Changing Lives Through Education Abroad

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.

As we celebrate International Education Week, we’re reflecting on what it means to be true stewards of internationalization. In this episode, we’re joined by Kara Pike Inman, Director of Education Abroad at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, to explore their innovative programs empowering campus partners to engage with global education firsthand. From staff travel grants to the Study Abroad for Faculty and Staff program, Kara shares how intentional travel experiences can build lasting buy-in, inspire cross-campus collaboration, and create on-campus champions of international education. Tune in to learn practical strategies for creating a campus culture that truly embraces global engagement.

In this uplifting and much-needed conversation, host Zac Macinnes sits down with Aimee Jones, Director of Education Abroad at Colorado State University, to explore what it truly means to sustain health, balance, and joy in the mission-driven world of international education. Together, Zac and Aimee unpack how leaders can model well-being for their teams, why small acts of recognition matter, and how we can all create cultures of psychological safety, creativity, and belonging - especially in an era of remote and hybrid work. Whether you’re a campus-based practitioner, a leader navigating change, or someone who simply wants to feel more grounded in your purpose, this conversation offers an honest and hopeful look at how to “hold joy” while doing the work that changes lives.

In this inspiring episode of Changing Lives through Education Abroad, Zac Macinnes sits down with Andrew Gordon, Founder and CEO of DA Global Access Network — the organization formerly known as Diversity Abroad. For nearly twenty years, Andrew has challenged the field of international education to think critically about who gets to go abroad, how access and inclusion are defined, and what real accountability looks like in practice. Together, Zac and Andrew trace the journey from Diversity Abroad’s early days to DA Global’s rebrand, unpacking how the organization continues to evolve alongside shifting campus needs and global realities. Andrew shares insights on the 4A Framework—Awareness, Assessment, Action, and Accountability—and how institutions can embed equity into everyday operations. He also gives a preview of the 2025 Global Impact Conference in Minneapolis, reflects on the milestones that shaped the organization, and offers a hopeful look toward a future where equity isn’t just a value, but a strategy for global engagement.

Host Zac Macinnes welcomes Ryan Larsen, Ph.D., Senior International Officer and Executive Director of the Office of Global Engagement at Western Washington University, to unpack the history and impact of U.S. State Department Travel Advisories in international education. From their origins and the Lockerbie bombing to today’s Level 1–4 system, Ryan shares insights from his doctoral research and nearly two decades in international education. Together, they explore how advisories influence policy, risk management, and student access to global opportunities - offering context, caution, and best practices for creating safe yet transformative experiences abroad.

In the latest episode of Changing Lives through Education Abroad, we are joined by Dr. Lindsey Aloia, the Associate Dean for International Education at the University of Arkansas. Together, we explore how study abroad shapes workforce development, strategies for supporting underrepresented students, and how to build stronger bridges between international education and career services.