Changing Lives Through Education Abroad

Season 8 of Changing Lives Through Education Abroad begins in South Korea, one of the fastest-growing study abroad destinations in the world. Host Zac Macinnes, is joined by Euisoo Chang, WorldStrides’ Resident Director in South Korea, to explore the cultural, academic, and institutional forces driving more students than ever to choose Korea and the broader Asia-Pacific region for their international experience. Drawing on ye...

In this episode of Changing Lives through Education Abroad, host Zac Macinnes sits down with Todd Lee Goen, former senior international officer and founder of Global Puzzles LLC, to unpack how leadership pathways in international education are evolving. From the difference between leadership and management to navigating talent gaps and taking ownership of your own growth, Todd shares practical strategies for building your leadershi...

In this episode of Changing lives through Education Abroad, host Zac Macinnes talks with Jennifer Evanuik, Senior Director of International Initiatives and Deputy Senior International Officer at Georgia State University, to explore what strategic palling looks like in international education. They discuss how to measure success beyond student mobility numbers, build strong campus collaborations, and communicate the value of global ...

In our latest episode, host Zac Macinnes is joined by Marnie Nelson, the Director of Global Experiences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for a discussion on how, in the realm of international education, the pursuit of joy might seem secondary to compliance and risk management. However, as Marnie reveals in her insightful conversation, fostering joy is essential for transformative study abroad experiences. Tune in as we explore...

In our latest podcast episode, host Zac Macinnes is joined by Dr. Chrissie Faupel, Director of International Affairs at the University of Minnesota Duluth for an honest, thoughtful conversation about navigating nonlinear career paths, preparing for leadership without a title, and building confidence through mentorship and community. Chrissie shares insights from her own journey from advising students to shaping institutional strate...

Join us for a conversation with our very own Beth Price, Senior Vice President of Student Engagement. We'll explore what it truly means to be student‑first in today’s rapidly evolving global environment. Beth shares how WorldStrides approaches student engagement throughout the entire student journey from the first touchpoint to Global Ambassador. We dive into shifting student behaviors, the importance of community building, a...

From political uncertainty and rapidly shifting national priorities to new global realities reshaping the field, it matters now more than ever that we have strong, ethical, and confident leaders at the forefront of international education. On this episode of the podcast, we chat with Clare Overmann, the CEO of the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), about why community and conv...

On our latest podcast episode, host Zac Macinnes sits down with Blair Thomson, the Senior International Officer and Director of Study Abroad at the University of Mississippi. Blair harnesses her nearly two decades of experience shaping global learning at Ole Miss in our conversation about how best to encourage institutions to better understand the importance of investing in international education. Together we explore how to turn d...

Host Zac Macinnes is joined by Meisha Swaby, Director of Faculty-Led Programming at Northeastern University, to explore how intentional design and structured faculty training can elevate faculty-led programs. Meisha breaks down Northeastern’s workshop model, the evolving needs of today’s students, and practical strategies for cohort building, student support, and cross-campus collaboration. If you're looking to str...

As we celebrate International Education Week, we’re reflecting on what it means to be true stewards of internationalization. In this episode, we’re joined by Kara Pike Inman, Director of Education Abroad at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, to explore their innovative programs empowering campus partners to engage with global education firsthand. From staff travel grants to the Study Abroad for Faculty and Sta...

In this uplifting and much-needed conversation, host Zac Macinnes sits down with Aimee Jones, Director of Education Abroad at Colorado State University, to explore what it truly means to sustain health, balance, and joy in the mission-driven world of international education. Together, Zac and Aimee unpack how leaders can model well-being for their teams, why small acts of recognition matter, and how we can all create cultures of ps...

In this inspiring episode of Changing Lives through Education Abroad, Zac Macinnes sits down with Andrew Gordon, Founder and CEO of DA Global Access Network — the organization formerly known as Diversity Abroad. For nearly twenty years, Andrew has challenged the field of international education to think critically about who gets to go abroad, how access and inclusion are defined, and what real accountability looks like in pra...

Host Zac Macinnes welcomes Ryan Larsen, Ph.D., Senior International Officer and Executive Director of the Office of Global Engagement at Western Washington University, to unpack the history and impact of U.S. State Department Travel Advisories in international education. From their origins and the Lockerbie bombing to today’s Level 1–4 system, Ryan shares insights from his doctoral research and nearly two decades in int...

In this episode of Changing Lives through Education Abroad, host Zac Macinnes welcomes back Karin Fischer, Senior Writer for The Chronicle of Higher Education, to unpack the shifting policy and regulatory landscape shaping international education in 2025 and beyond. With her journalist’s perspective, Karin sheds light on what's happening in Washington, D.C., state capitols and beyond - a...

Host Zac Macinnes sits down with Sarah E. Spencer, Founder of OnPoint Global Strategies & Coaching and Executive Director of the Global Leadership League. Experienced in leadership, coaching, and organizational strategy, Sarah shares her insights on helping professionals navigate career transitions, build trust across teams, and level up in international education. The conversation explores the unique challenges emerging and es...

WorldStrides Higher Education has officially unveiled a fresh new brand and website for students and partners. In this episode, Zac Macinnes take a peek behind the curtain with Amber Garrett, Vice President of Marketing, to explore what it really takes to reimagine a brand in the international education space. From strategy to launch day and beyond, get the inside scoop on the journey that brought the new WorldStrides Higher Ed to ...

On the season finale of Changing Lives through Education Abroad, host Zac Macinnes is joined by Kate Hellman and Sebastian Fernandes, two leaders from the Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE). Together, they explore CANIE’s grassroots origins, the global momentum behind the CANIE Accords, and how the international education sector can take bold, practical steps toward climate justice. From instituti...

What happens when a site visit becomes the catalyst for strategic innovation? In this episode, Ehren Kuzekov, Director of Study Abroad at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), shares how GVSU is reimagining access through strategic cohort programs in Spain, Costa Rica, and South Korea. Ehren reflects on the 2024 Group Site Visit experience lead by WorldStrides and the collaborative campus work that followed. From student support pr...