For 20 years, The Forum’s Annual Conference has provided a space for dialogue exploring the pressing issues facing education abroad. The 20th Annual Conference will reflect on the history of education abroad, the current state of the field, and trends on the horizon.
IES Abroad looks forward to attending this year's Conference as a Diamond Sponsor. We also welcome you to stop by and meet the team at our booths (19 & 20).
A few of our colleagues are also presenting on important topics, and we invite you to attend their sessions.
IES Abroad Sessions at Forum
- Thursday, March 21, 8:45 AM - 10:00 AM | Case Studies in Managing Mental Health Abroad: Best Practices & Learnings
Student mental health concerns abroad are increasing. Situations can escalate quickly and be difficult to manage. Learn from a panel of professionals who’ve supported students abroad with a range of outcomes from successfully completing a program with professional support, to returning home voluntarily, to being medically evacuated. The panel will share case studies, lessons learned, best practices and resources to help colleagues mitigate risk and be better prepared to assist students.
Speakers: Laura Dupont-Jarrett | Assistant Director for Education Abroad Mental Health, Global Programs and Strategy Alliance; Eryn Kudzinski | VP of Health, Safety, Security and Risk Management; Vanessa Sterling | Director, Health and Safety; Matthew Rader | Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students - Thursday, March 21, 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM | Surveying and Surviving Legal Issues in Study Abroad
This session will highlight and discuss critical legal considerations and cases in implementing and administering study abroad programs, with a focus on mitigating risk for sending institutions on study abroad programs and running healthy and safe programs abroad. This session will also explore employment practices across jurisdictions, including legal requirements in hiring and employing local staff abroad, and practical tips in addressing common employment challenges.
Speakers: William Hoye | Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer; Lesley Melega | Associate Vice President & Deputy General Counsel; Gian Franco Borio | Attorney at Law - Friday, March 22, 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM | Journeying Together: Moving From Access to Success for Students Underrepresented in Study Abroad
From awareness and scholarship to advising and on-site support, representatives from advising, financial aid, and academics will navigate the challenges and opportunities through stages of an underrepresented student’s study abroad journey. Through knowledge-sharing with presenters and your colleagues, gain invaluable insights and actionable strategies to foster inclusivity and access within study abroad.
Speakers: Lauren Ostrowski, Assistant Vice President and Dean of International Programs; Susan Thomas, Associate Director of Financial Aid; Lauren Kreibich, Lead Strategist for Financial Aid; Ruby Shields, Senior Diversity Relations Manager
