Changing Lives Through Education Abroad

Welcome back! This week, Host Zac Macinnes is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Erbeznik, Senior Associate Vice President of Curriculum & Academics, for an insightful conversation centered on how academic excellence in education abroad can support future-ready learners. This episode will emphasize the critical nature of location-based learning, strong co-curricular experiences and benefits of portfolio refinement. Tune in to hear Elizabeth’s pro-tips to support student success, with actionable takeaways for study abroad practitioners to meet the goals of their office. 

NAFSA is our guiding light, the driver of our professional development, our venue to be of service and lead, a point of connection, reflection, and advocacy – and so much more. This week, host Zac Macinnes has the honor of joining Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA, Dr. Fanta Aw, for a compelling conversation that touches on the essential nature of international education, intentional leadership, and the impact of NAFSA as an organization.  Get to know Dr. Aw as she shares her take on the evolving DEI landscape, the state of higher ed, and the interconnected nature of our world and work – all through the lens of resiliency and with an eye to the horizon.

They say it’s about the journey and not the destination. Join host Zac Macinnes as he sits down with Jennifer Fritz, Associate Director of the Office of Global and Off-Campus Study, at Bucknell University for an inspiring dialogue around how to find your unique voice and use it to engage meaningfully with our field. Hear Jennifer’s thoughts on how to stay dynamic and feel fulfilled without the need to change roles, tips on how to get involved as a leader from any level in your current career, and advice on the critical nature of mentorship. We can care for ourselves and grow where we’re planted – tune in to learn more.

Ready or not, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more present in our daily lives and work. This week, host Zac Macinnes is joined by Joseph Meringolo, Assistant Director of Study Abroad at Salve Regina University, for a timely and hyper-relevant conversation on understanding and leveraging AI. Learn how strategically using tools like ChatGPT can maximize our time and professional expertise so we are efficient while preserving a human touch.

International education is nothing if not dynamic, and we as professionals can do our best work with the farthest reach when we are innovative in our approach. This week, host Zac Macinnes is joined by Autumn Beechler Stebing, Director of Education Abroad at Case Western Reserve University, for a conversation examining ways to make an impact at a level that scales. This episode touches on navigating STEM-related challenges, intentional collaboration and progressive leadership – don’t miss it!

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 to ensure there is representation across an organization and building pathways for student success.

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 trajectory through mentorship and getting involved in the field – this episode has tips for folks at any stage of their professional journey.

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, from overcoming stereotypes and biases to maximizing the contributions of a team through relationship building and effective communication. With respect and an open mind there is room for innovation and excellence – you do not want to miss this episode!

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 conversation on how you can pursue an opportunity to secure funds to creatively advance international initiatives on your own campus. Even a small grant can bring big change to our work!

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, obligations outside of the classroom, and their motivations to lead a travel course. Listeners will leave this episode with advice on how to effectively engage with faculty as partners in advancing education abroad on any campus.