On March 10-14, Miami, Florida hosted the esteemed Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) 2024 conference, drawing scholars and educators from across the globe to explore the diverse landscape of comparative and international education (C&I education). In this lively gathering, the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) stood out as a significant contributor, showcasing its dedication to advancing global learning and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
At the helm of Pitt's active participation was the Office of the CIES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR led by Dr. M. Najeeb Shafiq, a distinguished Professor at the School of Education (SOE) at Pitt. Dr. Shafiq's leadership not only propelled Pitt's engagement but also underscored the university's commitment to promoting scholarly exchange and collaboration on an international scale. Integral to Pitt's presence were the Institute for International Studies in Education (IISE) and its key figures, Dr. Maureen Porter, IISE Co-Leader, and Dr. Jorge Enrique Delgado, IISE Program Coordinator. Their expertise and guidance facilitated Pitt's meaningful contributions to the conference, enriching discussions and fostering new insights within the field of comparative education.
This year we shared time with Pitt and IISE alumni such as Simona Popa (UNESCO International Bureau of Education), Yukiko Yamamoto (University of Tsukuba, Japan), Helen Boyle (Education Development Center, Washington, DC), Rebecca Clothey (Drexel University), Esther E. Gottlieb (Ohio State University), Weiyan Xiong (Education University of Hong Kong), Martial Dembele (University of Montreal), and IISE co-founder Mark Ginsburg (University of Maryland). The IISE International Alumni Network brings together alumni working outside the United States or inside the country in topics of international nature.
A highlight of Pitt's involvement was the participation of students, faculty, and IISE affiliates who took center stage at CIES 2024. Among them were Tetsuya Yamada (Paper Presentation: How does education affect confidence in higher education? -corruption within the education system and postmaterialist values as contextual factors-) and Jennifer Ponce Cori (Paper Presentation: Toward an Ecological Citizenship to Defense the Green Areas on Hillsides in the San Juan de Lurigancho district (Lima, Peru)), PhD students at the School of Education, whose research presentations resonated with attendees, sparking thought-provoking discussions and forging connections across borders.
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Moreover, Pitt's engagement extended beyond academic presentations, as twelve SOE students volunteered their time and energy to ensure the smooth operation of the conference. As volunteers they enjoyed discounted registration fees so that they could explore the global networks provided by CIES, attend sessions on topic of interest, and meet senior scholars whose work they read in their courses. Reflecting on their experiences, Taghreed Alrehail, a PhD student at the School of Education, remarked:
“CIES provided me with a reciprocal volunteering opportunity. It is not merely giving but also receiving the pleasure of socializing, learning, and collaborating!”
Master student Miles McFall echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the transformative impact of CIES 2024:
“The opportunity to meet the researchers, policy makers, and leaders from around the world not only gave me new ideas for my own studies but also brought to life the work we learn about in classes. In addition to learning from sessions, the networking opportunities I had with other students and representatives from major global organizations already has me looking forward to attending and maybe even presenting next year.”
Pitt's vibrant presence at CIES 2024 serves as a testament to the university's dedication to fostering global perspectives and advancing international education initiatives. As we reflect on the enriching experiences and meaningful connections forged at the conference, we look forward to continuing our "Connecting the Local and Global" journey towards a more interconnected and inclusive world through education.
By: Ruoyun Zheng, PhD student at the School of Education