Monika Wojciechowski with the Waseda University mascot.

College of Staten Island (CSI) administrator Monika Wojciechowski was recently selected for the 2016 Fulbright International Education Administrator (IEA) Program in Japan. IEA seminars help U.S. international education professionals and senior higher education officials create empowering connections with the societal, cultural, and higher education systems of other countries. Grantees have the opportunity to learn about the host country’s education system as well as establish networks of U.S. and international colleagues over the course of an intensive two-week grant duration.

Wojciechowski is the Assistant Director for International Admissionsat CSI. On the trip, which took place in late June, Wojciechowski, along with nine international educators, visited institutions in Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Kyoto: the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, Kyoritsu Women’s University System, Hiroshima Shudo University, Ritsumeiken University, Tokyo Metropolitan Kokubunji Senior High School, and Rikkyo University.

Monika Wojciechowski taking a campus tour of the University of Tokyo.

“The visits gave us a great opportunity to learn about the internationalization and global initiatives, the programs, services, and the reforms. They allowed us to have very informative discussions with administrators, faculty, and staff, to exchange ideas and to open a dialogue for future collaborations. We also had a chance to interact with students and Fulbright alumni and to discover very personal fascinating stories,” commented Wojciechowski who has been at CSI for four years.

“This program gave me an exceptional insight into higher education in Japan, its culture, and its people. It was truly an unforgettable experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said upon return.

“This is a great professional development opportunity for Monika and contributes to our goal of positioning the College to achieve greater international recognition,” noted Emmanuel Esperance, Jr., Director of Recruitment and Admissions at CSI.