Changing Lives Through Education Abroad

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 leadership skills—no title required.

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 engagement - especially during uncertain times in higher education. 

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 how educators can integrate joy into the study abroad journey, ensuring that students not only learn academically but also grow personally.

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 strategy, and reflects on what it means to lead with intention and authenticity as a woman in higher education.

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, and how intentional and personalized engagement helps students feel supported.

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 convening resources are essential, how AIEA advances good practices and shared values, and explore what leadership looks like today. Plus, we get a special sneak peek of next week's AIEA Annual Conference in Washington D.C.!

 

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 data into stories that resonate, align global engagement with broader campus priorities, and empower faculty and staff to become better advocates for studying abroad.

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 strengthen faculty preparation and create more impactful, sustainable programs abroad, this episode offers clear guidance and fresh inspiration. Tune in for a smart, energizing conversation on designing faculty-led programs with purpose.