International Programs Team
Mission
The International Programs Office (IPO) mission is to be the campus-wide leader in advocating for, supporting, and implementing the university's goals for international student education and exchange. IPO fosters an appreciation for a culturally diverse learning environment. It provides information, services, and a variety of programs that help study abroad students, international students, and visiting scholars achieve their individual, educational, and personal goals.
Meet the IPO Staff
Vera Vlasenko, Associate Director of International Programs Office
Vera earned her Bachelor of Business Administration, Management and Operations degree from Union Institute and University, Vermont College, VT and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Psychology and Counseling from Norwich University, VT.
While pursuing her academic goals, she first gained her experience in Higher Education as an Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Math, Science, Information Technology and Business at Greenfield Community College from 1995 to 2003 and from 2003-2009 as an Administrative Assistant/Designated School Official, Office of Admission.
Vera continued her career as an International Student & Scholar Advisor at Westfield State University in 2009. She was hired to establish the international student services at the newly created International Programs Office (IPO). Her responsibilities consisted of all aspects of support for incoming international students to include recruitment and admission. She was promoted to Associate Director of International Programs in December 2022 where her duties expanded to management and supervision of the Peer Mentors’ program, National Student Exchange, Study Abroad programs and the International Education Exchange.
From 2009 to present, Vera has been serving as the Principal Designated School Official and Responsible Officer (PDSO/RO).
Vera’s goal is to approach all her students as she was treated on her first day in the US, with empathy, respect, and an open heart. Vera is originally from Uzbekistan where she immigrated from in 1991 with her husband and two children.
Jimena Collingwood, International Admissions Coordinator
As a former international student in the U.S. and EducationUSA adviser, Jimena is committed to helping other international students apply and reach their academic goals at Westfield State University.
Jimena’s career in International Education started nineteen years ago as an EducationUSA adviser and cultural affairs coordinator between a Binational Center and the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia (South America). She has a master’s degree in international education from SIT Graduate Institute. In addition, she has experience coordinating programs in other U.S. colleges and organizations in Argentina and Bolivia, including university relations, international admissions, study abroad, and world languages.
A favorite part of her work is helping international students achieve their dreams of studying in the U.S. and supporting all aspects of their experience.
Make an Appointment to meet with Jimena here https://calendly.com/jcollingwood
Alexandra Craig, Study Abroad Coordinator
Alexandra started at Westfield in May 2023, bringing with her multiple years of study abroad and travel experience. Her first time studying abroad was in 2010 when she spent a semester in Aotearoa New Zealand. She later spent the summers of 2013 and 2014 in Thailand and Myanmar. These experiences led her to return abroad during her undergraduate program, spending the 17-18 academic year across Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Other than her study abroad experiences, Alexandra has a B.A. in International Studies from the University of San Francisco and an M.A. in International and Comparative Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has experience working in higher education as a Peer Advisor and through serving with AmeriCorps.
Make an Appointment to meet with Alexandra here https://calendly.com/acraig-wsu/30min