PDX Abroad

Vision and Mission

PDX Abroad envisions a community of innovators advancing the field of education abroad through active engagement across institutional and organizational boundaries. We provide leadership within the Portland area and a platform for local education abroad professionals to collaborate and innovate.

Values

• Innovation; collectively exploring and discovering new ways to meet challenges.
• Collaboration and Cooperation; within and across institutions and organizations, irrespective of titles, and in a non-competitive space.
• Inclusion; honoring the individual and each person’s unique experience and perspectives.
• Leadership Development; ongoing learning, mentorship and support
• Passion; commitment to improving the world through international education and to supporting our community of educators.

Goals and Objectives

• To increase engagement of EA professionals in the Portland area
• To increase opportunities for connections and communication between EA professionals
• To motivate and inspire EA professionals to collaborate and seek innovative solutions to international education challenges
• To assist local EA professionals in improving education abroad programs and practices in the community and at their institutions

History

The idea of PDX Abroad began in 2013 when Nick Berger, Samantha Cooper, and Giustina Pelosi felt there was a need for local engagement and collaboration for Education Abroad professionals in Portland. In order to provide a space for professionals to network, share ideas, gain professional development, innovate, and work collaboratively to improve the field of international education, PDX Abroad launched in January 2014. Beginning with just monthly happy hours, PDX Abroad continues to grow and holds regular Think Tank sessions and other regional events by request, and is currently developing a local scholarship with the Fund for Education Abroad.