Insurance is an integral part of international education, never more evident than in recent years. Whether you have travelers pursuing educational activities abroad, or international students coming to the US, this presentation will provide useful insight, best practices, ways to alleviate potential costs and a look at what lies ahead for your institutions. This session will be a broad look into the world of insurance for both study abroad and incoming international students. By attending this session, participants will have a better understanding of the behind-the-scenes operations of insurance providers that support the international health, safety and mobility of students, faculty, and staff and how these can intersect with university operations.
Presenters:
Kathleen Connors – Client Services Associate, Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI)
Margot Popowycz – Senior Account Executive, Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI)
Wil Biddle – Associate Director of Administrative Services, University of Maryland
Bios:
Kathleen Connors – Client Services Associate, Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI)
Kathleen Connors joined Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) in 2012 as a Claims Assistant. Since then, she advanced to the role of Associate Account Representative and in 2016 was promoted to Client Services Associate where she’s now responsible for all enrollment operations, policy materials and issuance, and assists in maintaining relations with current and new clients. Kathleen is a licensed accident and health insurance agent with an undergraduate degree from University of Richmond. (kconnors@mycisi.com)
Margot Popowycz – Senior Account Executive, Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI)
Combining her background in cultural exchange with insurance, Margot became a licensed insurance producer and joined Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) 26 years ago. Presently, as Senior Account Executive for CISI, she oversees the day-to-day and longer-term activities of servicing the international insurance needs of over 50 colleges, universities and program providers. She studied abroad in Brussels, Belgium (spring 1990) and received her BS in International Business from Siena College, Loudonville, NY. (mpopowycz@mycisi.com)
Wil Biddle – Associate Director of Administrative Services, University of Maryland
Wil Biddle has been a member of HEIBO for 6 years and is the current Chair of the Steering Committee. As the Associate Director of Administrative Services in the Office of International Affairs at University of Maryland, he manages the finance and HR aspects of inbound, outbound and virtual programs. Wil has additional experience working in the field of International Education in the United Kingdom and Qatar. Wil earned his MBA from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.