Dr. Dian Patterson, Professor and Director of International

What we do:

• International development projects:
• Identify geographic focus and suitable partners for international projects
• Work with faculty and staff to develop and implement international co-operation projects with universities and colleges in developing countries
• Overall management and financial reporting of international projects and programs
• Current projects: The Gambia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Cambodia
• International Curriculum and Academic Links:
• Work with faculty on non-academic aspects of courses taught outside of Canada
• Co-ordinate special topic courses in International Development
• Seek out and co-ordinate international internship opportunities for students
• Student mobility and exchange programs with institutions in other countries: North American Mobility Program (Iowa State, Virginia Tech, two Mexican universities), University of Life Sciences in Norway
• Agreements with international universities and colleges
• Assist with Articulation Program, Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University, China
• Student support:
• International students: orientation, events, general support (with Student Services and Registry); liaison with International Students Association and WUSC Committees
• Orientation and support for Canadian students on internships and study abroad
• International Research:
• Assistance to faculty and Research Office: country information and contacts
• Sourcing potential funding agencies and database of faculty research interests
• Risk management and health insurance for international travellers, students and visitors
• International student recruiting
• Policy development: internationalization issues
• Assist with hosting international visitors to campus