Claudia Cindy Gonzalez
Coordinator in International Student Services And Study Aboad
Chicago,Illinois
Summary
Well-rounded and versatile, with an affinity for encouraging and supporting students' pursuit of international and global education. Five years of experience in various capacities in the International Programs Higher Education industry. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team, as well as demonstrate leadership, equity, and accessibility to design and implement advocacy for different student populations to achieve institutional strategic goals and initiatives.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
Assistant Language Teacher
JET Programme and Himi City Board of Education
Toyama
10.2021 - 07.2023
- Assisted Japanese language teachers in facilitated learning of English language using variety of instructional methods, resources and technological tools for over 60 + Elementary and 300+ Junior High School students
- Reviewed test scores and classroom performance data to evaluate subject understanding.
- Created posters monthly relevant to English, seasonal, holidays, and cultural events
- Promoted cultural exchanges and multicultural awareness within the class instruction, community international events, and festivals, and local Community English conversation
- Organized AJET Charity in fundraising events such as Scavenger Hunt, Pub quizzes, Loteria games, clothing drives, and beach clean-ups.
Study Abroad Coordinator and Advisor
RO, PDSO, Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago
10.2019 - 10.2021
- Oversaw the exchange programs, memorandum of understanding agreements of over 40+ partner institutions, and meetings with delegates, partner universities, and potential partners.
- Created, and processed over 100+ incoming J-1 Visitors, for admission, and visa process, enrollment, conducted orientation, and maintained J-1 visitor’s visa through the Student Exchange Visitors Information System (SEVIS) and the Department of State. Including applying for annual DS-3037 recertification and reporting.
- Organized pre-departure information, welcome orientation, and post-departure information sessions.
- Recruited, advised, and assisted students with study abroad programs; conducted workshops, organized study abroad fairs, and information sessions; assisted with course equivalency; connected students with internship programs, and departure orientation.
- Assisted and maintained faculty-led programs in allocated funding, trip organization, end-of-trip budget consolidation, and trip assessment.
- Developed manual process for department faculty and human resources on how to recruit and apply to invite a visiting scholar.
Student Intern
Harper College
Palatine
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Shadowed the Director in meetings to understand the implementation of international education and met with the Vice President for the annual department review
- Assisted in the Strategic Plan for the Internationalization of Harper College Office of International Education 2015-2020 new academic year. Gained operational knowledge and supported departmental needs.
- Created and translated flyers in Spanish for four new faculty tours to Mexico, and Latin America
- Assisted with social media promotion on new and past programs, and student engagement.
- Provided clerical support, addressing routine, and special requirements.
- Completed research, compiled data, and presented Practicum results.
International Student Coordinator
ARO, PDSO
Chicago, Illinois
01.2017 - 09.2019
- Maintained SEVP certification which petitions the approval of the school for attendance by non-immigrant students.
- Created and updated physical record of over 300+ J-1 Visitors visa and F-1 Visa immigration status and digital files to maintain current, accurate, and compliant documentation in SEVIS and Institutional enrollment reports.
- Organized international student pre-arrival, new student orientations, departure, and workshops for Academic Training to extend student visas for work authorization with the Career Office
- Recruited domestically and internationally, assisting prospective student applicants to admit and enroll them.
- Managed and delegated agency contracts, and 2+2 Programs
- Interpreted and advised on immigration regulations set by the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State and by university policies and procedures to university staff, faculty, and administration
- Attended training, and workshops to keep up to date changing rules and regulations with US Customs Immigration Services, Department, Security, and Department of State.
- created a department manual to assist and direct faculty through the J-1 visa process and how invite exchange visiting scholars.
- Provided faculty support to organize and execute Faculty-Led Study tours.
- Absorbed duties from the Assistant Director and Coordinator of Partnerships during furlough periods
- Trained and counseled Interim Director on industry practices and business operations in SEVIS regulations, institution practices for international students and programs, and advising.
- Coordinator of Partnership: Worked with Partner institutions to accept nominated incoming exchange students, the application process, and invitation forms for J-1 Visa
Administrative Aide
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago
09.2017 - 12.2018
- Responded to student and public inquiries for international student enrollment, general questions, and complaints, and assigned to proper parties
- Assisted in budgeting to generate requisitions, and purchase orders, and maintained bookkeeping
- Updated bulletin boards, website, and social media relevant to recruitment strategies for incoming and outbound students.
- Executed record filing system to improve document organization and management.
- Developed and updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze, and report on performance, sales data, including strategies to streamline and improve office procedures.
- Attended training and meetings for the university's new policy, office software updates, manuals, and forms.
Customer Service Representative
State Farm Insurance
Chicago
09.2003 - 09.2016
- Illinois Insurance License previously certified for selling and writing Auto policies, and Property and Casualty policies
- Maintained customer satisfaction with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing customer needs and resolving concerns.
- Created, recorded, and updated office reports on production, losses, and quotas
- Interpreted and translated products and policy information in Spanish including organizing and designed marketing, social media, and network events.
- Trained new agent interns regarding company operations, policies and services.
- Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
PRESENTATIONS
Independent
04.2019 - 11.2022
- Toyama Teaching Skills Development Seminar. Claudia Gonzalez. HS Students Interested in Study Abroad.” Workshop for English teachers and assistant language teachers on the various study abroad program types. Brief summary on application process, timelines, financing, how to advise students, and promoting study abroad., 17 November 2022.
- JET World Festival: JET Talks. Claudia Gonzalez. A Presentation on Study Abroad Opportunities.” Shared insights: U.S. Education system, what study abroad is and how to either study abroad, work abroad, volunteer abroad, with U.S. Visa classifications., 13 March 2022.
- Illinois LAtino Council on Higher Education: ILACHE. Aleman Santiaguillo, D.; Gonzalez, C.C.; Lopez, E.; Mares, S.; Vargas, P. Things to Know When Pursuing a Master’ Degree: The Perspective of ENLACistas” Panelist in ILACHE sharing tips for potential students interested in pursuing a master’s degree and learning the benefits of cohort model in a graduate program., 19 April 2019.
- Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Aleman Santiaguillo, D.;Gonzalez, C.C.; D.; Mares, S.; Vargas, P. Things to Know When Pursuing a Master’ Degree: The Perspective of ENLACistas” Panelist in HACU sharing tips for potential students interested in pursuing a master’s degree and learning the benefits of cohort model in a graduate program., 10 Oct 2019.
Education
Master of Arts - Education, Higher Education And Leadership
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago 08.2017 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Studio Art, Communications, Media, and Theatre.
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, Illinois 08.2003 - 08.2008
Skills
Technology MS Suite and Google Suites, Internet Research, and Social Media
SEVIS
Event Coordination
Strategic planning
Budgeting
Intercultural communication
Ellucian
Banner
Cognos
Drupal (institutional webdesign platform)
Starfish
Timeline
Assistant Language Teacher
JET Programme and Himi City Board of Education
10.2021 - 07.2023
Study Abroad Coordinator and Advisor
RO, PDSO, Northeastern Illinois University
10.2019 - 10.2021
Student Intern
Harper College
06.2019 - 08.2019
PRESENTATIONS
Independent
04.2019 - 11.2022
Administrative Aide
Northeastern Illinois University
09.2017 - 12.2018
Master of Arts - Education, Higher Education And Leadership
Northeastern Illinois University
08.2017 - 08.2019
International Student Coordinator
ARO, PDSO
01.2017 - 09.2019
Customer Service Representative
State Farm Insurance
09.2003 - 09.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Studio Art, Communications, Media, and Theatre.
Northeastern Illinois University
08.2003 - 08.2008