Mission Over Moment: Staying Grounded in International Education

By Ryan Radebaugh & Danielle Vogel
International education has always lived at the intersection of people, policy, and global change. With shifting geopolitical realities, evolving regulatory oversight, and increasingly hyper-localized perceptions of both higher education and international education, there are many valid reasons for professionals in the field to view their day-to-day work less as a simple intersection and more as a complicated, disorienting haunted corn maze, complete with all the jump scares (clowns with chainsaws). We must hold space for these feelings as we navigate our current reality to the best of our ability, as emails, projects, and deadlines continue to accumulate. How do we, as professionals, fortify ourselves to continue supporting our students as they navigate into an increasingly complex world? How do we keep the human element in an increasingly transactional space? And how do we stay true to the reason we chose to work in such a dynamic and impactful field?

One may take some assurance from Mark Twain’s observation, paired with the wise words of Pico Iyer: “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” International education has always operated in the shadow of larger geopolitical and cultural shifts, and today’s uncertainty is not without precedent. Global conflict and instability World War II, the Vietnam War, and the long tensions of the Cold War reshaped how nations interacted and how institutions understood international engagement. At home, eras marked by McCarthyism and the Civil Rights Movement both tested and fundamentally changed the values of inclusion, freedom, and belonging in American public life for both US citizens and and international students. In each of these moments, higher education and international exchange faced scrutiny, disruption, and shifting public perception. Yet the work endured, because the mission endured. Because of that work, meaningful progress followed. As Pico Iyer reminded us in his opening remarks at the National NAFSA 2025 conference, the arc of humanity has continued to move forward thanks in large part to the practitioners, helpers, teachers, advocates, and facilitators of international education who came before us. Now, it is our turn to carry the torch.

International education is ultimately not defined by policies, headlines, or short-term political cycles; it is defined by the people it serves and the bridges it builds. In times like these, it becomes even more important to return to a simple guiding purpose: supporting students as they navigate unfamiliar systems, new cultures, and complex global realities. Re-centering on that core mission can serve as a compass when the external environment feels unsteady, reminding us that international education is bigger than any one moment and far more lasting than the turbulence surrounding it.

Our mission of supporting students in their global experiences outlasts this moment of uncertainty. The world remains interconnected, and international education prepares students to navigate that world with empathy, curiosity, and competence. Simply having international students on campus and in labs helps prepare U.S. students to become part of a global community. According to EducationUSA, “The knowledge and skills students develop on campus prepare them to become the next generation of world leaders who can work across languages, cultures, and borders to solve shared global challenges.”

To find stability in unstable times, it is important to remember our internal mission. For many of us, working with students and making a difference is what drives us. When you feel overwhelmed, try creating a short, memorable statement that can act like a personal compass something as simple as: “I help students navigate a new world so they can succeed and contribute globally.” It may be brief, but it brings our purpose back into focus. It is also important to acknowledge that this work can be emotionally heavy, and burnout is a real risk in uncertain seasons. Don’t forget to return to your self-care strategies and routines that help sustain you long-term (see the IEI article from 04/17/2025 for additional self-care strategies).

Just as importantly, remember that students are feeling unsteady alongside us. When advising students, prioritize human connection in addition to solving immediate challenges. Ask how their semester is going. Ask what they are looking forward to. Ask what has been difficult. Small moments of authentic connection beyond immigration paperwork or study abroad logistics can help students feel at ease, build trust, and feel a sense of belonging. These small interactions strengthen community and keep our mission centered where it belongs: with students. While not tailored specifically to international students, the advising strategies linked here may also help professionals build rapport and strengthen advising relationships.

While we can make a difference at our institutions and individual students, we cannot control external forces such as government actions, legal policy shifts, demographic trends, and broader public opinion. While it can be stressful to think about the many factors outside our control, it’s equally important to focus on what you can influence. You can control the causes you support, the votes you cast in your community, and the networks you build. Community is essential during times of uncertainty. A professional community can be as large as NAFSA or IEI, or as personal as a trusted mentor or colleague in another office on campus. Community provides shared values, collective wisdom, and a sense of solidarity, and it reminds us that we are not navigating these challenges alone. If you need support finding your professional community, reach out to your IEI Knowledge Community representative for resources and connection. Here is the IEI team list to help identify your representative.

International education is defined by the people who believe in the power of global connection, and by the students and scholars who continue to seek knowledge across borders. When we lean back into our purpose, fortify ourselves with community, and make meaningful impact without burning out, the mission of international education continues forward.
Resources
https://educationusa.state.gov/us-higher-education-professionals/why-internationalize
https://www.ie-il.org/articles--webinars
https://nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Clearinghouse/advisingapproaches.aspx