What inspired you to work for IPSL?
The call to service is the biggest piece of IPSL’s mission that speaks to me. Our Institute values traditional academic scholarship like research, language learning, and intercultural communication, but it is the call to serve others and to work hard for social, racial, and economic justice, that really appeal to me.
Thomas with partner, Stephen, in Mexico
What is your favorite part of your job as the President of IPSL?
Definitely the people – students, international partners, university colleagues, the amazing individuals running the NGOs, and other community-based organizations around the world. They all inspire me with their intellect, dedication, warmth, and perseverance!
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I do this everyday! I studied International Business as an undergraduate and then did my Master’s and PhD work in foreign languages. I love learning and speaking languages. It has afforded me the ability to forge long-lasting relationships based on trust and the shared appreciation of other cultures.
What are some current projects you are working on at IPSL?
IPSL has launched a new program initiative that is focused squarely on language-and-culture studies. These are programs that support participants in their quest to attain proficiency in another language. The new language-and-culture partners that IPSL is working with have each received the highest accolades in language instruction and student support. In addition, IPSL has vetted each institute so we know, for sure, that students receive a high-quality experience.
Thomas visiting Angkor Wat, Cambodia
What makes IPSL special?
The people make IPSL special! Our team in the United States, our team mates abroad, the leaders of the many community-based organizations where students perform volunteer service, our colleagues in international education who value experiential education—they all make IPSL and IPSL’s mission special and relevant in the world today. I can’t think of more important work when you consider the state of politics and division across the globe.
Why should someone choose IPSL over competitors?
Our students routinely report that they feel very supported and heard. I think that says a lot about IPSL’s mission and daily work. We also follow a triple bottom line, whereby we not only run a sound Institute financially, but we also measure our efforts in the areas of Social and Environmental impact.
Every decision IPSL makes—down to where we buy our office coffee—is made with social, racial, and economic justice in mind, as well as how our decisions impact the planet.
Students who choose IPSL contribute to a better world.
What do you hope participants take away from IPSL programs?
I hope that participants take away 1) an appreciation of what it takes to be a community organizer and activist around the world, 2) an increased language proficiency, 3) an increased intercultural skills, 4) and a commitment to leave the planet a better place than how we found it.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Look no further than the current state of U.S. politics; it is clear that many of our so-called “leaders” would benefit from broadened perspectives and an appreciation of the intrinsic value of difference were they to live and learn abroad. They have such fear of people who look or live differently, and there is absolutely no reason to.
Coffee with IPSL graduate students
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Don’t wait. Don’t worry. Don’t think twice about exploring, traveling, and taking advantage of every opportunity to meet people from other parts of the world!
Don’t let people try to tell you it’s a waste of time and that your academic program at home won’t allow for you to experience learning in the world. If that’s the kind of program you’re in, you should question the value and learning outcomes of it. There is nothing more important and urgent than gaining a real appreciation of the added value of an educational experience outside the borders of the United States.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I would like to see more resources dedicated to ensuring broader access to international educational experiences. Students who study abroad still represent a lamentably small percentage of students overall, and of those who do, they’re mostly white, upper-middle class. The diversity of the United States should be reflected in our study abroad demographics; to date, that is not the case.
Service Day for IPSL Staff: Oregon Food Bank
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
This is a personal question; by that I mean that I think we make meaning of the travel experiences we have when we take the time to reflect openly and honestly about our experiences in the world and the impact of our presence and actions in communities around the world.
Meaningful travel is about our legacy—what kind of world to we want to leave behind?
Are there any developments with IPSL that you would like to share with us?
IPSL offers two graduate degrees (since 1994) and soon we will be launching an undergraduate degree in “Global Studies in Social Entrepreneurship.” This program includes several terms abroad and placement in social service/environmental agencies around the world. We hope to launch in 2019, so be on the lookout!
