Sessions will be held on April 3rd at College of DuPage!
Learn more about the sessions offered below!
All About the Mentorship Program Come learn more about the IEI Mentorship Program! The program is a great way to build your network, develop your professional skills, navigate the field of International Education , so much more. Whether you are looking to be a mentee or a mentor, you will hear more about the program, hear from current and past participants, and learn how you can get involved.
Beyond the Selfie: Cultivating Global Citizens in Study Abroad In an era of curated Instagram feeds and TikTok travel hacks, how can we help students move beyond passive tourism and engage more meaningfully with the communities they visit? This session will explore strategies for cultivating a global citizen mindset—one grounded in cultural humility, sustainability, and global citizenship.
Using examples from advising, student programming, and center-led initiatives, the session will highlight how educators can shift narratives before and during students’ time abroad. Topics include pre-departure reflection tools, on-site programming that fosters global mindedness, and engagement that challenges students to process their experiences critically and act with purpose.
BREATHE: Self-Care Strategies for International Educators As International Educators, we are navigating unprecedented and challenging times - both for our students and for ourselves. We are tasked with supporting our F-1 and J-1 students, but how are we supporting ourselves and each other? This interactive session explores the importance and challenge of self-care for professionals, as well as provides tips and tools that we can employ in our professional and personal lives. BREATHE Balance Reflection Empathy Appreciation Thoughtfulness Health Empowerment
Bunkering Down: Adapting Communication in an Evolving World Is your bunker prepped and ready for your escape from an apocalypse? This session will equip international educators with strategies to navigate real-time communication challenges during major changes. We will define various communication channels, identify the most effective ones to use, and explore how to establish a reliable single source of truth. Featuring specific tips and real-world scenarios, this presentation will share valuable ideas for both internal and external communication, ensuring that your messages remain clear and consistent amidst rapidly changing circumstances.
Cultural Humility and Pre-Departure Preparation Culture and culture shock are common topics in the pre-departure process for students. The past couple years, Northwestern has also started to incorporate the concept of cultural humility into our pre-departure content, shifting the focus from individual feelings and coping strategies to interpersonal relationships, reflection, and openness. This session will outline our office's motivations, the content of our cultural humility session, and some activities and resources we have found useful.
Diploma Doppelgangers: Legit-Looking Non-Credentials Countries and institutions around the world often issue well-designed seemingly official diplomas and certificates that look like final diplomas or awards – yet only officially or legally represent completion, participation, or proficiency. These “non-credentials” risk misleading learners, employers, regulators and even evaluators. This session will explore some specific cases and credential examples from various countries around the world. Using real credential samples, this session will map the visual/verbal clues that trigger “official degree” assumptions. Attendees will practice distinguishing completion credentials from terminal awards and develop a better understanding of some of the nuances and challenges of evaluating international credentials.
Hot Topics in Education Abroad This will be an open discussion about current hot topics in education abroad. Participants will bring their own questions and experiences in this area as we learn from each other.
Immigration Turmoil – How to Manage the Crisis Immigration uncertainty is impacting colleges and universities and their students/scholars and their employers. This session will review the past and future uncertainty and discuss how institutions can best prepare for the chaos.
International Student Interest Trends: From Global to Local What are students around the world interested in studying, and where? Drawing from sources including Studyportals student interest trends data, 2025-26 Global Enrollment Benchmark Survey, IIE OpenDoors, and SEVIS, we will take a look at the latest shifting country, modality, and program interest trends. Starting from a global perspective, then diving down into Illinois-specific data, we will compare and contrast the trends with a local case study.
Navigating the Generational Shift This interactive session challenges common assumptions about generational conflict in the workplace and reframes it as an opportunity for connection, collaboration, and growth. Using storytelling rooted in storytelling, participants will be placed at the center of the narrative as they explore how to improve cross-generational communication, set clear expectations, and foster a culture of understanding. Attendees will walk away with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and a renewed appreciation for the strengths every generation brings to the table.
Ops-timization: Utilizing Operations Data to Optimize Your Office Understanding your office operations is critical to ensure you can optimally serve your student and/or scholar populations. Learn more about the methods and best practices in operations data collection and ways data can be used to enhance your work and drive decision-making.
Stories of Support During Global Programs During this session, we will discuss the various facets of supporting students/participants, faculty, and partners during programs, including both on-site and remote coordination. Topics will include communication strategies, collaboration with stakeholders, emergency support and the practical coordination skills needed throughout program implementation. Using Mentimeter or a similar interactive tool, we will facilitate discussion on questions such as: What constitutes effective on-site support? How do we handle crises? What is it like to provide on-ground and remote support? Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and consider how intentional support from global offices during programs, whether on-site or remote, impacts global education outcomes.
Strategic Partnerships to Strengthen International STEM and Graduate Recruitment The presenter will share strategies for building cross-unit partnerships that enhance international recruitment—especially for STEM and graduate programs. The presenter will provide examples from institutional practice, highlight leadership considerations, and offer tools that help international educators collaborate effectively across admissions, academic departments, and external partners.
Supporting Students with Autism in Global Education: Best Practices for Advising and Student Services As higher education becomes more global, institutions must ensure that students with diverse abilities, including those on the autism spectrum, are fully supported in international learning environments. This workshop is designed for education abroad advisors, international student services staff, and campus partners seeking to strengthen inclusive practices. Participants will examine the unique strengths and challenges autistic students may encounter in study abroad and international contexts, explore practical advising strategies for academic and cultural transitions, and consider how to make application, pre-departure, on-site, and reentry processes more accessible. The session will also highlight effective collaboration with disability services, counseling, and faculty to build coordinated support systems. Through case studies and interactive scenarios, attendees will leave with tools to reduce barriers, foster equitable access, and empower students with autism to thrive globally.
The Ins and Outs of International Education New to the field, or contemplating a change in international education work? This session is for you! Hear from representatives from different knowledge communities to understand the various roles available to you. Learn about everything from education abroad to international student and scholar service
Transfer Credit Criteria Discussion of best practices for transferring academic credits from foreign universities. Best practices and criteria for determining grade scales and credit hours
Voices from the Field: Latina International Educators Sharing Insights on International Student Recruitment and Student Services Join two Latina international educators for an engaging session that delves into both the recruitment and support sides of international education. One presenter leads the charge in international student recruitment, while the other focuses on the success of students once they arrive. Drawing on their personal journeys and experiences, they will discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by both international educators and students on today’s campuses. Together, they will offer practical, actionable strategies for cultivating supportive international offices that empower both staff and students to thrive. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, this session will inspire you to share new ideas, discover fresh approaches, and reignite your passion for supporting international students. Through guided group discussions, participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, reflect on shared challenges, and collaboratively explore new solutions.
LOCATION
College of DuPage 425 Fawell Blvd. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137