Congratulations to our new 2021 AAIE Officers!
Chair-Elect
Maria Frigge
Associate Dean of International Student Services Troy University
Maria Frigge is the Associate Dean of International Student Services at Troy University. Maria has worked in International Education for fourteen years in the capacity of international student advisor, director of study abroad, and now associate dean. She has been involved in AAIE since she started working with international students. She has served as the AAIE chair-elect and chair.
AAIE Treasurer Akali Fulmer International Admissions Coordinator University of North Alabama
Mrs. Akali Fulmer has been working at the University of North Alabama as an International Admissions Coordinator for almost six years. She overseas both undergraduate and graduate international admissions, developing new programs with Global partner school, managing UNA recruiting agents and international credential evaluation. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from India. She also has earned three Master’s Degrees one in Theology and another one in Divinity from Seoul Christian University in South Korea, and Master of Professional Studies in Higher Education from University of North Alabama. Before transitioning into higher education, Mrs. Fulmer spent many years working/living in South Korea, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and Thailand for directing operations and mission across multiple locations. She is a member of the US Youth Chamber of Commerce and worked for a short period of time as a Legislative Director for US Senate in Washington DC.
Communications Coordinator
Jan-Dominque Santos,
Education Abroad Advisor
University of South Alabama
Jan was born and raised in the Philippines until the age of 11 when she moved to the U.S. She graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2016 majoring in Foreign Languages and Literatures. Returning from her study abroad program in France, she interned as an International Education Ambassador at the university's study abroad office. In 2017, she started her role as an Education Abroad Advisor at the very same office. She has brief experience working as a Campus Consultant for International Education Programs (IEP), an education abroad consulting firm. Jan works closely with inbound and outbound student advising, supervises a team of study abroad alumni ambassadors, collaborates with faculty in developing study abroad programs, and is currently a NAFSA Academy Trainee.
NAFSA Region VII Alabama State Representative
Chris Larkins
International Student and Scholar Advisor
The University of Alabama
Hello fellow AAIE members and attendees of our virtual conference! Many of you might already know me as the interim NAFSA Region VII Alabama State Representative. I would be humbly honored to continue as the elected Alabama State Representative, as I have had many plans for our state over the last year that has been delayed by COVID-19. I have spent my career in international education, first as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bangladesh in 2004. Currently, I am an International Student and Scholar Advisor at The University of Alabama, advising F-1 and J-1 students but primarily working with H-1B and J-1 scholars. I am currently the NAFSA Peace Corps MIG Co-chair, as well as the NAFSA Region VII Coach, and a member of NAFSA Trainer Corps. If elected as your state representative, one of my biggest goals is to bring at least one Trainer Corps session to the state, that can offer a Core Education Program at a much affordable price than what’s offered at the national or regional level. Additionally, AAIE and I will continue to offer state trainings and workshops throughout our service to assist you in your daily work and to network with others. If elected, I will be happy to serve as your Alabama State Representative to NAFSA Region VII for three years.
AAIE Workshop 2019
University of South Alabama Students Win International Scholarships to Study Abroad
https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/ie/studyabroad/news/011020gilman.html
Posted on January 10, 2020 by Joy Washington
Shelby Merritt, left, and Auriel Moore each were awarded a Gilman Scholarship to study in Russia. “This opportunity to study in Russia has opened a lot of doors for me to help mentor and prepare other students who want to study abroad,” Moore said.
“The Gilman Scholarship is provided to students with the opportunity for them to return home with a deeper understanding of their place in the world, encouraging them to be a contributor, rather than a spectator, in the international community.” -Benjamin A. Gilman.
Shelby Merritt ended up changing majors. Auriel Moore has decided to work abroad following graduation.
They are two of the four University of South Alabama students who were awarded Gilman Scholarships to study abroad this year, and their experiences have been life-changing.
“Shelby was initially majoring in nursing, and found her passion and love in foreign languages,” said Jan Dominique Santos, education abroad adviser in South’s Office of International Education. “She hopes to work with the U.S. Foreign Service in public diplomacy. With her determination, Shelby will make great strides in building bridges between communities.”
Merritt, from Theodore, is a senior majoring in German and Russian. “I was shocked to have been selected out of all the students nationwide,” she said. “This experience has been humbling. I went through a long application process of writing an essay about my need for this scholarship to study in another country. Because of my major, I had to study abroad and I didn’t have the funds. This scholarship allowed me to travel and study in Russia.”
Shawn Dillard, assistant director for international programs in South’s Office of International Education, said the late Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman of New York helped to establish this study abroad scholarship program under the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. According to Dillard, the Gilman Scholarship program supports underrepresented students in study abroad.
“The Gilman prioritizes language learning, especially critical languages deemed important for national security,” she explained. “Gilman is a highly competitive national award that not only provides students with skills that benefit their personal, academic and career development, but also incorporates a component of service.”
“Because of the financial support of the Gilman Scholarship and what USA provided, I was able to complete an important requirement so that I can graduate this fall,” Merritt said. “The language I was able to use while studying abroad has given me an important advantage. I hope to work abroad following graduation.”
Moore is a junior from Mobile majoring in foreign languages with a concentration in Spanish and Russian.
“This opportunity to study in Russia has opened a lot of doors for me to help mentor and prepare other students who want to study abroad,” Moore said. “One of my favorite places in Russia was Siberia. After a few weeks of classes in Moscow, we took a break from the capital to explore Irkutsk, and we even went camping on Lake Baikal. It was absolutely beautiful there with the bright green plains and clear blue skies. I was in a great place to learn the language and compare the differences in cultures. Moscow was also great for practicing the language, and it was there that I learned to navigate their world-famous metro system. Upon graduation, I would like to teach English abroad and have a career in global education.”
Students who study abroad on the Gilman Scholarship return with the responsibility of sharing their experiences. Santos said Moore has had much to share.
“Since Auriel’s study abroad experience, she has been named an International Education Ambassador for our department,” she said. “She is a liaison for the students considering an education abroad and for those who are transitioning back to the states from a study abroad experience. She recently returned from a human rights conference in Brazil and plans to depart for Eastern Europe and the United Kingdom in the summer of 2020.
“Auriel is the definition of a global citizen.”
South’s other two Gilman Scholars are Patrick Mutual, who studied in Germany, and Sunny Souvannasy, who studied in South Korea.
https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/ie/studyabroad/news/011020gilman.html
Posted on January 10, 2020 by Joy Washington
Shelby Merritt, left, and Auriel Moore each were awarded a Gilman Scholarship to study in Russia. “This opportunity to study in Russia has opened a lot of doors for me to help mentor and prepare other students who want to study abroad,” Moore said.
“The Gilman Scholarship is provided to students with the opportunity for them to return home with a deeper understanding of their place in the world, encouraging them to be a contributor, rather than a spectator, in the international community.” -Benjamin A. Gilman.
Shelby Merritt ended up changing majors. Auriel Moore has decided to work abroad following graduation.
They are two of the four University of South Alabama students who were awarded Gilman Scholarships to study abroad this year, and their experiences have been life-changing.
“Shelby was initially majoring in nursing, and found her passion and love in foreign languages,” said Jan Dominique Santos, education abroad adviser in South’s Office of International Education. “She hopes to work with the U.S. Foreign Service in public diplomacy. With her determination, Shelby will make great strides in building bridges between communities.”
Merritt, from Theodore, is a senior majoring in German and Russian. “I was shocked to have been selected out of all the students nationwide,” she said. “This experience has been humbling. I went through a long application process of writing an essay about my need for this scholarship to study in another country. Because of my major, I had to study abroad and I didn’t have the funds. This scholarship allowed me to travel and study in Russia.”
Shawn Dillard, assistant director for international programs in South’s Office of International Education, said the late Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman of New York helped to establish this study abroad scholarship program under the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. According to Dillard, the Gilman Scholarship program supports underrepresented students in study abroad.
“The Gilman prioritizes language learning, especially critical languages deemed important for national security,” she explained. “Gilman is a highly competitive national award that not only provides students with skills that benefit their personal, academic and career development, but also incorporates a component of service.”
“Because of the financial support of the Gilman Scholarship and what USA provided, I was able to complete an important requirement so that I can graduate this fall,” Merritt said. “The language I was able to use while studying abroad has given me an important advantage. I hope to work abroad following graduation.”
Moore is a junior from Mobile majoring in foreign languages with a concentration in Spanish and Russian.
“This opportunity to study in Russia has opened a lot of doors for me to help mentor and prepare other students who want to study abroad,” Moore said. “One of my favorite places in Russia was Siberia. After a few weeks of classes in Moscow, we took a break from the capital to explore Irkutsk, and we even went camping on Lake Baikal. It was absolutely beautiful there with the bright green plains and clear blue skies. I was in a great place to learn the language and compare the differences in cultures. Moscow was also great for practicing the language, and it was there that I learned to navigate their world-famous metro system. Upon graduation, I would like to teach English abroad and have a career in global education.”
Students who study abroad on the Gilman Scholarship return with the responsibility of sharing their experiences. Santos said Moore has had much to share.
“Since Auriel’s study abroad experience, she has been named an International Education Ambassador for our department,” she said. “She is a liaison for the students considering an education abroad and for those who are transitioning back to the states from a study abroad experience. She recently returned from a human rights conference in Brazil and plans to depart for Eastern Europe and the United Kingdom in the summer of 2020.
“Auriel is the definition of a global citizen.”
South’s other two Gilman Scholars are Patrick Mutual, who studied in Germany, and Sunny Souvannasy, who studied in South Korea.
Posted 11/21/2019
Alabama Meeting at the NAFSA Region VII Conference!
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AAIE Officers at the NAFSA Region VII Conference
Posted 11/14/2019
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK
IN ALABAMA
November 18-22
Samford University
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK
IN ALABAMA
November 18-22
Samford University
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama
Auburn University at Montgomery
Gadsden State Community College
Posted 11/07/19
Please consider applying for the open positions that will begin
In April 2020 at the AAIE Conference.
NAFSA Rep (3 year commitment)
Alabama Representative to NAFSA Region VII
Term:
Three years
Appointment:
By nomination and election during the annual conference in the spring
Qualifications:
Should have at least one year of full-time experience in international education in the state of Alabama
Must be currently working in International Education in the state of Alabama
Responsibilities:
Serve as liaison to NAFSA Region VII and Study Alabama: A Consortium for Global Engagement and Economic Development (SA/CGEED).
Promote the interests of Alabama international educators and inform state members of important information related to NAFSA, international education, and advocacy for international education
Coordinate the State Meeting at the NAFSA Region VII Conference in the fall
Attend regional team training meetings
Treasurer (2 year commitment)
AAIE Treasurer
Term:
Two years
Appointment:
By nomination and election during the annual conference in the spring
Qualifications:
Should have at least one year of full-time experience in international education in the state of Alabama
Must be currently working in International Education in the state of Alabama
Responsibilities:
Provide financial report at the AAIE annual conference in the spring
Disburse funds with the approval on the State Chair and State Chair-Elect
Communications (2 year commitment)
Communications Coordinator
Term:
Two years
Appointment:
By nomination and election during the annual conference in the spring
Qualifications:
Should have at least one year of full-time experience in international education in the state of Alabama
Must be currently working in International Education in the state of Alabama
Responsibilities:
Serve as the webmaster and listserv and newsletter manager for AAIE
Coordinate communications between AAIE leadership and membership
Foster communication between the NAFSA Region VII and state in partnership with Alabama Representative to NAFSA Region VII
Manage promotion of annual conference and AAIE events
Chair-Elect (3 year commitment)
AAIE State Chair-Elect
Term:
One year
Appointment:
By nomination and election during the annual conference in the spring
Qualifications:
Should have at least one year of full-time experience in international education in the state of Alabama
Must be currently working in International Education in the state of Alabama
Responsibilities:
Coordinate and preside over the annual conference in the spring
Assume the duties of State Chair in the absence of the Chair
Foster the goals of international education
POSTED 10/08/2019
Congratulations:
We are excited to announce that Chris Larkin from the University of Alabama is your new Alabama State Representative for AAIE and NAFSA Region VII!
Please welcome and congratulate Chris! You can reach Chris Larkin at this link: https://www.aaieonline.org/aaie-officers.html
AAIE FALL WORKSHOP WRAP UP:
The AAIE workshop at the University of North Alabama had 9 attendees for the F-1 Basics: The Student Life Cycle from Admission to Enrolled Student
and F-1 Employment (with bonus content on H1B) . It was full of information and a good day!
A big thank you to AAIE Chair, Justin Lampley , AAIE State Representative, Chris Larkin and AAIE Chair Elect, Sarah Stevens for presenting.
Thank you to the University of North Alabama for hosting us!
Accomplishments:
Two University of South Alabama students received Gilman Scholarships, two for summer and 2 for AY 2019.
On September 25, 2019 they held their Fall Study Abroad Fair.
More information can be found here: https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/ie/studyabroad/news/education-and-travel-the-study-abroad-fall-fair.html
Samford University hosted a very special campus event hosted by the Global Engagement Office at Samford University.
More information can be found here:
https://www.samford.edu/news/2019/04/Global-Connections-and-Samford-Abroad-Fair-Promotes-International-Student-Experiences
The JETAASE Alabama Sub-chapter hosted a panel discussion on opportunities to strengthen Japan-Alabama Ties.
More information can be found here: https://usjetaa.org/report-opportunities-to-strengthen-japan-alabama-ties/
Deadline and Events:
10/08 Community College International Student Transfer Fair at Jefferson State
10/11 Deadline for the Early bird NAFSA Region VII early bird registration rate https://registration.experientevent.com/showRC0197
10/11 Pre-Conference Workshop Deadline https://www.nafsa.org/conferences/regional/2019-region-vii-conference/2019-preconference-workshops
10/25 NAFSA Hotel Reservation Cut off https://book.passkey.com/event/49834969/owner/198/home
11/15 Deadline to apply for the NAFSA Rise Fellowship Program www.nafsa.org/rise.
11/20-11/23 NAFSA REGION VII Conference in Orlando Florida https://www.nafsa.org/conferences/regional/2019-region-vii-conference