On February 20-21, FAIE held its 2020 Annual Conference at the UF Reitz Union and international educational exchange advances and learning took place amongst hundreds of participants. In keeping with standards and principles established by the NAFSA Code of Ethics, FAIE provides professional education and training to the membership in its five districts.
Dr. Leonardo Villalón, Dean of the International Center and Professor of Political Science and African Studies served as the keynote speaker and presented on "Making Place for Africa: Reflections on the Globalization of International Education". His talk drew on a career largely dedicated to African Studies, and on personal experiences of research and teaching about and in Africa, to reflect on the place of the continent on American campuses. It reflected on the challenges of “making a place” for more attention to Africa, as well as on the rich possibilities for what Africa can bring to our efforts to have a truly global perspective on international education.
FAIE dedicated its Special Spotlight Event to the UF International Center (UFIC) and participants joined UFIC's leadership as they shared their highlights, challenges, and accomplishments as a past winner of the prestigious Simon Award for Campus Internationalization. UFIC shared their experiences on what it is that places the University of Florida at the forefront of international education in the United States.
Additionally, a very special recognition took place on the last day of the conference! Paloma Rodriguez, Director of UFIC's Office of Global Learning was presented with the “You Made a World of Difference” award during the FAIE conference. This prestigious award was established to honor outstanding FAIE members in the area of international education.
UFIC appreciates Paloma's outstanding efforts to move UF forward in the field of International Education. Congratulations!
