthusiastic, driven partnership builder with a passion for international education, a penchant for solving problems, and proven stakeholder management, product marketing, sales enablement, training, communication, and leadership skills. Katie previously served as Regional Director of Campus Relations with The Education Abroad Network and as the Director of the Chicago Center and International House for Loyola University Chicago.

Afternoon Session: Processing identities after returning from abroad | Room 613

Join this session to explore the topic of identity. Together, reflect on how identity can become salient when traveling abroad and how your identities may shift after you return. Expand awareness of identities that you carry and build vocabulary in articulating how those identities can help to build more inclusive spaces anywhere you are in your world.

Josefina is a Study Abroad Advisor at UIC and has worked in international education for over 5 years. Her interest in the field started when she studied abroad in 2016 for an Academic Year at The University of Manchester in England. She enjoyed her experience so much she returned to The University of Manchester and graduated with a Masters in International Education emphasising in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in 2023. 

Cara Miller is a Study Abroad Advisor at DePaul University and has been traveling the world since 2003, encouraging others to study, work and volunteer abroad! Cara earned her Master’s degree from the School for International Training (SIT Graduate Institute) in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management. Cara studied abroad during her junior year in Paris and afterward, garnered professional experience teaching in Chicago Public Schools, leading high school and university-level student groups to France, Spain and Italy; and working at the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C as well as the Australian Consulate in Chicago as a Public Diplomacy Officer. 

Closing Session | 2:00 - 2:45pm | Room 301

Enjoy this closing talk with Ella McCann to ponder together important inquiries: How does immersing oneself in a different culture catalyze personal growth? What role does adaptation (or lack thereof) play in the transformative process? And, how do the challenges of working in a foreign environment contribute to one’s evolution and sense of becoming? These questions will guide our exploration of the experiences we gain from studying, living and/or working abroad.

Ella McCann is Director of Partnerships at The Executives’ Club of Chicago. The Executives’ Club of Chicago is the premier resource for connecting, developing, and growing best-in-class leaders to strengthen themselves and their organizations. Prior to this Ella was Manager of External Relations and Strategic Partnerships for the Baumhart Center, an interdisciplinary center at Loyola University Chicago that prepares leaders to tackle society’s most pressing challenges through education, engagement, and research. Before joining Baumhart, Ella was an International Program Manager with Chicago Sister Cities International, an initiative of World Business Chicago, the Economic Development arm of the City of Chicago. In this capacity, Ella managed volunteer sister city committees; coordinated exchanges that focused on cultural arts and tourism, international business and economic development, global education and government relations between Chicago and its sister cities; facilitated international delegation visits; and produced CSCI program-wide events. Ella is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in “Language as a Tool to Breakdown Cultural Barriers” from the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies at the University of Redlands in Southern California. Prior to joining Chicago Sister Cities International, Ella was the Outreach Coordinator at the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago, managing school visits at Chicago Public Schools and introducing Japanese culture to Chicagoans. From 2012-2014, she lived in Japan and was an Assistant Language Teacher in Chiba Prefecture as part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. Ella is fluent in Japanese and intermediate in Spanish.