The NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo brings together international education professionals from around the world to explore the future of global learning. Centered around the theme “Global by Design,” the conference focuses on thoughtful innovation, advocacy, collaboration, and creative strategies that expand access to meaningful global education experiences.
IES Abroad and the Study Abroad Foundation look forward to attending this year's Conference. We welcome you to stop by and meet the team at booth 601.
We are also a proud Gold Sponsor for Rainbow SIG’s 33rd annual NAFSA event. Join us and Rainbow SIG on Wednesday, May 27th at 8 p.m. ET at Anthem (100 N Orange Ave, Downtown Orlando).
📅 When: May 26–29, 2026
📍 Where: Orlando, FL USA
👋 Booth Number: 601
IES Abroad Presenting at NAFSA
Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 8:15 AM - 9:05 AM EDT | Measuring the Career Impact of Education Abroad
Education abroad fuels career success, yet its power as a career accelerator is largely under-recognized. In this session, international education leaders learn about findings from five major coordinated research efforts on impacts for alumni, employers and local economies that can be applied to strengthen the case for education abroad.
Learning Objectives:
- Articulate the value that employers place on skills developed through global experiences.
- Apply research to advance institutional goals for career readiness and advocate for strong global experiences.
Assess and address perceptions of education abroad’s ROI within their own institutions and improve their institutional narrative.
Speakers
- Michael Adewumi, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, IES Abroad
- Melissa Torres, MA,President & CEO,The Forum on Education Abroad
- Patrick Vogt, CEO, Academic Programs International
- Martha Johnson, PhD, Chief Academics Officer And Provost, CAPA CEA Education Abroad
Students contemplating withdrawal feel overwhelmed and stigmatized, with mental health, family crisis, or pressure to succeed compounding the decision. Presenters equip education abroad professionals with strategies to foster student success through a compassionate process, upholding dignity and resilience while balancing institutional requirements.
- Recognize common challenges students face onsite during education abroad that impact well-being and resilience and destabilize the student's commitment to study abroad, and develop strategies to foster student success and reduce withdrawals.
- Analyze institutional withdrawal procedures and identify strategies for supporting student dignity while navigating institutional, legal, and health/safety requirements.
- Develop or refine protocols that provide compassionate, structured, and culturally sensitive withdrawal support. Strengthen collaboration between onsite staff, home campuses, and families during a student’s withdrawal.
Speakers
- Stephanie Rock, Dean of Students, IES Abroad
- Florencia Magnasco, Student Affairs Manager-Buenos Aires, IES Abroad
- Meg Sonstroem, Assistant Director of Education Abroad, Emory University College of Arts and Sciences