Global Partnerships and Transnational Education
Western Sydney University’s global partnerships transcend geographical boundaries, creating a collaborative and shared environment that enriches the educational experience for students, educators, researchers, and institutions alike. By engaging in global partnerships, Western Sydney University taps into a diverse range of perspectives, cultural insights, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. This exposure prepares Western Sydney University students for an interconnected world, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a globalised workforce. Under Pillar 4: Unlocking Global Impact, the Global Partnerships and Transnational Education portfolio works to ensure that Western is a global university of choice, fostering teaching and research collaboration and creating engaged global citizens. The portfolio encompasses three core teams, covering partnerships, Transnational Education (TNE), and student and staff mobility.
The Global Partnerships Team is responsible for developing and managing strategic partnerships with universities, governments, third party providers and educational organisations around the world. These relationships support a broad range of activities, including joint research, student mobility, articulation and pathway programs, third party delivery of education both on and offshore, and academic collaboration. Through these partnerships, Western Sydney University strengthens its global presence and creates opportunities for students and staff to engage in international learning and research experiences.
Beyond academic benefits, our partnerships cultivate cross-cultural understanding, promote tolerance, and build bridges between nations, in a more interconnected and harmonious world. In essence, our partnerships serve as catalysts for excellence, collaboration, and cultural enrichment, and nurturing the pursuit of knowledge.
Transnational Education initiatives enable Western Sydney University programs to be delivered globally, ensuring access to high-quality Australian education in strategically aligned international regions. These initiatives are designed to expand educational access, support regional development, and build long-term institutional relationships that contribute to mutual growth and impact. Western Sydney University engages in different types of TNE delivery, including through branch models, third party provider relationships, and delivery locations across South East Asia. With a strong focus on collaboration, equity, and global citizenship, Transnational Education initiatives position Western Sydney University as a connected, outward-looking institution committed to addressing shared global challenges.
The Mobility Team supports the University’s global engagement and internationalisation objectives through the development, management, and promotion of student and staff mobility opportunities. Working collaboratively with academic and professional staff across the University, the team facilitates a range of international experiences including semester exchange, study abroad, short-term mobility programs, international internships, staff mobility, and government-funded mobility initiatives. The team also provides operational oversight and support for mobility programs, including partnership management, student and staff advising, risk management, funding administration, and program delivery. For more on Mobility, visit Discover International Study | Western Sydney University
About Our Team
Dr Liz Smith, Director, Transnational Education, Mobility & Partnerships, leads the Global Partnerships Team.
Professor Jing Han, Director of Institute for Australian and Asian Arts and Culture, and a leading expert in translation, intercultural communication and audiovisual translation, works with the team in delivering the University’s partnership and transnational education strategies.
Dr Nisha Rakhesh, Director, Global Initiatives and Engagement, leads the development and delivery of strategic global partnerships, transnational education and research initiatives, including Western’s India strategy and the establishment of India campus, advancing the University's globalisation agenda.
Balakumar Chinnaswamy, International Senior Strategic Business Analyst, oversees global student data, compliance, and transnational education reporting. He develops business reports and delivers strategic analysis to senior executives to support informed decision-making.
Vignesh Ramalingam, Senior Project Manager, Transnational Education and Jie Xu, Project Manager, Transnational Education, lead and support the development and management of transnational education partnerships and initiatives, working closely with global partners and internal stakeholders to facilitate collaborative education opportunities.
Dr Nayantara Pothen, Manager, Educational Partnerships, manages and coordinates program delivery (in collaboration with Schools and academic staff), professional and operational activities, governance arrangements, and policy application and compliance across the University’s Educational Entities and Partnerships.
Trudy Leung, Senior Coordinator, Agreements & Operations manages Global Agreements, including providing operational oversight and coordination of the University’s global agreements, supporting the development, review, and management of partnership documentation and processes.
Liz Casey, Coordinator, Transnational Education Partnerships coordinates global delegations at the Senior Executive Level, supporting relationship development with global partner institutions and visiting representatives.
Kerry Lancaster, Coordinator, International Missions, Delegations and Mobility, coordinates global missions for our Senior Executives, supporting the University’s global engagement initiatives and global partnership development. Kerry also coordinates the global ambassador program for the Mobility team, ensuring longevity and impact of student mobility beyond the experience.
Steven McDonald, Manager, Staff Mobility, leads the University’s staff mobility portfolio, supporting global opportunities that enhance teaching, research, professional development, and global engagement. Steven works closely with internal stakeholders and global partners to facilitate staff exchanges, fellowships, training opportunities, and collaborative initiatives that strengthen the University’s global connections.
Erin Hilaire, Manager, Student Mobility and Exchange, leads the University’s student mobility portfolio, overseeing inbound and outbound mobility programs including semester exchange, study abroad, short-term global experiences, and strategic mobility initiatives. Erin works with partner institutions, academic schools, and professional teams to expand global opportunities and support student participation in global education.
Dee Buyukkaya, Coordinator, Student Mobility, coordinates inbound and outbound student mobility activities, supporting students throughout their global experience and facilitating engagement with partner institutions. Dee contributes to the delivery and administration of mobility programs and student support services.
Juliya Aminova, Administrative Assistant, Student Mobility, provides administrative support across the student mobility portfolio, assisting with student enquiries, application processing, communications, and program administration.
Cammy Chan, Administrative Officer, Government Mobility Programs, coordinates the administration of government-funded mobility initiatives, including scholarship and grant programs. Cammy supports program compliance, reporting, funding administration, and student participation in externally funded mobility opportunities.
Latest Global Partnerships News
Fu Jen Catholic University Delegation Visit May 2026
Contact Us
For information or queries relating to Transnational Education, Mobility and Global Partnerships please contact the Global Partnerships Team at: globalpartnerships@westernsydney.edu.au