Introducing Erika Iseri

My job is telling students to “Go Away”--on academic programs outside of Alaska. Our study away programs include the National Student Exchange, international and north2north exchange, and study abroad. Students benefit from study away academically, personally and professionally; for example, they are able to earn major, minor, and core degree requirements on their programs; they make life-long friends while away and gain invaluable inter-cultural communication skills; and they can capitalize on their new skills and abilities to prepare themselves for employment and beyond.

In addition to these “outbound” students, I also advise “inbound” study away students: domestic and international exchange and study abroad students coming to UAF. These students choose to spend a semester or two in Fairbanks, enriching our campus community with new cultures, different perspectives, and impressive academic achievements. For example, this past spring semester 2014, UAF hosted nearly 30 study away students from a dozen different countries and four different US states and territories. These visiting students earned an average GPA of 3.44.

In 2013, I had the great privilege of collaborating with my study abroad colleagues at UAA and UAS to offer the first ever all-Alaska Study Abroad Returnee Conference, held on the UAS campus and sponsored by all three MAUs as well as the UA Statewide Office of Academic Affairs and Research. Twenty-nine students, 14 of whom traveled from Fairbanks and Anchorage to Juneau, attended sessions on how to share their experiences through writing in different media; learning about opportunities to work, volunteer and attend graduate school abroad; and developing ways to leverage their study away in their careers and other post-university pursuits. We are planning to hold this event biennially, with the next one scheduled for Spring 2015 in Fairbanks.

SHAPING Theme 1: Student Achievement and Attainment

Issue B: Like those of many large and complex institutions, UA processes and procedures can be challenging for students to navigate.

That my work at UAF is and always has been about Student Achievement and Attainment is a given, not a strategy. UAF’s study away students consistently graduate at a higher rate than their peers who did not study away. I credit our dedicated faculty members in preparing and supporting these outstanding students. As UAF’s Study Away Advisor, I help students navigate the complicated administrative processes they face, such as how to use their financial aid while away and how to receive credit towards their degree programs when they return to UAF. Our returned students describe their study away as the highlight of their university careers, citing their personal growth and exposure to new and challenging academic and cultural environments.

Issue D: UA needs to increase national and international recognition of its quality education, programs of distinction and exceptional research in order to enhance recruitment of undergraduate and graduate students and faculty.

We must continue to offer high-quality programs here in Alaska in order to continue attracting high-quality study away students. We consistently see these students returning to UAF for graduate degree programs as well. Sufficiently funding these programs, especially for faculty and support staff, is crucial.

By far the biggest hurdle that prevents students from studying away, both to and from UAF, is cost. While there are relatively affordable programs, and many scholarships and grants can help defray expenses, the university must prioritize its spending to emphasize academics and to support valuable student programs such as study away. We must have leadership, from the top down, that understands these needs. Otherwise, our students may “Go Away” and not return.
 

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