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In the International Student Advising workshop you will learn about the international student experience from the recruitment phase all the way to graduation and beyond. We will see how the work of international student advisors interacts with students at each phase of this process and learn about the institutional and federal regulations impacting these steps.
Janel Dumbre holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Lamar University. She has been a professional in the field of international education since 2004. She is currently an academic advisor at SABIC’s Scholarship Program in Houston, Texas. Prior to this, she worked at Rice University in the Office of International Students and Scholars and at the University of Houston-Clear Lake as the associate director of international admissions and advising. She has served as a DSO/PDSO for over 12 years. She served as Dean for the NAFSA E-Learning Course “F-1 Beyond the Basics: Employment and Training” and is a member of NAFSA’s Trainer Corps. She has enjoyed being a lead trainer and co-trainer for several NAFSA CEP workshops. In 2020 and 2021 she served as the Communication Liaison for Region III and is currently Region III’s Academy Coach.
Samantha Somma is the International
Student and Scholar Support Specialist at Farmingdale State College (SUNY). She
has been working in international education for the past ten years and
currently serves as the Primary Designated School Official for F visa students
as well as the Exchange Visitor Advisor for J visa students and/or scholars. She
also serves as the campus COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning)
coordinator. Samantha completed the NAFSA Academy Class 13 (2016) and has
presented as well as volunteered in past NAFSA Region X conferences. Samantha
is an advocate for international education and she enjoys having the
opportunity to meet and work with individuals from around the world. Samantha obtained
her undergraduate degrees with concentrations in Cultural and Global Studies
from Empire State College. Samantha is currently completing her Master of Arts
degree in International Education Management and Leadership from the University
at Albany (SUNY). Samantha is married with one son and in her free time she
enjoys cracking jokes, stand-up paddle boarding (when weather permits), and has
recently taken up golfing.