Changing Lives Through Education Abroad

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 achieve our full potential.

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 and takeaways for offices of all sizes. 

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 students, and strategies all practitioners can utilize to advance inclusivity in our programs and practices.

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 development, advancing equity, justifying staffing, and more.

As international educators, we hold the belief that study abroad can be for all students. But for those with heavily structured majors, like STEM, fulfilling requirements abroad can present additional challenges. Join host Zac Macinnes for an empowering conversation with Susi Rachouh, Director of International Programs at Stevens Institute of Technology, around scaling STEM study abroad. Being strategic in recruitment, partnership, advising, and support can help to create pathways for all students’ study abroad journeys!

In this episode, we explore the dynamic landscape of faculty-led travel, focusing on the trends, innovations, and challenges of these transformative experiences. Join host Zac Macinnes for a timely conversation with Morgan Inabinet, Director of Education Abroad at the University of South Carolina, centered on faculty support and other best practices in the authorship and execution of exemplary short-term programs abroad.

The things that bring us together can also help support students in reaching their education abroad goals! Join host Zac Macinnes for what may be our most fun episode yet: a conversation on the power of pop culture with scholar-practitioner Dr. Kyle Rausch, Executive Director of the Study Abroad Office at the University of Illinois Chicago. This riveting dialogue centers on what’s trending, what’s iconic, and how pop culture can be used as an educational tool to promote cross-cultural understanding and global awareness for college students. You do not want to miss this episode!

Join host Zac Macinnes for an inspiring conversation with Elizabeth Strong, Director of the Office of Education Abroad at Missouri State University, as we delve into how emergent leaders can take full advantage of opportunities in our field. Discover the importance of site visits, the value of Fulbright International Education Administrators Seminars, and insights into professional development and mentorship in the field. Don't miss this episode featuring one of the STRONGest leaders in international education!

Join host Zac Macinnes and Carolina Robinson, Ph.D., Director of Education Abroad at the University of Alabama, for a vital discussion around how international educators can advance a dream we all share: making study abroad programs more reflective of U.S. higher education as a whole. Carolina shares tips, tricks, and best practices to ensure students see themselves represented by international education staff and leaders, such as utilizing intentional staffing practices, combating biases in the hiring process, and building diverse advising teams.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation between host Zac Macinnes and Maggie Mahoney, Ed.D., Director of Global Engagement at the University of Houston, that centers around the unique challenges faced by trailblazing first-generation students. Explore the importance of providing meaningful global opportunities to every student and the transformative power of diversity in education abroad, as modeled by the inspiring work done at UH.