Changing Lives Through Education Abroad

In the season 5 premiere of Changing Lives Through Education Abroad, join host Zac Macinnes for a vibrant discussion on why Spain is more popular than ever for U.S. study abroad students. Zac welcomes three seasoned experts from WorldStrides Higher Ed Spain—Pedro Pérez Polo (Sevilla), Genoveva García Gallardo (Bilbao), and Cristina Canales Contador (Barcelona)—to discuss the history of study abroa...

Leadership takes many forms; today’s dialogue with Kate Scott, Director of Programs Abroad in the Center for Global Engagement at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, highlights the power of introverts in international education. Come to hear Host Zac Macinnes sit down with Kate to unpack how to embody authenticity, create community, build trust and make space for teams to be their most effecti...

Join Host Zac Macinnes for an uplifting conversation with Sora Friedman, Ph. D., Professor and Chair, International and Global Education, of the SIT Graduate Institute, with a focus on empowering the next generation of leaders in our field. Sora shares tips to overcome common challenges, strategies for those in positions of influence be thinking and acting inclusively, with insights around gender....

Education Abroad is a dynamic field and it requires dynamic leadership to match. Join host Zac Macinnes and guest Hillary Koller, Director of the University of Pittsburgh Global Experiences Office, for a dialogue on authentic leadership through transition. Hear Hillary’s insights on the art of persistence without perfection, navigating uncomfortable situations with confidence and thoughtfully lead...

This week, host Zac Macinnes sits down with Alissa Briggs, Director of Study Abroad at Clark University, for a light-hearted conversation focused on the benefits of a culture of levity in the workplace. Alissa unpacks the power of humor to make connections, reduce stress, and create positivity. Tune in to learn about the generational and cultural nuances of humor – and for our most fun episode yet...

At WorldStrides, we have a dream of study abroad for all. This week, Ash Trebisacci, Assistant Director of Study Abroad at Brandeis University, joins host Zac Macinnes for an empowering conversation around supporting trans-identifying students and colleagues in international education. Hear Ash’s insights on their personal journey, finding community, and how to support the intersection of safety a...

While study abroad is a dynamic field, change may not necessarily be the first word we associate with higher education. Join host Zac Macinnes and Jack Hobson, Ph. D., Dean of International Programs and Senior International Officer at Loyola University Maryland, for a rich conversation examining the mindset of “we’ve always done it this way” and how that can evolve with purposeful leadership. Join...

This week, host Zac Macinnes is joined by Hillary Sabbagh, Director of International Programs at Stonehill College, for a dynamic dialogue focused on efficiency through the lens of one-person offices. Tune in to learn Hillary’s pro-tips to maximize resources, stay nimble in pursuit of our goals, and embrace what doing a little bit of everything teaches us about the field and ourselves.

Australia truly excels in terms of academics, student support, inclusivity and engagement. Join host Zac Macinnes as he sits down with Todd St. Vrain, North America Student Recruitment Manager (Canada and US) for the University of Melbourne and Matt Stubbert, International Regional Manager, Europe and USA at Bond University for an insightful conversation centered on why Australia is for all. Learn...

This week, we take a deep dive into the topic of empowering students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community on their path to study abroad. Join host Zac Macinnes for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with David Harger, Coordinator for Study Abroad Financial Operations and Advising at Christopher Newport University, exploring trends and sharing resources for students and practitioners....

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...

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,...

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 nee...

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 s...

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 navigati...

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 recommen...

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 manageme...

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 b...

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 t...

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...

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 communiti...

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 despit...

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 B...

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....

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...