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Welcome
Sara L. Paliga
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Engaging students to transform their intercultural experiences into learning and development for improved achievement by embracing diverse perspectives in an inclusive environment.
Hello! I'm Sara.
I am an International Education Management M. A. Candidate looking for opportunities to develop education abroad, higher education administration, international student services, and cultural exchange programs to new levels of inclusivity and impact. Internationalized education is a premier strategy for preparing students to become leaders across all fields. Mentored students experienced in study, work, and volunteer abroad will garner an improved understanding of themselves, their home culture, and their field.
I'm a cross-cultural educator bringing 6 combined years of teaching across multiple cultures to promote student development in international education. My experiences abroad expanded my understanding of education, culture, communication, development, and global goals. My career goals evolved from teaching English to facilitating experiential global learning.
The connection between improved international relations and educational cultural exchanges is not mutually exclusive, but a dire part of an improved local, national, and global community. I am excited to pair my passion for education, inclusive practices, and cultural exchange with the high-pressure environment of international education.
EXPERIENCE
2019-CURRENT
International Education Specialist Intern
JAPAN CENTER FOR MICHIGAN UNIVERSITIES
Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Designed and assessed cultural transition and intercultural competency class | Collaborated on assessing and updating programming and resources | Assisted with excursions and student activities.
2018-2019
Language Programs Graduate Assistant
MIDDLEBURY INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Monterey, California
Fielded program inquiries from around the world, requiring intercultural communication skills | Trained in different software and CRMs for academic program marketing, data and application management
2016-2018
Rural Education Development Volunteer
PEACE CORPS ZAMBIA
Pemba, Southern Province, Zambia
Taught English at the junior high level | Collaborated with local teachers to improve teaching strategies | Worked with local clinics to increase communities' knowledge of HIV and AIDS | Initiated a program to encourage open dialog about HIV and AIDS within schools | Co-facilitated youth leadership camps
EDUCATION
2018-2019
Master's Degree
MIDDLEBURY INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Monterey, California
Master of Arts in International Education Management
Paul D. Coverdell Fellow | RPCV Zambia '16-'18
Peace Corps Club | Treasurer, 2018-2019
2012-2014
Certificate
BRIDGE TEACHING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN
LANGUAGE PROGRAM
Online
International Diploma in English Language Teaching
2006-2011
Bachelor's Degree
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
Fort Collins, Colorado
Bachelor of Arts in English, Education Concentration
Minor in Japanese
CIEE South Korea Scholarship Program | 2010
Study Abroad in Yamagata, Japan | 2009
Residence Hall Association | Senator, 2007-2008
National Residence Hall Honorary | RHA Liaison, 2007-2008
INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
SKILLS
Intercultural Communication
Financial Management
Grant Writing
Japanese - Proficient
Microsoft Office
Marketing and Recruiting
WORK SAMPLES
VALUE PROPOSITION
France Fulbright Alumni Association
During the Middlebury Institute of International Studies' International Education Management program, we work with Learning Partners to develop a solution to a real-world marketing problem. This is an example of the Value Proposition portion of the marketing campaign.
COMMUNICATIONS
Peace Corps Zambia Gender Committee
In charge of emails, memos and the Gender Committee newsletter. Reached out to currently serving volunteers to showcase gender work being done across the sectors with added resources for implementing and reporting.
GRANT WRITING
Peace Corps GLOW Camp Facilitator
Wrote and managed a grant for PEPFAR funding for Peace Corps Zambia's 2017 Girls Leading Our World Camp. Responsibilities included proposing the grant, receiving the funds, ensuring appropriate use of funds and reporting successes and challenges of the camp.