Alumni Spotlight
Kristen is a 2006 graduate of the HEEM programme. She currently holds the position of Study Abroad & Exchange Advisor at Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Canada. Prior to the HEEM programme, Kristen studied English Literature at Queen's University (Canada), participated in an academic exchange program at the University of Edinburgh (Scotland), was an intern with the International Secretariat of the University of Aarhus (Denmark) and worked in the Student Recruitment and International Initiatives Office of Queen's University (Canada). Below, is a short interview with Kristen:
Highlights of your programme experience?
"* Having the opportunity to explore remote corners of Europe,
* living and learning with people whose perspectives, opinions, beliefs, traditions and languages were very different than mine,
* having ample time to absorb course material and readings,
* collecting memories and developing friendships with individuals whose company has profoundly enhanced my life! "
A few words that describe your experience?
"A unique, valuable and enriching opportunity to study higher education from the inside."
Thesis topic? "Canadian Student Mobility and the Experience of National Identity Abroad"
Words of wisdom for future/current students in programme?
"Everyone will approach their thesis research in a different way, and at a different pace. Taking the time to share your thoughts and ideas with classmates, and to discover and explore new topics along the way will help to make the process more enjoyable."
What topics in Higher Education are you most interested in and why?
"Internationalization of Higher Education, and Academic Mobility. Having experienced both the benefits and the challenges that come with these, I'm fascinated by the impact they have on individuals, institutions, communities and nation-states."
How are you applying what you learned in the HEEM programme to your life/career?
"I am able to appreciate the perspectives of those with whom I deal on a regular basis; students, faculty and fellow staff at my university. I have a solid understanding of various university systems around the world, and I thoroughly enjoy working in a position which enables me to interact with outgoing Canadian students, incoming international students, and my counterparts at institutions in different countries."
Comments
It is noticeable that HEEM alumni are usually offered posts at which they have the best condition to put their knowledge accumulated through HEEM into application. It signals the HEEM's fruitfulness and reaffirms that the birth of HEEM successfully replies to the demands of socialized as well as internationalized process of institutions of higher education around the globe especially ones in the developing countries. I would like to to send my best regards to all HEEM alumni and look forward to witness their further accomplishments in the future.
Have a nice day!
Posted by: Diep Thanh Vuong | March 27, 2007 11:18 AM