Study with Us

What is your current role, and how did the M.A. program and CIHE prepare you for it?

I currently serve as the assistant director of admissions for Latin America at Berklee College of Music. During my undergraduate program, I got a bachelor's degree in peace and conflict resolution focused on finding different forms for peace-building at a global level, and education was one that spoke to me. Coming from Colombia, I always had an interest in international students and their experiences. That is why I decided to pursue an M.A. in international higher education.

What is your favorite thing about the Lynch School and your time in CIHE?

The most significant project for me was the field experience research project where I collaborated with Universidad de Guadalajara. I looked into the benefits of studying abroad and outbound mobility. Although this project was somewhat impacted by the pandemic, I was still able to meet with students over Zoom and conduct interviews and focus groups. Years later, thanks to this first experience and my current role, I was able to visit UFG and speak with students about the university I work for and scholarship opportunities.

Why did you choose to pursue your degree at the Lynch School, and how did the courses you took shape your view of international higher education? 

I'm an assistant professor of higher education and the Ed.D. program coordinator at Empire State University, which is part of the SUNY system. I was drawn to Boston College's Ph.D. because of the opportunity to be part of CIHE and to work with Hans de Wit, Phil Altbach, and Laura Rumbley. It was a fabulous experience and challenging in the best ways!

What experience was most influential in shaping your career path?

Probably the most influential class I took was Participatory Action Research with Brinton Lykes. The most influential research study I was part of was a team project on higher education management training programs worldwide. Overall, the most influential experiences are a tie between attending an HRK (German Rectors' Conference) symposium in Hamburg with Phil Altbach, and helping to facilitate an IAHERO meeting for university leaders from the U.S. and Ireland.

Why did you choose to pursue your degree at the Lynch School, and how did the courses you took shape your view of international higher education? 

I chose to pursue my Ph.D. at the Lynch School to gain a comprehensive understanding of comparative international higher education and to develop robust research skills that would enable me to bridge scholarship and practice in this field.

The courses I took on internationalization, comparative international higher education, the history ofhigher education, student development, student activism, and the relationship between higher education and society, as well as participating in scholarlydiscussions about the future of higher education, equipped me with both knowledge and an analytical approach.

Who had the biggest influence on you during your educational experience at the Lynch School? 

The mentorship of Professors Phil Altbach and Karen Arnold was pivotal during my Ph.D. journey. Professor Arnold offered invaluable advice and encouragement, especially during challenging times when balancing my workload, family responsibilities, and doctoral studies. Professor Altbach’s courses on Student Activism and Comparative International Higher Education were particularly inspiring. The faculty’s extensive knowledge and willingness to engage in one-on-one discussions significantly influenced my academic and professional development.

How did you choose to pursue your Ed.D at the Lynch School, and how has the degree influenced your perspective on international higher education? 

My decision to pursue the Executive Ed.D. at Boston College was influenced by my commitment to deepening my understanding of higher education systems and policies, and a deep desire to amplify my impact through a blend of academic insight and practical application.

The Executive Ed.D. has significantly broadened my view on international higher education policies and practices. It has reinforced my belief in the importance of seeing tertiary education as a comprehensive system that includes diverse pathways. 

What is an aspect about the Lynch School that has influenced your career? 

I am currently serving as the General Coordinator of the Dominican Initiativefor Quality Education (IDEC), a multi-stakeholder initiative overseeing educational policy andreform in the Dominican Republic. With over two decades of experience in education and public policy, I have led sectorial dialogues, coordinated research initiatives, and driven projects focused on improving education quality and system reform.

One of the most influential aspects of my time at Boston College was the program's emphasis on diverse perspectives and its collaborative approach. Engaging with a cohort of professionals from various backgrounds reinforced my belief in the power of the collective to drive real transformation in education. The opportunity to learn from peers, share experiences, and challenge assumptions fostered an environment where creative and collaborative problem-solving thrived. This approach highlighted how transformative change is best achieved through collaborations and shared knowledge.

What do you do today, and how did your Ed.D program help you get there? 

I am the founder and CEO of Wan College Admissions Consulting, a boutique college admissions consulting firm for a global clientele based inAmherst, Massachusetts. Recently, I stepped down from the position of Associate Dean ofAdmission and the Coordinator of International Recruitment at Amherst College, a small, highly selective, liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts, after more than nine years there.

My main research focus was on international student mobility trends to the United States as itwas directly related to my professional career of recruiting international students from aroundthe world for Amherst. The program exposed me to theories, ideas, and perspectives from academic and industry experts that greatly enhanced my depth of thinking about the field.

Reflecting on your time at the Lynch School , what were some of the most influential aspects of your educational experience? 

My inaugural cohort members were a primary source of strength that made this journey enriching and fun. It was not an easy journey as we all had to juggle working full-time and other life priorities. Even after completing the program, they continued to show support and encouragement. As I transition to an exciting but daunting journey of starting my own college consulting business, I know they will always have my back as I explore this new career path and vice versa.

What is your current role, and how did the M.A. program and CIHE prepare you for it?

I work as the Outreach Coordinator for UPCES Study Abroad in Prague, which will soon become Academic Experience in Prague. Before joining CIHE, I spent three years supporting a faculty-led study abroad program, which inspired me to dive deeper into the field of international higher education and pursue a master's degree. My time at CIHE gave me the confidence to identify where improvements are needed and provided me with the tools to make a positive impact. I carry these insights with me daily as I work to enhance the study abroad experience for students in Prague.

What is your favorite thing about the Lynch School and your time in CIHE?

My experience at CIHE was shaped by the incredible mentorship I received. The faculty’s genuine support and guidance were transformative, helping me grow into a more capable professional. Knowing I could rely on their encouragement and insights has been key to my career, and I now apply this mentorship model in my own work, supporting students as they navigate their international study experiences.