Stay Tuned for Next Year!
The Global Engagement Symposium takes place every September. We’ll update this page with details for the 2026 event as the date approaches. Please note that the information currently shown may reflect last year’s event.
About
Join us for a day of insight, innovation, and collaboration at the Global Engagement Symposium—Texas A&M’s premier free event for faculty, advisors, and professionals interested in international education and collaboration. This immersive experience will allow you to explore opportunities for getting involved with education abroad, international partnerships, and cross-cultural exchange.
Who It's For
Faculty
Ideal for faculty interested in education abroad, global curriculum, or international partnerships, this symposium offers practical insights and connections to expand your international opportunities through teaching, research, and collaboration.
Advisors
Perfect for advisors supporting education abroad or international students, this symposium offers tools, strategies, and connections to enhance advising practices, promote global learning, and strengthen cross-cultural engagement across campus.
International Facilitators
Designed for professionals advancing global partnerships, this symposium offers insights into building international agreements, fostering cross-border initiatives, and connecting with peers to strengthen Texas A&M’s global presence and academic impact.
Students
Designed for students eager to engage with international themes, the GE Symposium offers ways to explore international experiences, learn from experts in global education, and discover pathways to connect with cultures around the world. This event equips students with insights and resources to expand their academic journey and prepare for success in an interconnected world.
2025 Symposium Schedule
| Time | Track | Session | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. |  |
Welcome
Presenter: Dr. Holly Hudson, Associate Vice President Global Engagement |
MSC 2400 |
| 10:00 - 10:50 a.m. |  |
Supporting International Scholars: The Role of Faculty and ISSS
Presenters: Amanda Brinlee and Rebecca Shaffer (International Scholar and Student Services)
Join ISSS leadership to learn or refresh your understanding of immigration procedures and rules impacting J-1 research scholars, short-term scholars, and student interns. We will also discuss best practices for hosting a J-1 exchange visitor and how you can support both their academic objectives at Texas A&M University but also their cultural exchange in the United States.
|
MSC 2500 |
| 10:00 - 10:50 a.m. |  |
Advising for Global Success: Helping Students Navigate Study Abroad
Presenters: Trish Winkle and Jessica Meado (Education Abroad) This session will equip academic advisors with the tools to guide students interested in studying abroad. Learn how to review a pre-approval form for transfer credit, answer common student questions, and support successful global experiences. |
MSC 2401 |
| 11:00 - 11:50 a.m. | |
From Idea to Agreement: Streamlining International Partnerships
Presenters: Esaunja Stewart (Global Partnerships & Initiatives), Trish Winkle (Education Abroad), Maricarmen Jaimes (Education Abroad) Learn how Global Engagement develops international agreements, the protocols that streamline collaborations, and the key details needed from faculty and staff to support successful global partnerships.
|
MSC 2500 |
| 11:00 - 11:50 a.m. | |
Supporting International Students: The Role of Advisors and ISSS
Presenters: Samantha Clement and Jie Fan (International Student & Scholar Services)
Join ISSS leadership to learn or refresh your understanding of immigration procedures and rules impacting international students. We will also discuss best practices to support their academic objective and wellbeing at Texas A&M and in the United States.
|
MSC 2401 |
| 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | |
Lunch and Resource Fair
|
MSC 2400 |
| 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. | |
Strengthening Global Partnerships: The Role of the Soltis Center in Costa Rica
Presenters: Dr. Holly Hudson and Alex Garriga (Global Partnerships & Initiatives) The Soltis Center provides Texas A&M with a strategic platform for education, research, and outreach in Latin America. In this session, Dr. Hudson and Mr. Garriga will present recent initiatives, highlight collaborative opportunities, and discuss how faculty, staff, and students can leverage the Center to advance teaching, research, and engagement priorities.
|
MSC 2500 |
| 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. | |
Global Learning Programs
Presenter: Michayla Robles (Global Partnerships & Initiatives)
This session highlights Global Learning Programs developed by our department, including the Peace Corps Prep Program, Global Aggie Credential, and Global Career Accelerator. Learn how these initiatives foster student engagement, and academic growth and how advisors can confidently support students' success in these programs without compromising their degree plans.
|
MSC 2401 |
| 2:00 - 2:50 p.m. | |
Mixed Messages: Navigating Communication Across Cultures
Presenters: Rebecca Shaffer (International Student & Scholar Services) and Michayla Robles (Global Programs & Initiatives)
This session will explain the various ways in which culture can influence communication styles. Attendees will practice using tools to guide their own exploration of the cultural influences on their communication styles and how to communicate effectively across cultures. The goal of the session is for attendees to take away both personal insights and tools to apply in their daily life.
|
MSC 2400 |
| 3:00 - 3:50 p.m. | |
Getting Started: Developing a Faculty-led Program or International Field Trip
Presenter: Dr. Christie Dunn (Education Abroad)
Dr. Dunn will present the two models of international programs faculty may develop to teach a course abroad: Faculty-led programs and field trips. Both program types will be thoroughly described to aid faculty in choosing which best suits their needs, as well as a variety of other important considerations, and the proposal submission timeline.
|
MSC 2500 |
| 3:00 - 3:50 p.m. | |
Advising and Supporting Global Travel for No Credit Experiences
Presenters: Irene Scott and Annie Carr (Education Abroad)
This session will provide an overview of university policies for international travel and registration requirements for students pursuing experiences not associated with academic credit. Learn key essentials and advising tips for supporting all classifications of students' participation in individual independent no-credit experiences, as well as how to propose an A&M-sponsored student organization or department-led non-credit group program
|
MSC 2401 |
| 4:00 - 4:50 p.m. | |
Faculty Panel: Leading Programs Abroad
Moderators: Pascale Parker and Dr. Christie Dunn (Education Abroad)
A panel of faculty experienced with leading faculty-led programs and international field trips will share their perspectives regarding developing and leading study abroad programs. |
MSC 2400 |