Changing Lives Through Education Abroad

Join host Zac Macinnes and guest Larry Pickener, Director of Global Education at Boston College, for an insightful conversation on leadership as it looks in 2024. This thoughtful dialogue explores how we can successfully navigate structural changes, be strategic about interpersonal and goal-oriented growth, and inspire and uplift our teams. We’ll also touch on generational influences as Larry shar...

Reaching our students is an ever-moving target. This week Zac Macinnes sits down with Snow White, Senior Regional Director at WorldStrides, for a fun and enlightening conversation about effectively connecting with Gen Z. Join us to learn more about exploring trends, maximizing your resources, and telling stories effectively to best resonate with the students of today. You do not want to miss this...

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 stud...

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 a...

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 f...

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 en...

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...

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,...

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...

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 str...

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 sho...

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...

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...

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 e...

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...

As international educators, we share the dream of study abroad for all. But how do we get there? Join host Zac Macinnes for an invigorating discourse with the razor-sharp Malaika Marable Serrano, Ph. D., Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Guild Education. Malaika details her advice on recognizing and celebrating the assets historically marginalized students bring to...

Join host Zac Macinnes for an inspiring and thoughtful discussion with Cynthia Banks. The seasoned entrepreneur and passionate international education leader shares her thoughts on how practitioners can grow in their careers, lead from any level, and build a community of champions. The Global Leadership League co-founder unpacks the many resources available to members and relays her advice on how...

This week, Zac Macinnes hosts a thought-provoking conversation with the one and only Karin Fischer. Tune in as we get to know the long-time international reporter for the Chronicle of Higher Education. Karin shares what it’s like to be a journalist in our field, her thoughts on big-picture issues impacting our work today, and her predictions about where international education could be heading nex...

A leading authority in international education, the Forum on Education Abroad maintains, updates, and shares the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad. This week, we explore the history and nuances of the Standards—and how international educators can leverage them in daily work. Join host Zac Macinnes for a peek behind the curtain with Emily Gorlewski, Ed. D., Director of Study Abroad at...

There are over 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States, many of which have been actively engaged in study abroad for decades. This week, host Zac Macinnes is joined by Keshia Abraham, Ph. D., president of the Abraham Consulting Agency, to discuss the innovative contributions made by HBCUs to create global experiences for students and the impact that has on fut...

This week, Zac Macinnes sits down with the "Queen of New Jersey," Kate Lamanna, to discuss the power of local education networks in the U.S. The Assistant Director of International Education at Ramapo College and a pillar of the New Jersey Partnership for Study Abroad (NJPSA), Kate shares valuable insights into how these communities support educators, drive collaboration, and offer unique opportun...

In this episode, we zoom in on Northeastern University's  N.U.in  program, an innovative initiative that invites first-semester students to begin their higher education journey in a global setting. Join host Zac Macinnes for a deep dive into the world of first-year study abroad programs, including takeaways on best practices, program evolution, and learning outcomes. Zac is joined by guest Amy Ste...

What are the ramifications for education abroad given recent changes to affirmative action and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) legislation? Join host Zac Macinnes for a thought-provoking interview with Dr. Lily Lopez-McGee, Executive Director at Diversity Abroad, that sheds light on an intricate web of policies. Lily also shares wisdom for international education leaders and unpacks what th...

Join host Zac Macinnes as he welcomes Christina 'Chris' Thompson, Founder and Managing Director of the COMPEAR Global Education Network and Consultant at Be Equitable, as they discuss how to combat disparities in education abroad through the framework of 'respectful disruption.' Dive into a conversation that promises a mix of profound insights and actionable takeaways, all geared towards creating...

What makes education abroad in Latin America so special? Join host Zac Macinnes and Michelle McRaney, longtime ISA Resident Director in Lima, Peru, and an expert on ISA programs in Latin America, as they discuss trends, the evolving needs of today’s students, and take a trip down memory lane to Zac's time as an ISA student in Lima.