On Wednesday, February 23, 2022 from 12–1 p.m. Central Time, the Spring 2022 International Seminar Series, ISU International Engagement, will feature Alex Ratcliff-Hanger, associate director for Study Abroad, as well as three student panelists: Devon Fine, Joi Strickland, and Anna Tulley. This free zoom webinar is open to the public with advance registration.

The presentation will begin with Alex Ratcliff-Hanger providing a brief overview of the study abroad opportunities for Illinois State University students. Ratcliff-Hanger is no stranger to study abroad. While earning her B.A. from Miami University in American/United States studies and civilization, Ratcliff-Hanger spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy. After completing her degree, she spent a year teaching English in China. In 2011, she joined the ISU Office of International Studies and Programs as a study abroad advisor. In 2018, she completed her master’s degree in communication from ISU and was promoted to study abroad coordinator.  In August 2019, she moved into her current role as associate director for Education Abroad.

Fine is currently interning at the Post-Conflict Research Center in Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Herzegovina.  In the fall 2021, he completed a semester abroad at the University of Nicosia in Nicosia, Cypres. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Fine is majoring in political science with minors in peace and conflict resolution as well as philosophy. He will graduate in May 2022.  

Strickland is currently in her first semester at Universitat Paderborn in Paderborn, Germany. Originally from Bourbonnais, Strickland is a junior majoring in accounting and international business who also anticipates graduating in spring 2023.

Tulley is currently the president of StAMP (Study Abroad Mentor Program). She is a senior majoring in history and anthropology with minors in Spanish and Latinx studies. In the summer of 2019, Tulley participated in the faculty-led program in Orvieto, Italy. Then in spring 2020, her semester abroad at the Universidad de Granada, Spain, was partially interrupted by COVID-19. Tulley will graduate in May 2022, then plans to attend Valle Gianni Field School in Gradoli, Italy with ISU’s faculty-led program this summer.

The International Seminar Series is presented by the Office of International Studies and Programs and features a theme each semester. The Spring 2022 series, ISU International Engagement, is focusing on the wide variety of international activities which connect the ISU community to those around the world.

Anyone with questions or requiring accommodation to participate fully should contact InternationalSeminar@ilstu.edu or 309-438-1651.