Concordia International takes on the world

Karen Herland

The staff at the newly minted Concordia International office is equally focused on Concordia and the world, according to the director, William Cheaib, who began in his post in a Mackay St. annex only a month ago.

“It is evident that we’re living in an era of globalization and the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, not just in terms of telecommunications and the economy, but also in terms of knowledge, culture and values,” Cheaib said.

“Our role is to prepare Concordia students to be internationally knowledgeable and inter-culturally competent.”

Cheaib heads a team of three international liaison officers (each responsible for a different part of the globe) and one administrative coordinator. The office’s mandate is to support the international agreements and programs developed by the university’s administration, and to identify new initiatives.

As such, they work closely with Liselyn Adams, Vice-Provost International Affairs. “She develops the agreements, and we implement them.”

Cheaib sees Concordia International in a collaborative role with those who want to increase the internationalization of Concordia. “We are ready to give high-quality international liaison services. Our motto is Challenge Us,” he said.

“Internally, our priority is to build strong collaborations with faculty members. Externally, the priority is to liaise with partner institutions and international organizations to provide students, faculty and staff with the opportunity to have an international experience.”

In broad terms, the department exists to support those who wish to do academic work abroad, of any nature. Concordia International can help a student study abroad, or a researcher find additional funds for an international project.

In his first few weeks in office, Cheaib has been developing strategic and promotional policies and meeting with faculty representatives to determine their needs. “The faculties have been very positive and collaborative,” he said.

Cheaib’s own background is in law. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in law, and has experience in intellectual property law in the Middle East, Europe and North America. Most recently, he worked at the Université de Montréal and its affiliated Ecole Polytechnique.

“I became curious about the ability of higher education to share knowledge and culture,” Cheaib said. “I found my place.”