Southeastern University Staff Selected for Study in Spain Workshop

Southeastern University’s Rachel Roskoski, coordinator of Study Abroad, was selected earlier this spring to participate in the semiannual Study in Spain Workshop hosted by EduEspañia and ICEX Españia Exportación e Inversiones.

Over the past two years, Roskoski has participated in the Polk Global Trade Alliance (PGTA), an initiative of the Central Florida Development Council. The PGTA was created to incorporate global trade more directly into Polk County’s broader regional economic development strategy and works to develop an increase in imports and exports of educational trade county wide.

The Study in Spain Workshop operates as a full scholarship and invite-only initiative to promote and increase educational trade between the United States and Spain. Roskoski was one of 12 individuals selected nationwide among other universities such as, New York University, Hawaii Pacific University, University of Kentucky, and Florida State University.

About the Workshop
Roskoski and other workshop participants met with 17 different Spanish universities and study abroad providers. Spanish institutions participating included Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Universidad de le Laguna, Universidad de Alicante, and Universidad de Miguel Hernández. During the first day of the workshop, Roskoski and the other 11 American study abroad representatives met individually with each Spanish institution and study abroad provider. Throughout the rest of the week, campus visits were conducted in Madrid, Cuenca, Alicante, Elche, and Murcia.

Future Plans
Roskoski found her experience with EduEspañia extremely beneficial. “It was so encouraging to dream up new initiatives and partnerships with individuals that resemble a similar passion for international education. When we think creatively, high-impact practices, such as study abroad, can be made possible for students in our universities,” said Roskoski.

Since attending the workshop, Roskoski has continued conversations with several of the Spanish universities to develop new study programs for Southeastern University. In particular, Southeastern University and Universidad de Miguel Hernández are in the process of planning a new short-term sports science and kinesiology program. Roskoski said, “Universidad de Miguel Hernandez is an excellent partner for this niche-specific study abroad program. With their experience working with the FC Barcelona team on injury prevention, Southeastern is eager to collaborate with Miguel Hernández on top-of-the-line science practices that will transform the way our students approach sports degrees in the future.”

Polk County Goes Global
Florida ranks eighth in the U.S. for exporting goods produced, and Polk County is well positioned to be a significant contributor to the state’s future export growth in both goods and educational expertise. Roskoski said, “Polk County’s representation in the Study in Spain Workshop is a win as we eagerly move forward our county’s global educational practices.” This is just the beginning for Polk County’s national and global recognition in international education practices.