Virginia Tech participating in State Department forum on internationalizing U.S. campuses

LCI Director Don Back

From July 31 to Aug. 2, LCI Director Don Back will represent Virginia Tech at the U.S. Department of State’s eighth annual EducationUSA Forum in Washington, D.C.

More than 570 U.S. university representatives will join U.S. and foreign government officials to discuss international student recruitment and retention strategies. International education increases American global competitiveness, and creates relationships and understanding that contribute to increased national security.

“As the university’s international recruiter, the Language and Culture Institute is committed to attracting the best and brightest individuals from around the world to our community,” Back said. “Participating in events such as the EducationUSA Forum helps us develop partnerships and explore strategies to recruit such students.”

The Forum, organized in partnership with the Institute of International Education, will feature sessions on traditional as well as virtual recruiting strategies, comprehensive campus internationalization, student visas, maximizing recruitment resources, and partnering with EducationUSA advising centers around the world.

Colleges and universities, including Virginia Tech, play an important role in strengthening ties between the United States and countries around the world. The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs collaborates with accredited U.S. colleges and universities to help maintain the United States as the world’s top destination for international students and scholars and to promote diversity in international education.

Meet Jon Wiley, the LCI's new graduate assistant

The LCI is proud to welcome Jon Wiley as our new graduate assistant.

Jon is originally from Southwest Virginia and loved attending Hokies football games growing up. He studied sociology and cultural studies at Bridgewater College, earning his B.S. degree. He went on to earn a Master of Science in counseling and human development with specializations in clinical mental health and school counseling from Radford University.

Jon has worked in a wide range of settings, including residential treatment, secondary education, and community mental health agencies. Most recently, he spent several years as a family counselor and supervisor at New River Valley Community Services.

He is currently a Ph.D. student in the counselor education program at Virginia Tech.

Jon's interests include leadership, mindfulness, interprofessional collaboration, and poststructural/postmodern philosophy. In his spare time, he enjoys running and exploring the great outdoors with his partner.

When you're in the Annex, be sure to say hi to Jon.