In the episode “Finding Your Diaspora: Identifying New Populations in Established Markets” Karen Bauer, REAC: Regional Manager for the Middle East and Central Asia; Jeremy Coats, Lead, Foundation Programs, Institute of International Education; Fred Johnson, Associate Director of International Admissions, University of San Francisco; and Dane Rowley, Director of International Admission, California Lutheran University discuss the process of identifying, connecting with, and supporting prospective students from diaspora populations. This discussion includes the challenges of advising diaspora students, tips and tricks for finding new populations in established markets, and how diaspora networks are a powerful force for change.

Guests

Karen Bauer, REAC: Regional Manager, Middle East and Central Asia: With over two decades of residence in the region, Karen Bauer serves as the REAC: Regional Manager for Middle East and Central Asia. Throughout her career, she has worked with an array of countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Israel, Palestinian Territories, Syria, Jordan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Karen joined the EducationUSA network in 2005, and has served as a teacher, coordinator, trainer, and director, contributing to the growth and enrichment of the international education landscape.

Jeremy Coats, Lead, Foundation Programs, Institute of International Education: Jeremy Coats serves as Lead, Foundation Programs at the Institute of International Education (IIE). Jeremy leads five programs at IIE including the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program, funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York; the Greek Diaspora Fellowship Program, sponsored by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation; the Christensen Fund’s Indigenous Biodiversity Exchange Program; and travel learning funds for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Tamalpais Trust. During his time at IIE, he has managed various scholar exchange programs and has supported the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program’s Europe and sub-Saharan Africa portfolios.

Fred Johnson, Associate Director of International Admissions, University of San Francisco: Fred Johnson is an internationally recognized leader in higher education with more than 26 years of university admissions and recruitment experience. An active mentor in the Latin America and Caribbean region, Fred works with guidance and university counselors to advise high school and transfer students about higher education. He has living experience in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia), Latin America (Chile & México), and Europe (France & Sweden).

Dane Rowley, Director of International Admission, California Lutheran University: Dane Rowley is an experienced international educator and higher education administrator with a demonstrated history of working to promote equity and access for all students. He is skilled in enrollment management, recruiting, counseling, and building bridges between institutional silos. Dane is currently pursuing a PhD in comparative and international development education from the University of Minnesota.