ISEP Study Abroad and CHEI, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore have joined forces to bring you
SCOPE is a professional development initiative designed to empower professional staff and elevate their role in the internationalization of higher education institutions. Rooted in the success of SUCTI (Systemic University Change Towards Internationalisation) and expanded through original doctoral research, SCOPE is the next step in reshaping how institutions embrace global engagement.
We believe that internationalization is not just about mobility or rankings. It's about people—and professional staff play a crucial, often under-recognized, role in transforming universities into truly international spaces. SCOPE provides tools, knowledge, and the right type of attitude to equip and empower this essential stakeholder group and align them with your institution’s global ambitions.
At SCOPE, we use “professional staff” to refer to ALL staff members whose primary responsibilities are not in teaching or research. This includes administrative, professional, technical, and managerial staff—regardless of how they are labeled in different higher education systems.
They may go by many names, but they have one crucial thing in common: without their daily work and expertise, our universities would simply not function!
We prefer the term professional staff—because that’s what they are: Highly professional staff, skilled, committed, and vital to institutional success.
Where does SCOPE Come From?
SCOPE builds on the award-winning legacy of SUCTI, a pioneering project that trained hundreds of staff members across Europe. Now, SCOPE takes this vision further by incorporating cutting-edge research, a revised methodology, and an expanded structure, ensuring its long-term sustainability and impact.
Created and led by Marina Casals Sala, a seasoned internationalisation expert and researcher, SCOPE reflects over 20 years of experience in international higher education and is supported by ISEP Study Abroad and the Centre for Higher Education Internationalisation (CHEI).
Honoring the Foundation, Paving a New Path
SCOPE builds upon the success of SUCTI, which pioneered the involvement of professional staff in the internationalisation process. SUCTI laid the groundwork by introducing essential concepts, fostering awareness, and demonstrating the vital role that administrative staff play in a globally engaged university.
As the landscape of internationalisation has evolved, so too must our approach. SCOPE is the natural next step—taking SUCTI’s foundation and elevating it through research-driven advancements, an enhanced methodology, and a broader, more sustainable impact strategy. While SUCTI initiated the conversation, SCOPE transforms it into lasting institutional change.
With new insights, refined strategies, and a vision for long-term engagement, SCOPE represents the future of empowering professional staff in higher education internationalisation.
Empowering Staff, Transforming Institutions.
This is just the beginning. With SCOPE, your institution doesn’t just engage internationally—it transforms.
Mission
To equip administrative staff with the knowledge, skills, and attitude needed to actively contribute to their institution’s internationalisation. By empowering staff, SCOPE drives systemic change within a comprehensive internationalisation framework, fostering a holistic, institution-wide transformation that strengthens global engagement and institutional progress.
Empowering staff through professional development transforms institutions from the inside out. When professional staff gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to understand and engage with internationalization, they don’t just contribute—they lead change.
SCOPE is about people. It is about staff members and their higher education institutions. It is about making internationalization inclusive, sustainable, and meaningful.
Vision
To empower professional staff as key drivers of internationalisation and transform higher education institutions worldwide through inclusive, research-based professional development.
SCOPE envisions a future where every staff member feels equipped, valued, and engaged in building globally connected universities.
The SCOPE logo carries deep meaning and symbolism. Its circular shape evokes continuity, unity, and the shared momentum that drives institutional progress. At its core are stylized human figures, radiating outward to represent growth, movement, and transformation. The central circle, reminiscent of the sun, symbolises a common purpose—a shared commitment to internationalisation.
The design draws inspiration from the Catalan tradition of castells—human towers built by communities where every individual, regardless of position, is essential. In a castell, no role is more important than another. The base supports the top, and the top motivates the base. Likewise, in the process of internationalisation, each member of a university community has a distinct and vital role to play.
The color palette reflects this dynamic energy:
Together, these elements form a visual metaphor for collective strength and inclusive progress—a reminder that internationalisation is built by everyone, yes: everyone!
SCOPE’s tagline reflects our core philosophy:
Empowering staff through professional development transforms institutions from the inside out. When professional staff gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to understand and engage with internationalisation, they don’t just contribute—they lead change.
SCOPE is about people. It is about staff members and their higher education institutions. It is about making internationalisation inclusive, sustainable, and meaningful.
Ready to empower your team? Want to be added to our waiting list or learn more?
Contact us
Are you ready to bring internationalisation closer to everyone (yes, E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E!) at your university?
A full-week immersive experience that prepares participants to become certified SCOPE trainers, capable of delivering internationalization training to their peers in their home institutions. The course combines knowledge on internationalization, intercultural communication, and facilitation skills to create empowered trainers ready to drive institutional change.
1. Open courses
Held in Italy at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore campuses, these open-enrollment courses welcome participants from around the world. They offer a rich intercultural learning environment, build global networks, and provide space for peer-to-peer inspiration. Ideal for universities looking to certify individual staff members or small teams.
Next edition: 4-8 May 2026, Milan.
Pre-register by emailing: scope@unicatt.it
2. On demand course
Tailored and delivered where you are. Two certified trainers travel to your location to deliver the same intensive experience to your selected staff or partner institutions. Perfect for alliances, consortia, or university systems.
Inquiries and bookings: scope@unicatt.it
Train the Trainers Courses Learning Outcomes
After completing the Train the Trainers course, SCOPE participants will:
Participants will also complete a final project and presentation that outlines their plan to implement internationalisation training at their home institution.
Dates: May 4–8, 2026 (Monday to Friday)
Location: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan
Registration opens on 2 February 2026.
Note: Full participation is required from start to finish in order to receive the digital badge and be certified as a SCOPE Trainer.
Accommodation: Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. A list of recommended options will be provided.
Participation Fee: 1500€ per participant
ISEP SCOPE Fund for Emerging Voices in Internationalisation: All proceeds from ISEP’s share of the course revenue will be dedicated to supporting underrepresented scholars in the field of higher education internationalization. This support will take the form of a research fund for a PhD student or visiting scholar at CHEI. More information on this will be shared when the fund is established.
By joining SCOPE, you’re not only advancing your own institution—you’re helping shape the next generation of global education researchers
Participants from the E.U. may be eligible for Erasmus+ Staff Training (STT) funding. Please consult your institution’s international office
What’s Included
✔️ Full SCOPE Training
✔️ All Training Materials
✔️ Coffee Breaks
✔️ Farewell Aperitivo
✔️ Digital Badge of Achievement
Not Included
❌ Transportation
❌ Accommodation
❌ Meals (except coffee breaks and farewell aperitivo)
Cancellation Policy:
Designed for higher education leaders, HR units, and internationalisation professionals, these dynamic sessions raise awareness, spark dialogue, and provide practical insights into integrating staff into internationalisation processes.
Seminars and workshops can be:
They are ideal precursors to implementing SCOPE more fully within your institution.
Do you have an idea for a course / workshop / presentation? Don’t be shy, let us know what you think and we will work together to make it a reality.
Contact Us
Ready to empower your team? Want to be added to our waiting list or learn more? Reach out to us: scope@unicatt.it
SCOPE is designed for professional staff members who are ready to take an active role in internationalising their institutions. We invite universities to nominate two or three professionals to participate in our Train the Trainers course, who will then be equipped to deliver training sessions for peers back home.
While one person can certainly attend, experience shows that team participation enhances post-training implementation and success. Working in pairs or groups allows for shared planning, support in adapting materials, and greater impact.
Ideal SCOPE Trainer Profile:
All participants are expected to attend the full training (from beginning to end!) and present a final project as part of certification.
Founder & Lead Trainer, SCOPE
Director of Member Relations for Europe & the United Kingdom, ISEP Study Abroad.
Based in Barcelona, Marina works with ISEP members to support them in their internationalisation objectives and to provide inclusive access to transformative global study experiences. At ISEP Study Abroad, she leads strategic initiatives in Europe and the UK, collaborating closely with universities, policy makers, and global networks.
Marina holds a PhD from the Centre for Higher Education Internationalisation (CHEI) of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, a Master’s from Universidad Antonio de Nebrija in Madrid, and a BA from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. She has over 22 years of experience in international higher education, including positions in Spain, Finland, and Morocco.
As the creator of the award-winning SUCTI project, she has inspired a movement toward inclusive internationalisation. Marina is an active speaker at international conferences and has been recognized with the EAIE Rising Star Award and the SGroup IMPACT Award.
In her free time, she enjoys dancing, connecting with nature, and spending time with her family and friends.
Joanna Domagała is a SUCTI and SUCTIA trainer, delivering internationalisation training for professional staff in higher education institutions. Through both programmes, she has trained over 200 participants in Poland and abroad. Since 2016, she has been conducting intercultural communication training, and since 2022, she has been an intercultural communication trainer for the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE), the National Agency for the Erasmus+ programme in Poland. Since 2014, she has also been delivering training sessions on internationalisation and international student recruitment for higher education institutions. She is an internationalisation expert with the European Consortium for Accreditation in Higher Education (ECA HE). Since 2017, she has coordinated the Internationalisation Academy run by the Perspektywy Educational Foundation.
She spent over nine years working at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań in the International Office, including three years as Deputy Head. Her responsibilities involved education, promotion, and international cooperation.
She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, as well as a postgraduate diploma from the European Academy of Diplomacy in Warsaw. She is currently completing her doctoral studies at Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Her academic research focuses on Irish drama and postcolonial studies.
An English teacher by education, since 2020 she has been running an online language school and teaching English daily to over 70,000 people across various social media platforms under the name Angielski Kompas.
In her free time, she loves to travel with her husband—favourite destinations include Thailand, Iceland, Myanmar, and Australia. She is also an amateur triathlete and passionate home cook.
Joanna’s social media:
Jeanine Gregersen-Hermans is a member of the Supervisory Board of Thomas More University, The Netherlands and affiliated with the research centre ‘Sustainable International Business’ at Zuyd University. She also serves as a member of the Academic Board and affiliate faculty at the Center for Higher Education Internationalisation (CHEI) of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, where she supervises and mentors PhD students.
Her current work focuses on the intersections of internationalisation, intercultural competence development, education for sustainable development, and their implications for curriculum design and academic staff training. Jeanine has held leadership positions in internationalisation at universities and international organisations in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK, and has worked extensively in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
She holds a PhD from CHEI at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Radboud University, the Netherlands. Jeanine is a certified Earth Charter Educator through the Earth Charter Education Centre at the University for Peace in Costa Rica.
An award winner (2008), former member of several EAIE governance bodies, and active EAIE trainer between 1997 and 2012, Jeanine is a lifetime member and contributor to the EAIE.
In her free time, she enjoys long-distance walking and gardening.
Based near Lake Como in Italy but originally from Scotland, Fiona is Associate Director at the Centre for Higher Education Internationalisation (CHEI) at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, Italy where she manages the PhD Programme. She is Faculty and Scientific Council Member for the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Higher Education Leadership and Management Programme at LUISS Business School, Rome, Italy and Visiting Tutor at the University of Bath, United Kingdom where she supervises students on the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Higher Education Management.
She is also a higher education consultant and trainer working with private, public and faith-based institutions around the world on strategic change, has led multiple professional development projects around the world, and has published and presented extensively on higher education management and internationalisation.
She is also Scientific Council member of AVEPRO, the Holy See’s Agency for the Evaluation and Promotion of Quality in Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties.
In her free time, she loves being close to nature for walking, running and gardening, and is passionate about yoga and pilates.
Agata Mannino has extensive experience in HE and internationalisation. She currently serves as Coordinator of the Across European University Alliance, leading cross-institutional collaboration and strategy. Previously, she worked at the University of Padova as Manager for International Educational Projects, at the University of Trieste as IRO for international agreements and networks, and as Institutional Coordinator for the Transform4Europe Alliance.
She is a former member of the Executive Committee of the SGroup Network and the EAIE General Council, and she now contributes to the EAIE Thematic Committee on Research on internationalisation.
Agata holds a PhD from the Centre for Higher Education Internationalization (CHEI) of the Universita´ Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, focusing on sensemaking in internationalisation of HE within the EUI, where she explored the crucial role of middle managers in fostering staff engagement. Before that she obtained her Master´s in Translation and Interpretation from the University of Trieste, a Vocational Master’s in Public Communication fro IULM University in Milan and a Teaching License for German as a second Language from the University of Udine.
In her free time she enjoys baking, old calligraphy and spinning.
Based in the Netherlands, Hans-Georg works at Tilburg University, where he leads university-wide programmes on strategy, language policy, and international engagement, including the EU alliance ENGAGE.EU. He has held several senior roles at the university, including Secretary of the University, Director of University Services, and Director of the International Office. He also served as Senior Programme Manager for key initiatives such as Internationalising the Campus and Corporate Social Responsibility.
Hans-Georg has a long-standing commitment to higher education internationalisation. He is a former President of the EAIE, a Senior Fellow of the International Association of Universities, and a member of multiple supervisory and advisory boards in education, culture, and welfare, including the Management Board of the Centre for Higher Education Internationalisation at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.
He is a seasoned presenter at international conferences and serves as a Senior Trainer for the EAIE, specializing in international office management and strategic planning in internationalisation. In 2023, he received the EAIE Award for Outstanding Contribution in recognition of his impact on the sector.
In his spare time, he enjoys cycling with his wife, sharing dinners with friends, supporting his soccer team, and exploring museums, concerts, and the theatre.
Marina works as Internationalisation Projects officer at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. She is also the lead of the Aurora Alliance work package on “Enabling Mobility and International exchange” and participates in other European funded Projects as an expert on Internationalisation, with a special focus on Internationalisation at Home and Internationalisation of the curriculum. She is an experienced trainer on COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) and Intercultural competences and communication.
She studied Political Sciences at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, and at Humboldt Universität in Berlin and has a Master’s in Euro-Mediterranean International Relations and Intercultural communication, and another in Contemporary Art, a field that she also explores as a text editor and critic writer when she has the time.
Marina has been a SUCTI trainer since 2022, and is passionate about learning with and from others, a perspective she loves to take also in her facilitator role, at each professional development she partakes.
In her free time, Marina loves being outside, exploring new cities, sailing or hiking, but she also cherishes quality time with a book or with her family and friends.
Project Manager of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Artificial Intelligence – EMAI, coordinated by Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona (Spain) and offered by a consortium of the following European universities: La Sapienza, University of Rome (Italy), Radboud University (Netherlands) and the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia).
Senior education expert with over two decades of experience, including the last 15 years focused on the internationalisation of higher education. Her expertise includes strategic development and the design and implementation of innovative academic programmes, both at the institutional and inter-institutional levels. She is also skilled in institution-building initiatives and strategies aimed at enhancing global outreach and visibility.
Previously, she held leadership roles as the Master's Programme Coordinator for the Master's in Transnational Governance at the School of Transnational Governance of the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. She also served as the Director of International and Interinstitutional Affairs and the Director of International Projects at the Catholic University of Colombia in Bogotá.
Her extensive professional background bridges cultural and educational boundaries, promoting innovative approaches to global higher education and institutional advancement.
In her free time, she loves cooking, dancing, visiting new places, learning about different cultures, and spending time with her loved ones.
X @MelviraPrietoHE - LinkedIn
Based in Barcelona, Marta is the Associate Director of International Academic Relations at ESADE Business School – Ramon Llull University (Spain), and serves as the Institutional Coordinator for Ramon Llull University within the European Alliance ENGAGE.EU.
Marta holds a PhD in the internationalisation of higher education from the Centre for Higher Education Internationalisation (CHEI) at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan (Italy). She also holds a Master’s degree from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, a BA in English Philology from Universitat de Barcelona, and a BA in East Asian Studies from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya.
She has more than 26 years of experience managing Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) programmes in Latin America and North Africa. Her professional interests focus on external evaluation processes related to CBHE programmes and the relationships among different stakeholders in the processes of internationalisation and evaluation.
In her free time, Marta loves taking long walks by the sea, sharing meals and laughter with friends, and diving into the pages of a good book that’s always close at hand.
