Changing Lives Through Education Abroad

Diversifying our field can help to diversify the students who participate in education abroad, an outcome that is front of mind in 2024 and beyond. Join host Zac Macinnes as he sits down with Ogonna Owu Jones, Faculty-Led Program Coordinator at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, for an insightful dialogue centered on interrupting injustice and prioritizing equity. Hear Ogonna’s recommendations for just hiring practices t...

Looking to level up in your career? This week, Host Zac Macinnes sits down with Whitney Longnecker, Director of Study Abroad at Texas Tech University, for a discussion of how to position yourself to step into leadership in international education. Whitney shares advice for how to proactively seek progressive growth opportunities, cultivate your confidence and take a thoughtful approach to management. Learn how to steer your career ...

International Education is a dynamic field strengthened by its mix of fresh faces and seasoned practitioners. Join Host Zac Macinnes for a fun and thought-provoking conversation about navigating a multi-generational office with Jeannie Simmons, Director of Global Education, and Ryan Vonderhaar, Global Education Coordinator, both from THE Ohio State University. This dialogue explores takeaways to benefit any intergenerational space,...

Seeking a way to build capacity for education abroad? Look no further than this episode, focused on the IDEAS Program’s goals to diversify expand and broaden study abroad through the administration of small grants and the implementation of capacity building initiatives for the U.S. higher education community. Join host Zac Macinnes and Rachel Rice, Program Manager at World Learning and expert on the IDEAS Program, for an inspiring ...

It takes a village to do what we do. Yet, as practitioners we often don’t truly consider the faculty perspective when it comes to international education. Join Host Zac Macinnes and Dr. Patricia Sagasti Suppes, Director of Global Engagement and Senior International Officer at Stockton University, for a deep dive into intentional collaboration with our faculty friends. Patty unpacks what faculty face with competing priorities, oblig...

Supporting students as they prepare for study abroad includes navigating financial considerations. This week, host Zac Macinnes sits down with Ebony Majeed, Director of International Students, Scholars and Programs at Hampton University, for a discussion of the complexities and opportunities of funding study abroad in 2024. Hear Ebony’s pro-tips for outreach strategies related to diverse communities, partnering with financial aid a...

International educators have some of the most meaningful and uplifting jobs, yet burnout exists in our field as it does anywhere. Join host Zac Macinnes as he sits down with Caylie Middleton, Assistant Director of Education Abroad at the University of Vermont, for a thoughtful dialogue about taking care of ourselves and our communities. Learn Caylie’s pro-tips to manage well, advance change despite obstacles, and appreciate how our...

In a landscape where we already recognize study abroad as a high impact practice, First Year Abroad Programs are emergent as an example of how intentional initiatives can be pivotal in an institutions’ global learning goals for students. Join host Zac Macinnes for a conversation with Dr. Jon Stauff, Assistant Vice President for International Affairs at South Dakota State University, and Dr. Jill Blondin, Associate Vice Provost for ...

As an early to mid-career professional in international education, it’s essential to effectively leverage your experiences to develop leadership skills and create avenues for growth. Join host Zac Macinnes as he sits down with Grace Twardy, Senior Manager of University Relations and Program Development at Boston University, for a conversation about lifelong learning and how to advance your career. Hear ...

When we think about meeting the needs of today’s students, accessibility is front of mind. Join host Zac Macinnes as he sits down with Sara Easler, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of International Programs & Partnerships in the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, for a critical conversation centered on supporting students with disabilities who seek to study abroad. We’ll touch on accommodations, disclosure, visible...

When we consider the student pathway to study abroad, funding is often uniquely pivotal in that journey. Join host Zac Macinnes as he sits down with Angela Shaffer, Executive Director of the Fund for Education Abroad, to unpack how this fully philanthropic and independent organization removes financial barriers for students. This thoughtful dialogue also touches on thinking holistically about student needs, implementing inclusive b...

This week, Jeffrey Ayres Ph.D., Director of the Center for Global Engagement and Senior International Officer at Saint Michael’s College, joins host Zac Macinnes for a conversation centered on the importance of internships abroad. This episode will highlight the transformative power of combining academic pursuits with a globally oriented, career enhancing program. In addition to student stories and successes, Jeff shares how securi...

Research can enhance an experience abroad and provide new lenses for academic and professional exploration. Join Zac Macinnes for a thoughtful conversation with Andrew Wingfield, Director of Global Engagement in the College of Engineering & Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, centered on providing avenues for student learning beyond traditional study abroad, easing onramps for participation and bridging gaps ...

This week, we examine how teams can be most effective and poised for innovation when psychological safety is a priority for leaders who instill it as part of institutional culture. Join Zac Macinnes for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with Dr. Amy Ewen, Director of International Education and Study Away at Suffolk University focused on how feeling safe in a workplace with a trust filled environment can position us for achie...

As international educators, the wellbeing of our students is always a top priority. Join Zac Macinnes as he sits down with Robin Reliford, J.D., Head of Health & Safety at WorldStrides for a thoughtful conversation that touches on mental wellness, trends, and the intersection of student safety and DEI. This critical dialogue explores our approach as an organization to keeping students as safe as possible and shares resources an...

Male-identifying students represent just about one-third of study abroad students. In this episode, Brian Henry, an experienced J.E.D.I. facilitator and Program Manager in the Office of International Education at the University Denver, joins host Zac Macinnes to explore why it’s been so challenging to move the needle. Brian shares valuable insights about the importance of bridging the gender gap, advice on reaching today’s male stu...

This week, we examine the field of international education through the lens of data-driven leadership with takeaways for offices of all sizes and experience levels. Host Zac Macinnes sits down with Mark Eckman, Director of Education Abroad at UMass Amherst, to explore how practitioners can leverage data as a critical means to excellence in our work for securing funding, advocating for professional devel...