In September 2025, ISEP President and CEO John Lucas, Ph.D., shared a message with our community introducing the newly refined Mission, Vision, and Values. Read his full letter below and explore more about our organizational values on the About ISEP page.
Dear ISEP Community,
I write to you today with both pride and renewed purpose, as we officially share ISEP Study Abroad’s newly refined Mission, Vision, and Values. Along with our recently launched 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, we have a solid framework that will guide our next chapter and strengthen our shared commitment to transformative global education.
In just a few months, I will celebrate ten years as President and CEO of ISEP. This milestone—my longest tenure in any professional role—has allowed me to witness extraordinary growth and transformation within our organization. We have doubled our staff, significantly increased the number of students we serve each year, and reached new, more diverse audiences around the globe. We could not have done this work without the support of our incredible ISEP community.
As you all know, we have also faced serious challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic brought international mobility to a halt. Shifts in political leadership have directly impacted our field. Higher education institutions everywhere are under pressure to compromise long-held values.
In the face of these realities, I remain resolute. Rather than retreat, I believe this is the time to reaffirm and strengthen the guiding principles that define who we are. Our field has changed. Our students have changed. And so, we have taken this opportunity to reflect deeply and intentionally renew the commitments we make to our students, partners, and the communities we serve.
As a non-profit, ISEP is privileged to remain mission-centered rather than market-driven. Our Board of Directors and Council of Advisors have played a vital role in shaping this renewed direction. Their insights and constructive guidance have ensured that our path forward is both bold and grounded.
Our newly refined mission is as follows: ISEP empowers higher education institutions to expand the perspectives and potential of students around the world through our wide range of accessible, authentic academic intercultural programs.
Our vision is clear: To cultivate mutual understanding and cultural sensitivity through transformative global experiences.
And our core values—access, authenticity, collaboration, diversity, and well-being—have been refined to reflect our mission and vision, and will remain at the heart of everything we do.
These are more than words. They are a call to action. Our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan builds on this foundation and charts a thoughtful, ambitious course for the next five years—one that will ensure we remain relevant, inclusive, and impactful amid an ever-shifting global landscape.
ISEP will continue to lead with integrity, stand firm in our mission, and serve students with dedication and care. Thank you for being part of the ISEP community. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the years ahead.
With gratitude,
John Lucas, Ph.D. President and CEO ISEP Study Abroad