Open To Work
Cori Dykeman
Cheshire,CT
Summary
International Student Program Coordinator and Advisor with 20+ years of experience supporting international students and families in independent schools, nonprofits, and higher education settings. Extensive expertise in SEVIS compliance, student onboarding, guardianship coordination, cross-cultural advising, travel logistics, and student wellness support. Highly organized, adaptable, and relationship-driven professional, committed to student success and regulatory compliance.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
International Student Affairs Coordinator/Admissions Officer/PDSO (SEVIS)
New England Innovation Academy
08.2024 - Current
- Serve as Primary Designated School Official (PDSO), ensuring institutional compliance with SEVIS regulations, including I-20 issuance and ongoing student record maintenance
- Coordinate international student recruitment, onboarding, and immigration education for prospective and enrolled students and families
- Manage the full admissions cycle from inquiry to enrollment, including application completion, reading, interviewing, acceptance decisions, and yield activities
- Lead recruitment efforts through domestic and international travel, virtual outreach, open houses, and campus tours
- Build and maintain relationships with international education consultants and recruitment partners
- Provide advising and support to international students on cultural adjustment, academic transition, and overall student experience
- Collaborate on strategic planning initiatives related to enrollment growth, international recruitment strategy, and institutional visibility
- Support admissions operations through data tracking, communication workflows, and cross-departmental collaboration
Territory Development Manager
Apex International Education Partners
04.2024 - 01.2025
- Supported the placement of international students with vetted local homestay families located near the private independent schools’ students attended.
- Recruited, screened, and vetted prospective homestay families to ensure safe, supportive, and culturally appropriate living environments.
- Conducted interviews, background checks, and home evaluations as part of the homestay approval process.
- Worked directly with partner schools to coordinate student placements and ensure alignment with school policies and expectations.
- Maintained ongoing communication with students, host families, and schools to monitor student adjustment, welfare, and satisfaction.
- Conducted regular check-ins with students attending partner schools to provide support and identify emerging needs.
- Built and strengthened relationships with school administrators and local communities to expand hosting opportunities.
- Engaged potential school-affiliated families interested in hosting international students and guided them through the onboarding process.
- Supported territory growth by expanding both school partnerships and host family networks.
Operations Manager
Student Health Advocates
08.2022 - 04.2023
- Provided consulting support to international students and families attending private independent schools across the United States.
- Assisted families with enrollment in membership services, including U.S.-based guardianship, emergency contacts, and student advocacy support.
- Served as primary point of contact for international parents navigating U.S. healthcare, guardianship, and student support systems.
- Coordinated airport transportation, school break travel arrangements, and emergency logistics.
- Verified and maintained guardian documentation to ensure school compliance and student safety.
- Supported students with scheduling and attending medical and health-related appointments.
- Collaborated with schools and service providers to ensure continuity of care and student well-being.
International Student Coordinator / PDSO (SEVIS)
Cheshire Academy
Cheshire
08.2012 - 06.2022
- Directed all aspects of international student onboarding, advising, and support for a global boarding student population.
- Served as Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), overseeing SEVIS compliance and issuing Form I-20 documents.
- Maintained all student immigration records and ensured full compliance with SEVP and DHS regulations.
- Managed and updated Form I-17 and secured school certification through SEVP and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- Advised students and families on maintaining lawful F-1 visa status throughout each academic year.
- Planned and executed New Student Orientation and intercultural programming.
- Served as liaison to Admissions, Residential Life, Health Services, and Student Life departments.
- Coordinated international and domestic student travel programs, including service trips abroad and U.S. city programs.
- Managed budgets, staffing, and programming for on-campus holiday and school break programs.
- Senior Advisor to the Global Student Union, Peer Counselor Program, and Senior Class Officers (2013–2018).
Alumni & Advancement Development Assistant
Worcester Academy
Worcester
08.2009 - 08.2011
- Maintained alumni records and institutional databases.
- Supported alumni relations initiatives, fundraising activities, and events.
Second Grade Teacher
Holy Trinity School
Harwich
08.2005 - 06.2007
- Delivered instruction across core academic subjects and social development.
- Fostered a supportive, student-centered classroom environment.
- Collaborated closely with parents and school leadership to support student success.
Program Coordinator
University of Maine – Center for Student Aspirations
Orono
08.2003 - 06.2005
- Developed leadership training programs for middle and high school students statewide.
- Coordinated large-scale leadership events serving more than 500 students and educators.
- Supported summer programming for Somali refugee students integrating into Maine schools.
Program Coordinator
AmeriCorps – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Ellsworth
08.2002 - 08.2003
- Served as liaison between BBBS and public-school systems in Downeast Maine.
- Supported students’ academic, social, and emotional development.
- Trained and supported volunteer mentors and assisted with fundraising efforts.
Recruiter / Headhunter
Franklin Pierce Associates
Boston
08.1999 - 08.2002
- Managed full-cycle recruitment for clients across multiple industries.
- Conducted candidate screening, interviews, and salary negotiations.
- Built long-term relationships with clients and candidates.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education & Sociology
Simmons University
Boston, MASkills
- International Student Advising
- SEVIS Compliance
- Guardianship Coordination
- Student Welfare Coordination
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Event Management
- Travel Management
- Program Management
- Family Relations
- Stakeholder Relations
- Crisis Response
- Problem Solving
- Microsoft Office
- Outlook
- Adobe Photoshop
References
References available upon request.
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteHybridOn-SiteSalary Range
$77000/yr - $150000/yrTimeline
International Student Affairs Coordinator/Admissions Officer/PDSO (SEVIS)
New England Innovation Academy
08.2024 - Current
Territory Development Manager
Apex International Education Partners
04.2024 - 01.2025
Operations Manager
Student Health Advocates
08.2022 - 04.2023
International Student Coordinator / PDSO (SEVIS)
Cheshire Academy
08.2012 - 06.2022
Alumni & Advancement Development Assistant
Worcester Academy
08.2009 - 08.2011
Second Grade Teacher
Holy Trinity School
08.2005 - 06.2007
Program Coordinator
University of Maine – Center for Student Aspirations
08.2003 - 06.2005
Program Coordinator
AmeriCorps – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
08.2002 - 08.2003
Recruiter / Headhunter
Franklin Pierce Associates
08.1999 - 08.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education & Sociology
Simmons University