ISEP Coordinator Workshop 2026

Wednesday, December 2 – Thursday, December 3, 2026

Stronger Together: Building an Inclusive Global ISEP Network

Join us for the virtual ISEP Coordinator Workshop to explore best practices, connect with fellow coordinators and ISEP staff, and discuss relevant topics in international education. The workshop is open and free to attend for staff and faculty (including student workers) from all ISEP Member and Affiliate institutions.

Colleagues from the ISEP global community will:

  • Celebrate the power of partnership and a common vision in advancing global education
  • Explore best practices through the lens of ISEP’s core values—Access, Diversity, Well-Being, Authenticity, and Collaboration
  • Hear authentic staff and student perspectives
  • Connect and collaborate with peers to strengthen our global community


Workshop Sessions

Thank you for attending this year’s workshop! Recordings of each session are available at the links below.

WORKSHOP SESSIONS

Date and Time (EST) Event
December 2, 10:00 - 10:50am EST Welcome and Workshop Opening: Non-US Perspectives on the US

Session Focus
ISEP CEO and President Dr. John Lucas will moderate a panel discussion featuring ISEP Members based outside of the United States as they share current perspectives on the United States. This session will offer attendees across ISEP’s global community an opportunity to hear international viewpoints and better understand how perceptions of the U.S. are evolving.

Participants will:
  • Hear perspectives from ISEP Members based outside of the United States.
  • Explore how changes in U.S. policy are being viewed by people, universities, and governments around the world.
  • Consider how international perceptions of the U.S. may shape conversations across ISEP’s global community.

    • Click here to join the session.
    December 2, 11:00 - 11:50am EST Unique Support Ideas for Incoming Students

    Session Focus
    Are you tired of doing the same orientation activities for your inbound students year after year? Are you interested in collaborating with campus partners to provide more holistic support for visiting students at your institution? Current Inbound ISEP Coordinators will share creative orientation and engagement activities, along with examples of partnerships that provide more holistic support for visiting students and make effective use of institutional resources.

    Participants will:
  • Discover fresh ideas for orientation, welcoming, and community-building activities.
  • Explore ways to collaborate with campus partners to address students’ practical and social needs.
  • Identify strategies for using institutional resources to strengthen support for visiting students.

    • Click here to join the session.
    December 2, 12:00 - 12:50pm EST Sharing Encouraging Study Experiences in the US

    Session Focus
    Following the moderated panel discussion on international perspectives of the United States, ISEP will facilitate a student panel featuring current ISEP students studying in the United States. Panelists will share firsthand reflections on the American international student experience and daily life in the United States in 2026, offering perspectives that go beyond what is often portrayed in international news.

    Participants will:
  • Hear firsthand experiences from current ISEP students studying in the United States.
  • Gain a more nuanced understanding of international student life in the U.S. in 2026.
  • Identify encouraging stories and perspectives that can help inform conversations with students.

    • Click here to join the session.
    December 2, 2:00 - 2:50pm EST ISEP’s Supportive Advising for Visa Education and Preparedness

    Session Focus
    How can we prepare students for the complexity and seriousness of the visa application process? ISEP staff will introduce an advising approach that supports students while encouraging them to take ownership of this critical stage.

    Participants will:
  • Explore practical visa-preparation resources.
  • Review common visa application errors and immigration-regulation mistakes.
  • Discuss strategies for building students’ ownership, agency, and independence.

    • Click here to join the session.
    December 2, 6:00 - 6:50pm EST Program Spotlight: USA

    Session Focus
    ISEP Coordinators and Member staff will provide a detailed look at the program offerings available through ISEP at their institution. This Program Spotlight session will highlight three ISEP U.S. Member Institutions and teach coordinators outside of the U.S. how to better promote these institutions to their students.

    Participants will:
  • Learn in-depth information about California State University, San Marcos in California
  • Learn in-depth information about Warren Wilson College in North Carolina
  • Learn in-depth information about McNeese State University in Louisiana

    • Click here to join the session.
    December 2, 7:00 - 7:50pm EST Early-Career International Educators’ Virtual Poster Fair - Session One

    Session Focus
    In this first-time offering, ISEP invites early-career international education professionals to showcase their research and professional interests in the field of international education. This forum is intended to serve as a professional development platform to share findings and refine presentation skills prior to engaging in larger venues, such as NAFSA. There will be two Poster Sessions, each featuring four early-career professionals.

    Participants will:
  • Learn about research and professional interests from early-career international education professionals.
  • Engage with presenters through short poster presentations and Q&A discussions.
  • Support emerging professionals as they refine presentation skills and prepare for larger professional venues.

    • Click here to join the session.
    December 3, 10:00 - 10:50am EST Early-Career International Educators’ Virtual Poster Fair - Session Two

    Session Focus
    In this first-time offering, ISEP invites early-career international education professionals to showcase their research and professional interests in the field of international education. This forum is intended to serve as a professional development platform to share findings and refine presentation skills prior to engaging in larger venues, such as NAFSA. There will be two Poster Sessions, each featuring four early-career professionals.

    Participants will:
  • Learn about research and professional interests from early-career international education professionals.
  • Engage with presenters through short poster presentations and Q&A discussions.
  • Support emerging professionals as they refine presentation skills and prepare for larger professional venues.

    • Click here to join the session.
    December 3, 11:00 - 11:50am EST Program Spotlight: Oceania, Latin America, and North Africa

    Session Focus
    ISEP Coordinators and Member staff will provide a detailed look at the program offerings available through ISEP at their institution. This Program Spotlight session will highlight three ISEP Member Institutions in Oceania, Latin America, and North Africa while teaching coordinators how to better promote these institutions to their students.

    Participants will:
  • Learn in-depth information about the University of Auckland in New Zealand
  • Learn in-depth information about Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso in Chile
  • Learn in-depth information about Al Akhawayn University in Morocco

    • Click here to join the session.

    December 3, 12:00 - 12:50pm EST    		 Making the Most of Your ISEP Member Benefits

    Session Focus
    Did you know that your annual ISEP Membership dues give your institution access to much more than just our student exchange network? ISEP staff will provide an overview of key membership benefits for students, staff, and faculty. Whether you are new to the ISEP global community or you have been with us for years, this session will illuminate the unique value that ISEP Membership brings to your institution.

    Participants will:
  • Identify membership benefits available to students, staff, and faculty.
  • Explore ways to tailor ISEP programs and resources to their institution’s priorities.
  • Learn more about the COIL Academy, SCOPE training, and other unique ISEP programming.

    • Click here to join the session.
    December 3, 1:00 - 1:50pm EST Articulating Outcomes - Alumni Panel and Outcomes Report

    Session Focus
    As job readiness and occupational skills become increasingly important at universities, ISEP staff will share findings from the recently published Outcomes Study and facilitate a panel discussion with ISEP Alumni about how their international experiences contributed to their personal and professional development.

    Participants will:
  • Review key insights from ISEP’s Outcomes Study.
  • Hear alumni perspectives on the personal and professional impact of their ISEP experiences.
  • Identify ways to communicate the value of international education in relation to student development, career readiness, and transferable skills.

    • Click here to join the session.

    December 3, 3:00 - 3:50pm EST     		English Proficiency Evaluations - Requirements, Options, and Regional Overview

    Session Focus
    ISEP staff will review current English proficiency requirements and discuss alternatives – including the ISEP Language Proficiency Report – for students who face financial or geographic barriers to specific tests.

    Participants will:
  • Review current ISEP English proficiency requirements and accepted testing options.
  • Identify suitable alternatives for students facing financial or geographic testing barriers.
  • Provide an overview of English proficiency requirements and evaluation options by region (United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Oceania).
  • Review how students know which evaluations are accepted by the programs they list on their application.

    • Click here to join the session.
    December 3, 4:00 - 4:50pm EST Council of Advisors Coffee Hour

    TBD

    2025 Keynote Speaker


    ## Ben Levy *Pracademic, Researcher, and Higher Education Leader*

    Ben Levy is a pracademic specialising in higher education, decolonisation, and Indigenous epistemologies. A Ph.D. candidate at the University of Waikato (ISEP Partner), his research examines how national universities in Moana Oceania navigate regionalism and globalisation while remaining grounded in Indigenous values and national priorities.

    With over twenty years of leadership experience in tertiary education across six continents, including roles at Ramapo College of New Jersey, the University of Otago, and the University of the South Pacific (ISEP Partner), he has advanced internationalisation strategies, developed postgraduate curricula, and shaped institutional frameworks that centre cultural and contextual responsiveness.

    Mr. Levy contributes to academic journals and regional initiatives through editorial and advisory roles. His recent work includes UNICEF-funded education sector-wide policy in Samoa and publications on regenerative internationalisation, research methodologies, and sustainable development in Indigenous contexts. He is committed to advancing ethical, context-responsive educational futures that balance local sovereignty with equitable global engagement.


    All presentation slides from last year’s 2024 Virtual Coordinator Workshop, Access for All: Empowering the Global ISEP Community, are available to view in this folder.
    (https://isepcentral.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/External-Sharing/EhTGV4L7uFhHmb1SzJHdobgBIUte561m8C3LaR3OlCjIIA?e=yyc9YB) with Zoom recordings available by date below.

    WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4

    Time Event
    9:30 AM EST Welcome and Workshop Opening

    John Lucas (he/him), President and CEO, ISEP Study Abroad

    John welcomes the entire ISEP community to join together as we prepare for an excellent workshop over the next two days.

    We invite the entire ISEP community to join us in kicking off the 2024 Coordinator Workshop together.

    View the recording on Zoom.
    10:00 AM EST “What Works?”- ISEP Advising in a Global Context

    Jolene Blackmon (she/her), University Relations Manager for North, Central & Southern Europe, Africa, & The Middle East, ISEP Study Abroad; Daniel Watson (he/him), University Relations Manager for U.S. West, Canada, Latin America, & Iberia, ISEP Study Abroad; Petra Rabitsch (she/her), Deputy Director and Programme Officer for outgoing ISEP students, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz; Stacey Neve (she/her), Study Abroad Program Manager, Montana State University; Silvana Paz Aravena Suazo (she/her), International Exchange Advisor, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

    Join us for a comparative discussion on advising practices across ISEP’s portfolio. Moderated by ISEP University Relations Managers, a panel of ISEP coordinators will share their advice and best practices on advising outgoing students. Afterwards, attendees will be broken out into groups to share and compare practices.

    This session is ideal for new ISEP coordinators and open to all.

    View the recording on Zoom.
    11:00 AM EST The Strengths, Differences, and Barriers of 1st Generation Students Study Abroad Experiences

    Graeson Dwyer (he/they), University Relations Manager for US Southeast, ISEP Study Abroad; Ruby Regina Benigno (she/her), Assistant Director, International Affairs, North Park University; Brooke Reed (she/her), Education Abroad Program Coordinator, Kennesaw State University

    The experiences that bring first-generation students to higher education are unique to them, from well before they consider college and through each step they take toward their finished degree. These circumstances and lived experiences also impact their potential study abroad experiences and shape how we, as advisors, support them through their decisions. This session will cover how to advise first-generation students, what support for them looks like at home and abroad, and the strengths and barriers that push or pull them away from our offices.

    Content will primarily focus on advising U.S. students who are the first in their family to attend higher education (first-generation).

    View the recording on Zoom.
    12:00 PM EST ISEP’s Newest Programs in Spain, Ghana, and Portugal

    Cynthia Engel (she/her), Director of Program Development, ISEP Study Abroad; Jesús Díaz Vidal (he/him), Director of the International Office, Centro Universitario EUSA

    We are thrilled to share our newest ISEP Direct programs: Summer in Ghana - Global Health, Study in Sevilla, and Study in Lisbon. Join us to learn more about these excellent offerings for your students.

    We invite the entire ISEP community to join us for this session.

    View the recording on Zoom.
    1:00 PM EST A Community of Riches for ALL students: MSIs in the United States

    Zach Tobin (he/him), Director of Member Relations for the United States, ISEP Study Abroad; Dr. Keshia Abraham (she/her), ISEP HBCU Consultant and Founder, Abraham Agency; Raquel Alvarez-Urrutia (she/her), Assistant Director of the Office of International Experiences, Texas A&M International University; Erik Macareno (he/him), Study Abroad Coordinator, Northeastern State University

    ISEP has a rich history working with diverse institutions in the U.S. Learn more about minority serving institutions (MSIs) that support a population with a high number of non-majority students. This session will help participants understand the history and purpose of MSIs, why MSIs are a welcoming environment for all students, and how non-U.S. ISEP members can leverage these locations to serve their own community of students in finding the perfect fit for their exchange.

    This session is ideal for coordinators working at non-U.S. institutions around the globe, both in outbound and inbound roles.

    View the recording on Zoom.
    2:00 PM EST Supporting Under-Served Identities Abroad Panel: What Students Need Today

    Rachel Brown (she/her), Student Services Supervisor, ISEP Study Abroad; Quiamony Gaskins (she/her), Student Services Officer, ISEP Study Abroad
    Joined by
    Amir Johnson (he/him) Morehouse College (US) to Abo Akademi University (Finland); Nedjine Doreus (she/her) – Loyola University New Orleans (US) to University of Johannesburg (South Africa); Diego Falcón Ríos (he/him) – University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras (US) to Universität Trier (Germany); Jayda Fowler (she/her) – University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (US) to Brussels School of Governance (Belgium)

    Come meet former ISEP students and hear about their challenges and reflections on their study abroad experiences. The purpose of the discussion is to hear from underrepresented students on how they succeeded on their programs while facing any adversities toward their identities along the way. Audience members can also suggest ways to reassess their advising practices to better serve today’s students.

    This session is open to all and will be especially helpful to U.S. Outbound coordinators and Inbound coordinators around the globe.

    View the recording on Zoom.
    3:00 PM EST DEI Through the Global Lens: A Cross-Cultural Conversation

    Chloe Green (she/her), Chair of ISEP’s Council of Advisors and Head of Study Abroad and Global Opportunities, University of Roehampton; Theresa Scott Kwakye (she/her), ISEP Resident Director, University of Ghana; Liliana Alcántara Head of Academic Exchange, Universidad La Salle

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are words that many of us are familiar with. Even then it can sometimes feel difficult to pinpoint what these concepts mean in practice, let alone in other countries, cultures, institutions, and languages. Join panelists from ISEP Member Institutions to learn and discuss how DEI is practiced globally in this session.

    The entire ISEP community is encouraged to attend.

    View the recording on Zoom.
    4:00 PM EST Why Choose Latin America?

    Daniel Watson (he/him), University Relations Manager for U.S. West, Canada, Latin America, & Iberia, ISEP Study Abroad; Gabriela Ardito (she/her), Manager of Student Mobility, Universidad Del Salvador; Liliana Alcántara (she/her), Head of Academic Exchange, Universidad La Salle; Augusto Venceslau (he/him), Exchange Advisor, Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado

    Join us for a discussion featuring a panel of ISEP Coordinators from São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City as they explore the vibrant multicultural tapestry of their cities and institutions. This session will work to shift the narrative from the challenges often associated with large metropolises to highlight the unique benefits that their diverse communities bring to their students on an international program. Attendees will gain fresh perspectives on how to advise students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, on the benefits of studying in Latin America.

    This session is ideal for coordinators looking for schools with great chance of placement on exchange as well as schools that can support students from various identities (e.g., LGBTQIA+, Black students from the U.S., students from various religious backgrounds, etc.)

    View the recording on Zoom.
    6:00 PM EST Move the Mind and the Body: Empower Faculty, Empower Students via COIL/Virtual Exchange

    Della Burke (she/her), Member of ISEP’s Council of Advisors and Coordinator of Campus Internationalization, ITESO, the Jesuit University of Guadalajara; Mei Zhong, PhD (she/her), Director of COIL Programs, Head of International Studies Minor, Associate Professor in the School of Journalism and Media Studies, San Diego State University; Steve Wills, PhD (he/him), Chair of History Department, Advisor for East Asia Studies Minor, Nebraska Wesleyan University; Motoko Kiuchi (she/her), Program Development Specialist, SDSU COIL Program Coordinator, San Diego State University

    Learn how Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)/virtual exchange empowers more faculty and more students to develop global perspectives and competencies. Three diverse ISEP member institutions share their experiences and answer your questions.

    This session welcomes ISEP Coordinators, university instructors and/or university leaders to participate.

    View the recording on Zoom.
    8:00 PM EST Unlocking Global Experiences: Short-Term Programs for Every Student

    Wendy Martinec (she/her), Director, Member Relations – Asia & Oceania, ISEP Study Abroad; Nicole Meanor (she/her), Assistant Director, Member Relations – Asia & Oceania, ISEP Study Abroad

    This session will highlight ISEP Study Abroad short-term opportunities available in June, July and January, showcasing existing programs and explaining the steps members need to take to have new programs considered for addition to the ISEP portfolio. It emphasizes ISEP’s commitment to accessible international education for all students.

    This session is targeted for coordinators from Asia and Oceania that support shorter term mobility programs (2-6 weeks) during academic holiday periods.

    View the recording on Zoom.

    THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5

    Time Event

    9:00 AM EST    		 Community Discussion - Cross-Cultural Communication and Expectation Management (Atlantic Option)

    Maria Mateu (she/her), Program Director Barcelona, ISEP Study Abroad

    We know that in order for students on our programs to be successful during their time abroad, it’s imperative that they adjust their cultural perspectives. As we see more students influenced by social media and other sources arrive on program with particular expectations of what their host community will be like, how do we manage their expectations and balance cross-cultural understanding between students’ home and host cultures? Join fellow ISEP Coordinators and ISEP staff to discuss in small groups as well as in a larger group debrief.

    The entire ISEP community is encouraged to attend. This session is offered twice during the workshop, with this particular timing intended to support our community members located in “Atlantic” time zones.

    View the recording on Zoom.
    10:00 AM EST Bridging the Gap: Supporting Students with Uncommon Needs

    Grace Glancy (she/her), Student Services Supervisor, ISEP Study Abroad; Laura Laamanen (she/her), International Coordinator, University of Jyväskylä

    This session intends to expand on the “ISEP In-Depth: Supporting Students with Uncommon Needs” session from August 2024. In this session, we intend to 1) expand on our ISEP Advising Best Practices for students with uncommon needs to focus on common limitations to organizing most frequently requested student program accommodations (mobility, learning, mental health, visual, hearing, etc.); 2) outline ISEP’s processes for collecting and disseminating accommodation information between the student, home university and host university; and, 3) have one of our international members share their experience accommodating students with uncommon needs and their advice for navigating institutional barriers.

    All ISEP coordinators are welcome. U.S. Coordinators may find this workshop particularly useful, with a focus on international members’ opportunities and limitations in this area.

    View the recording on Zoom.
    11:00 AM EST Access Granted: Empowering Disabled Pros in International Ed

    Katherine Haan (she/her), Director of Global Engagement Office and PDSO, Chicago State University; Melissa Gonnerman (she/her), OTR Imprlementation Engineer, Terra Dotta; Katie Wiggins-Gawlik (she/her), Assistant Director of Member Relations | U.S. Northeast & Midwest, ISEP Study Abroad

    Every person is only temporarily able-bodied. This session explores disability inclusion and advocacy in international education, emphasizing the empowerment of disabled professionals. Attendees will examine biases and improve accessibility in their offices, learning to advocate for themselves and colleagues. Participants will gain tools to balance needs, support others, and drive institutional change, fostering a more inclusive educational environment.

    All members of the ISEP community are welcome to attend.

    View the recording on Zoom.
    12:00 PM EST The Essence of Academic Training: Purpose, Process, and Benefits

    Jacqueline D'Amico Farah (she/her), Student Services Officer, ISEP Study Abroad

    Join us for an insightful presentation that will explore the fundamental definition and concepts of academic training for J-1 students inbound to the U.S., emphasizing its vital role in shaping student’s professional goals and skills. We will also discuss the application and approval process, J-1 visa regulations for Academic Training, the specific documentation needed, associated fees, and provide past examples.

    Ideal for inbound coordinators in the U.S. and outbound coordinators around the globe.

    View the recording on Zoom.
    1:00 PM EST Beyond Borders: Strategic Approaches to Marketing and Retaining Study Abroad Students

    Calie Dickey (she/her), Associate Director for Study Abroad, Butler University; Ashley Neyer (she/her), Director, Office of Study Abroad, Louisiana State University; Kirsten Sheppard (she/her), Director of Global Engagement, Maryville College

    This session will explore innovative strategies for increasing study abroad participation and retention through targeted marketing and programming development. Attendees will learn how to implement engaging events, such as application parties and major-specific advising guides, that simplify the enrollment process and build excitement. Proven techniques, including targeted events and resources, will be discussed to help create a sustainable pipeline of globally engaged students.

    All ISEP coordinators are welcome. Outbound coordinators may find this session particularly helpful.

    View the recording on Zoom.
    3:00 PM EST KEYNOTE: Disability Inclusion & Leadership: Striving for Excellence

    Mobility International USA (MIUSA)

    ISEP welcomes guest presenters from Mobility International USA (MIUSA) and the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) to share about their work in making international exchange accessible to all and how you can make sure access is a key component of your work in international education.

    We invite the entire ISEP community to join us to close out the 2024 Coordinator Workshop together.

    View the recording on Zoom.
    8:00 PM EST Community Discussion - Cross-Cultural Communication and Expectation Management (Pacific Option)

    Nicole Meanor (she/her), Assistant Director, Member Relations – Asia & Oceania, ISEP Study Abroad; Kyung Hwan “Brian” Min (he/him), South Korea Program Advisor, ISEP Study Abroad

    We know that in order for students on our programs to be successful during their time abroad, it’s imperative that they adjust their cultural perspectives. As we see more students influenced by social media and other sources arrive on program with particular expectations of what their host community will be like, how do we manage their expectations and balance cross-cultural understanding between students’ home and host cultures? Join fellow ISEP Coordinators and ISEP staff to discuss in small groups as well as in a larger group debrief.

    The entire ISEP community is encouraged to attend. This session is offered twice during the workshop, with this particular timing intended to support our community members located in “Pacific” time zones.

    View the recording on Zoom.



    We greatly appreciate the following institutions and organizations who generously sponsored last year’s 2024 ISEP Virtual Coordinator Workshop!

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