Effective Approaches to Boosting Education Abroad
Colleen Packer, M.Ed., Manager, International Learning Programs, University of Calgary International
Colleen Packer, MEd has worked in the field of International Education since 2001. She is currently the Manager, International Learning Programs at University of Calgary International. In addition to serving on various internal committees, Colleen is on the Council of the National Student Exchange consortium. She has presented at various conferences, including CBIE, National Student Exchange, CONAHEC, and BCCIE. While studying French, Spanish, German and Japanese during her BA at the University of Calgary, Colleen studied abroad at the Universität Osnabrück in Germany and Hiroshima University in Japan. Prior to joining University of Calgary International, Colleen also worked in France, the USA, the Netherlands, Wales and Japan.
Laura Marchese-Smith, Study Abroad Advisor, NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology)
Laura Marchese-Smith brings with her 5 years of experience in International Education and over 10 years of experience studying, volunteering and working in the international community and abroad. She has worked as an Education Abroad Advisor at Queen’s University and is currently a Study Abroad Advisor at NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology). At NAIT, Laura is developing a new study abroad program, working with various stakeholders on- and off-campus, developing a risk management strategy, and preparing students for a variety of abroad opportunities. Laura is also the current Chair for CBIE’s INTL Professional Learning Community, and the Vice-Chair of the Education Abroad Professional Learning Community.
