Thank you

CIEE’s 12th Annual Global Internship Conference (GIC) was held in London, United Kingdom, on June 19-21, 2024, centering on the theme of “Collaborating to Shape Global Talent.”  #GICLondon2024 brought together hundreds of university leaders and administrators, global education advocates and practitioners, policy makers, industry partners, and thought leaders on the future of work, and students.

View and download photos from the 2024 conference.

Thank you to all participants for making GIC 2024 the best Global Internship Conference ever!

  • You added your voice to the discussions and debates on the critical role of partnerships and borderless collaboration—across campus, community, industry, government, and borders—to maximize work-based experiential learning in preparing young people for a global workplace.

  • You gleaned insights from leading experts on the future of work and implications for global experiential learning, including potential impacts of generative AI and climate change.

  • You connected with colleagues old and new through plentiful networking activities.

  • You engaged in constructive conversations on how internships can be more accessible and inclusive, how work-integrated learning can advance student success, how global experiential learning can be a powerful engine for public diplomacy and economic development, and so much more.

A special thanks to the members of our amazing 2024 Program Development Committee, who helped curate the conference program and craft each session.  

Save the Date

Join us for the 13th Annual Global Internship Conference in Singapore on June 25-27, 2025. You don’t want to miss it.  Registration will open in November 2024. Questions? Contact us at GIC@ciee.org.

Speakers

Schedule

9 AM– 12 PM | Pre-Conference Workshop: Best Practices in Global Internships

Global internships offer a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience, develop global competencies, and expand their cultural horizons. However, internships also require careful planning and execution to ensure a successful experience. By following these best practices and learning from case studies provided by CIEE, partner universities and internship providers, conference attendees will learn how to best deliver rewarding programs and minimize risks and challenges to help prepare students for future career opportunities. We will also provide opportunities for participants to share examples from their own contexts.  This pre-conference will be led by CIEE staff, a university partner, and a London-based internship supervisor. 

(Cost: additional $150, lunch is included)

Speakers:

  • Chelsea Cowan, Senior Program Coordinator, Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin

  • Gosbert Chagula, Co-Founder & Head of Programs, Startup Discovery School, London

  • Robby Block, Senior Manager, Global Internships, CIEE

12– 1 PM | Pre-Conference Workshop Lunch

Location: Tower Foyer
Lunch will be provided for workshop attendees.

Tuesday, June 18

Wednesday, June 19

9 AM– 11:30 AM | Pre-Conference Activity: Industry Partner Site Visit

Location: More London Suite
Participants will be able to visit a co-working space which is representative of the type of space interns in London may be working in. During the visit, participants will be able to tour the site and hear from industry partners about their organizations and the projects that interns can expect to work on. (Cost: additional $100, lunch is included)

12– 1 PM | Conference Attendee Lunch

Location: Tower Foyer

1:00 - 2:30 PM | Opening Plenary: Collaborating to Shape Future Talent

Location: Tower Suite
Leaders from higher education, industry and government will engage in discussions and debates on the critical role of partnerships to maximize work-based experiential learning opportunities for young people. They will discuss the future of work, the implications of global talent development in driving economic development and public diplomacy, and why no one can do it alone.

Speakers:

  • Lord David Anderson of Ipswich KBE KC, UK Parliament

  • Mariana Peters, Change Consultant for Bosch, Deutsche Bahn, and Individuals

  • Rebecca Pasini, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State

  • Jane Swift, President, Education at Work

  • Ahmad Ezzeddine, Vice President for Academic Student Affairs and Global Engagement, Wayne State University and Vice President for Scholarship & Institutional Strategy, NAFSA (Moderator)

2:30 - 3:00 PM | Coffee Break

Location: Tower Foyer

3:00 - 4:00 PM | GIC Talks

Location: Tower Suite
During this segment, we will present three speakers who will each share a thought-provoking idea related to a critical trend that will shape the future of work. These segments, modeled after Ted Talks, will serve as key inspiration for discussions and debates throughout the conference and beyond. What will the future be shaped by?

Speakers:

  • Bryan Alexander, Futurist, Senior Scholar, Georgetown University, explores climate transition and implications for the role of higher education in developing future talent

  • Malaika Serrano, Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Guild Education, shares her perspective on inclusive leadership and the criticality of inclusive leadership to support the future of global work.

  • Jack Buckley, Vice President, People Science at Roblox, provides insights into the role of technology, especially generative AI for skills assessment, in the education to work transition.

4:00 - 4:05 PM | Transition

4:05 - 5:20 PM | Concurrent sessions

Skills, degrees, and global competencies - what's next?

Location: Tower Suite
In recent years, there has been an undeniable shift towards a focus on skills as employers globally continue to struggle with talent needs, including a growing movement to focus on skills-based hiring. Yet, it’s less than clear how exactly this is being implemented. While employers have removed degree requirements in favor of demonstration of skills in job postings, those whom they hire are still largely degree holders. At the same time, job postings for entry level jobs requiring multiple years of experience is not uncommon. For a student who’s studying full time to earn a degree, how can they gain the experience and demonstrate the skills they’ve acquired to get hired for these entry level jobs. How do things change when this shifts into a global context?

In this session, voices from higher education, industry, and skills assessment will share their perspectives on what global employers are really looking for, how higher education institutions are preparing students for shifting requirements, the importance of intercultural competencies, and the challenges & opportunities that exist for those with and without degrees to demonstrate critical, global employability skills.

Speakers:

  • Ben Wildavsky, Visiting Scholar, University of Virginia and Author of The Career Arts (Moderator)

  • Christine Archer, Global Head, Internship Experience Program, SAP

  • Rohit Sharma, SVP, Global Mobility Solutions, ETS

  • Roslyn Clark Artis, President, Benedict College

Developing Talent Elasticity in the Age of Generative AI, Global Mobility, and More!

Location: Room 2/3/4
With the rapid pace of change driven by technology in the last 20 years, there appears to be constant concerns about what the future of work will look like and what universities and employers need to do to develop the talent needed for today’s in-demand jobs. The latest driver of these conversations is generative AI. Yet, there’s so much more driving these concerns including new workplace norms, impact of climate change, and so on. At the same time, higher education institutions where young people are supposed to be prepared for the workplace are often very slow to change. In light of this, how do we shift the focus away from pure skill development to one which balances development of skills in demand now, but also the talent elasticity needed to fill future skills gaps.

In this session, a panel of voices from higher education, industry, and young professionals will discuss the implications of emerging trends on the future of work and the opportunities and challenges from their perspectives. The group will focus on the importance of work-integrated learning as part of a holistic model for developing talent for an uncertain future that is changing at an exponential rate.

Speakers:

  • Dave Fenton, Assistant Director, External RelationsDepartment of Management, University of Toronto (Moderator)

  • Shawn VanDerziel, CEO, NACE

  • Vicki O’Brien, Senior Lecturer, Liverpool John Moores University

  • Jane Hallett, Managing Director, Practera

Alternative Models for Access and Inclusion in Global Experiential Learning

Location: Room 5/6
Research from many sources have shown that both global experiences and internships have a significant impact on developing skills that are most valued by today’s global employers. Yet, these experiences also tend to be most out of reach for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Be it cost, time commitment, program design, or other barriers, traditional models of study abroad and global internships may be challenging for some students. In this session, speakers will share insights on some alternative models for global experiential learning that are helping to open up access in new ways to create opportunities for students who never dreamed they could go abroad or do an internship.

Speakers:

  • Laura Bielby, Student Opportunity and Experiential Learning Manager, Leeds Beckett University (Moderator)

  • Harry Spear, Co-Founder, Caribbean Elective

  • Jamie Bettles, Founder & Managing Director, Pagoda

  • Kyndall Cox, Director, Douglass-O'Connell Global Programs, CIEE

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | CIEE Opening Reception at the Chop House

Location: The Chop House, 36e Shad Thames, London, SE1 2YE
Join us this evening to savor the gentle breeze from the Chop House open terrace, which extends directly onto the Thames and offers a view of the Tower Bridge. This restaurant, beloved by Londoners, has been exclusively reserved for CIEE and is conveniently located just a short walk from the venue. Share a drink with your colleagues, business partners, or new acquaintances, forge new connections, and enjoy this informal reception. Canapés as well as non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Thursday, June 20

9:00 - 10:15 AM | GIC Leadership Plenary: Bridging the Gap between Higher Education and Employers

Location: Tower Suite
In recent years, the disconnect between universities and employers on whether higher education institutions are doing an adequate job of preparing students for the workforce has continued to widen. Yet, with global labor and skills shortages becoming a growing concern, what can be done to bridge this gap? In this session, leaders from higher education and industry will discuss why this disconnect exists, new models that institutions are putting in place to help bridge this gap, and whether current initiatives are sufficient to move the needle on this issue.

Speakers:

  • Piers Linney, Former Dragons’ Den Investor and Co-Founder, Implement AI

  • Kerry McKittrick, Co-Director, Harvard Project on Workforce (Moderator)

  • Dr. Mary Papazian, Executive Vice President, Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB)

  • Dr. Anthony E. Munroe, President, Borough of Manhattan Community College

  • Theresa Shearer, CEO, Enable

10:15 - 10:45 AM | Global Internship Industry Partner Award Ceremony
Location: Tower Suite

10:45 - 11:00 AM | Coffee Break
Location: Tower Foyer

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | GIC Ideation Roundtables

Aligning Career Services and International Offices to Support Global Talent Development and Mobility

Location: Tower Suite
In this interactive, facilitated discussion, participants will be able to explore opportunities to better align the work of career services and international offices to support global talent mobility and development. Career Services advisors are charged with helping students successfully navigate into the workplace and have a clear understanding of what employers seek. On the other hand, international advisors are the experts on navigating programs, identifying global opportunities, and compliance. Greater collaboration between the two groups ultimately benefits students but also contributes towards solving critical talent and skills shortage issues globally. Participants will walk away with concrete ideas on how to better collaborate with colleagues who are working toward the same goals.

Speakers:

  • Joann Ng Hartmann, Senior Impact Officer, NAFSA

  • Mihaela Metianu, Assistant Provost for Global Engagement, Florida Atlantic University

  • Dave Anguish, Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars at the University of Maryland – Baltimore County

Working with a New Generation of Talent

Location: Room 5/6
Coming to work in a T-shirt and sweats, clocking out at 3 pm for an Uber run during rush hour only to clock back in at 7 pm, traversing the world while working a full-time job, finding a new job every other year, this is Gen Z.

Globally, there has been a lot of discussion on the disconnect between how well employers think universities are doing to equip students with the skills needed to successfully transition into the workplace and how well universities think they are doing. This debate has often focused on hard and “soft” skills needed to do the job. What is also increasingly changing and creating disconnects between employers and the new generation of workers is workplace behaviors. Is there an opportunity for higher education institutions and employers to better collaborate on both understanding the expectations of Gen Zers so employers know what’s coming and for higher education institutions to teach students about workplace behaviors and norms.

Using a facilitated discussion format, participants will discuss the differing expectations between the new generation of GenZ workers and employers, higher ed role in helping bridge that gap, and solutions for bridging that gap.

Speakers:

  • Alex Hall, Managing Director, UK and Americas, Page Outsourcing

  • Noah Rost, Director, Global Education Office, Arizona State University

  • Sophie Gorvett, Director, Page Outsourcing

Babble: Global Approaches to Language of DEI, EDI, JEDI

Location: Room 2/3/4
Just like Guiness, DEI doesn't travel (or translate) well or the same. Although DEI, JEDI, or EDI has faced some backlash in recent years. No matter what you name it, the ideas of diversity, equity, equality, belonging, and inclusion have become even more important globally and the approaches are vast. In this facilitated roundtable discussion, facilitators share examples and will lead an honest open discussion about the complexities of how we talk about DEI, how DEI changes depending on global context and location, and how we ensure that “DEI” initiatives are empowering, inclusive, and effective.

Speakers:

  • Malaika Serrano, VP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Guild Education

  • Natasha Rainey, Founder & Host, All Inclusive Podcast

12:00 - 1:30 PM | Conference Attendee Lunch
Location: Tower Foyer

12:00 - 1:00 PM | University Lunch & Learn: Impact of BridgeUSA Programs (J-1 Visa) with The U.S. Department of State
Location: Room 5/6

Join us for a roundtable discussion on the power of cultural exchange. Hear from Minister Counselor Karin King and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State (DaS) Rebecca Pasini, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the U.S. Department of State​ about the cultural, socio-economic, professional, and personal impact of BridgeUSA programs (J-1 visa). BridgeUSA programs bring foreign participants to America on academic, work, or professional development programs.

Also hear from the leading sponsor CIEE on the impact of CIEE’s Professional Exchange Programs​. This session is geared towards non-US universities as an opportunity to learn about BridgeUSA programs in the U.S. for students or recent graduates.

To secure your participation in this event, please, submit a separate registration form.

Speakers:

  • Rebecca Pasini, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State

  • Karin King, Minister Counsellor for Consular Affairs, U.S. Embassy, London

1:30 - 2:30 PM | Host Company & University Networking

Location: More London Suite
In this informal and fun networking event, educators and host companies will be able to engage and build valuable connections!

2:30 - 3:45 PM | Concurrent Sessions

AI’s Impact on the Future of Work

Location: Room 2/3/4
Since ChatGPT's introduction in November 2022, generative AI has swiftly transitioned from emerging technology to mainstream tool, reshaping our discussions about the future. In less than 18 months, its influence has permeated various sectors, prompting businesses to explore AI adoption strategies, governments to develop policies nurturing AI talent and governance, and educators to rethink skill development methodologies for the new digital landscape.

This session will delve into generative AI's transformative effect on the workplace, exploring both the immense opportunities it presents and the challenges it poses. Discussions will encompass the evolving role of universities in equipping students with necessary skills for AI-enhanced career landscapes, the ethical dilemmas arising from AI advancements, and the potential for job displacement, which could disproportionately affect students from less advantaged backgrounds.

Speakers:

  • Sarah Neo Bao Ling, Head of Career Development, Singapore University of Social Sciences (Moderator)

  • Colleen McNamee, Assistant Director, Career Services and Experiential Learning, University of Michigan

  • Piers Collins, Co-Founder, Hundo

  • Professor B. Mairéad Pratschke, Professor and Chair in Digital Education, University of Manchester

Global Talent & Immigration Policies – Will They Ever Align?

Location: Room 5/6
Developed countries around the world are experiencing demographic shifts leading to labor shortages that are expected to only get worse. In recent years, accessing global talent pipelines has become a priority for many companies. However, immigration policies don’t always support these goals. For example, recent announcements from Canada and the Netherlands to cap the number of international students, new UK immigration rules to restrict international students from bringing their families, and the recent introduction of legislation in Spain to require all students doing internships in the country to register and contribute to social security. On the other hand, countries like Singapore, Japan, Germany, and even the US are either introducing new policies or using existing policies to attract more foreign-born talent to fill critical skills gaps, particularly in STEM sectors, including promising permanent residency for highly skilled professionals.

In this session, we will explore this conundrum further by looking at how different countries are approaching this issue and how higher education institutions that are helping students transition into global careers are navigating these challenges and opportunities.

Speakers:

  • Dr. Jeet Joshee, Associate Vice President, Office of Int'l Education and Global Engagement, California State University, Long Beach (Moderator)

  • Pina Mistry, Senior Manager, Fragomen

  • Colin Blackburn, Director and Founder of The European Student Placement Agency

  • Orlagh Mailey, Immigration Strategy Manager, Amazon

Successful Global Experiences: Preparing Students & Companies for Inclusive Experiences

Location: Tower Suite
A key benefit of global experiential learning is stepping outside of one’s comfort zone to gain insight and appreciation for the broader world. However, what happens when expectations between a student’s cultural understanding and norms clash with the cultural and company norms of the organization where the student is interning? In this session, speakers will discuss the role of culture in global experiences. Specifically, the importance of ensuring students and companies are prepared to manage cultural differences both for the success of the individual experience, but also in preparation for success in increasingly global workplaces.

Speakers:

  • Nick Gozik, Dean of Global Education, Elon University

  • Johanna Molina, Co-Founder & Head of Impact, The Intern Group

  • Daniel Nivern, CEO, Virtual Internships

  • Juliana Gutiérrez Aristizábal, Jefe Talento, EAFIT

  • Matthias Treutwein, Co-Founder, Enpact

3:45 - 4:15 PM | Coffee Break
Location: Tower Foyer

4:15 - 5:15 PM | World Café Sessions
During World Café, participants will have an opportunity to join two 30-minute discussions on top-of-mind topics related to a conference theme. Discussions are facilitated by peers and attendees from across the world.

Theme: Challenges & Potential Approaches to Address Inclusion & Access Gaps in Global Experiential Learning
Location: Tower Suite

  • Feeling Heard: Active Listening Skills and Professional Success – Dr. Robyn Long, Professor and Director of Study Abroad, Baker University

  • Enhancing Opportunities for Ethnic Minority College Students in Global Learning Experiences – Case Studies from the Field – Dr. Reyes Quezada, Professor, University of San Diego

  • Student Participation in Faculty-Led Research – More Than Just Recruitment – Amrei Vogel, Humboldt Internship Program Manager, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Nawazish Azim, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

  • Current Approaches, Challenges and Triumphs for Experiential Learning Internships for Master's Degree Programs – Dr. Lois Trautvetter, Professor and Higher Education Administration & Policy Program Director and Dr. Michelle Yin, Associate Professor and Dual Master's Degree Program Director, both of Northwestern University 

Theme: Mobility Trends & Approaches to Talent Development
Location: Room 2/3/4

  • Building Meaningful Connections: How Work Integrated Learning Can Support Global Talent – Nina Bennett, Work-Integrated Learning Program Manager, Justice Institute of British Columbia

  • Supporting Learning Outcomes Through Reflective Practices – Isabelle Bitman, MISTI Program Administrator, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

Theme: Trends Shaping the Future of Work & Implications for Global Experiential Learning
Location: Room 5/6

  • Interdisciplinary Work Life Integrated Learning – Iver Martens, Assistant Professor and Project Leader and Helge Vogt, Network Coordinator, both of UiT The Arctic University of Norway

  • Experiential Education and Non-STEM Students – Richard Conley, Associate Co-Op Coordinator and Dr. Joani LaMachia, Senior Cooperative Education Faculty, both of Northeastern University

4:15 - 5:00 PM | Managing Global Interns
Location: More London Suite
Join us for an in-depth discussion on best practices for maximizing the potential of international interns. Learn how our host partners create life-altering professional experiences for young people from diverse backgrounds as part of their ongoing commitment to foster cultural exchange through internships. This 45-minute session will provide attendees with tangible resources they can utilize to establish global internships at their organization while bringing global perspectives to their teams.

Speakers:

  • Jentzel U. Boitel, Senior Director, Industry Partnerships, CIEE (Moderator)

  • Jeremy Druker, Host, Transitions, Prague

  • Jesus Abellan, Host, FEEB, Barcelona

  • Laura De Dilectis, Host, VIOLA, Rome

6:30 - 8:30 PM | CIEE London Garden Reception

Location: CIEE London Center, 46-47 Russell Sq, London, WC1B 4JP
Let us whisk you away to the heart of London for this special event! You'll be transported to the private Montague Gardens, seamlessly connected to our center. It promises to be a delightful evening surrounded by nature in this secluded oasis. Upon arrival, we invite you to explore our London Center following a brief welcome from our team. Be sure to secure your spot for the tour in advance!

The reception draws inspiration from iconic British garden parties, featuring delights such as Pimm’s, soft ice cream in cones, fish and chips, and more!

The venue is easily accessible by tube, with a journey time of approximately 25 minutes. For those unable to take the tube, we will also provide limited coach spaces. However, please note that travel by coach may take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on city traffic.

Friday, June 21

9:00 - 10:15 AM | Opening Plenary: Impact of Global Internships & Experiences

Location: Tower Suite
For the first time ever, the Institute of International Education (IIE) and CIEE, in collaboration with peer organizations involved with facilitating global internship experiences, launched an industry-wide study to examine the employability and professional outcomes of individuals who participated in a global internship. In this session, we will get a preview of the results from this ground-breaking study followed by reflections from host companies and alumni on the impact that global experiential programs have had on their companies and careers.

Speakers:

  • Leah Mason, Deputy Director of Research, Evaluation and Learning, Institute of International Education

  • Ray Jones, CEO, TALENBANQ

  • Magda Vigoureux, Assistant Director, Procurement Contracts Travel Missions & Events (EDRM/FCS/PCMTM), Interpol (study abroad alum)

  • Gentian Xhaxhiu, Coordinator, Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA)

10:15 - 10:30 AM | Coffee Break
Location: Tower Foyer

10:30 AM - 12:35 PM | CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge

Location: Tower Suite
From a field of 130+ teams, three student finalist teams will present their best ideas to help expand access to higher education and meaningful careers for refugees and other forcibly displaced populations. Don't miss this opportunity to hear these top student teams present innovative ideas to solve one of the most critical issues of our time and compete for an internship facilitated by CIEE in 2025! The CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge is co-sponsored by the UNHCR with support from Microsoft and District C.

12:35 - 1:00 PM | Conference Wrap up & Closing
Location: Tower Suite

1:00 - 2:00 PM | Conference Attendee Lunch
Location: Tower Foyer