The Forum is grateful to the many professionals from across the field of education abroad whose active involvement in a wide range of projects and activities help us deliver content to serve the profession.

Committees: Groups contributing to recurring Forum efforts on a cyclical basis. Length of term of service varies by committee.
Working Groups: Project-based groups with finite start and end dates based around a particular project or deliverable.

Working Groups and projects start with ideas and recommendations from Forum members.

Join a Committee or Working Group

​Working Groups & Committees for 2023-2024

Click on each title below to unveil more details of working groups and committees.

Working Groups

Advancing the Profession of Education Abroad

Description:
This working group will take action on the recommendations from the June 2023 white paper on Changing Needs and Realities of the Current and Future International Educator.

Expected Deliverables: 

1. Revise and update the Professional Roles Education Abroad resource to reflect current roles, functions, and expectations of staff in education abroad since the last resource was updated in 2016.
2. Develop strategies to move forward recommendations from the white paper that will result in change in the field, which could include cohort programming, podcast/webinars, templates for position descriptions and recommended pay bands per position type, and other advocacy efforts.

Special skills or expertise needed:
This working group is open to professionals who work in education abroad at all levels and from many different institution and organizational types. Additionally, we seek volunteers who have experience in human resources, SIOs and other senior campus leaders, and individuals with podcasting experience.
​
Timeline: September 2023 - May 2024

Estimated Time Commitment: Monthly 1-hour calls with full working group; Ongoing calls with sub-committees on an as needed basis; Some members may present at AIEA, AAC&U, and Forum conferences.

Members:

• Kyle Rausch, University of Illinois at Chicago (Co-Chair)
• Adam Rubin, University at Buffalo (Co-Chair)
• Kelli Anderson, The University of Texas at Arlington
• David Anderson, Spanish Studies Abroad
• Carolyn Becker, CEA CAPA Education Abroad
• David Bradley , Dublin City University
• Jaclyn Callery, NYU
• Sara Dart, Education in Ireland
• Kira Espiritu, University of San Diego
• Cori Filson, Skidmore College
• Jessica Francis, Wake Forest University
• Jennifer Fritz, Bucknell University
• Todd Goen, Virginia Military Institute
• Liz Greenfeld, Georgetown Unviersity
• Kathleen Head, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Kelly Holland, AIFS Abroad
• Sarah Huesing, University of St. Thomas
• Susan Hyman, Engineering World Health
• Christie Jardine, Wofford College
• Aimee Jones, Colorado State University
• Randeep Kullar, CEA CAPA Education Abroad
• Cara Lane-Toomey, Where There Be Dragons
• Monya Lemery, Southwestern University
• Wendy Lombardo, Arcadia University
• Maggie Mahoney, University of Houston
• Martha McGivern, DePaul University
• Peter McGovern, EdOdyssey
• Alissa Mendes-Cashman, CEA CAPA
• Thomas Millington, Abroadia
• Whitney Morgan, Marymount University
• Stephanie Neylon, University of Galway
• Pascale Parker, Texas A&M University - Education Abroad
• Fiorella Rivera, Universidad del Norte
• Sally Roberts, University of Maryland, College Park
• Lauren Ruszczyk, University of Maryland
• Heather Schieman, University of Dayton
• Brian Sheffer, Notheastern University
• Deirdre Sheridan, University of Galway, Ireland
• Alicia Stanley, Grinnell College
• Maisee Thao, University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)
• Shanna Vincent, The University of Oklahoma
• Mandy Brookins, The Forum on Education Abroad, brookina@forumea.org
• Amelia Dietrich, The Forum on Education Abroad, dietrica@forumea.org

Supporting Adult Learners in Education Abroad

Description: This working group builds on efforts from the 2022-23 Expanding Access for Non-Traditional Learners working group to develop a toolkit to advocate for expanding education abroad access for non-traditional, adult learners.

Expected Deliverables:
- Create a toolkit, which includes:

• Template for making the case on expanding EA access to senior leadership, including benefits to non-traditional adult learners for expanding EA access  (adaptable to varied institutional contexts) 
• Resources for EA staff to support non-traditional and adult learners, including:
  • Resources for supporting students within existing programming 
  • Resources for EA staff on how to provide financial guidance and ensure that programs are aid eligible 
  • Resources for program design (i.e. examples of program models, examples of cost-effective models, credit vs non-credit offerings) 

- Identify opportunities for community engagement on this topic

Special skills or expertise needed: Experience with or interest in supporting non-traditional students in EA, willingness to contribute to the creation of written resources, time to dedicate to the group.

Timeline: September 2023 – May 2024

Estimated Time Commitment: 1-hour full working group meeting per month and 2-4 hours/month of asynchronous work (on average, depending on subgroup/time of year).

Members:

• Jennifer Teague, Southern New Hampshire University (Co-Chair)
• Angie Schaffer, Fund for Education Abroad (Co-Chair)
• Vincent Barraza, Xavier University of Louisiana
• Tracie Clifford, Chattanooga State Community College
• Joy Ellebbane, Bank Street College
• Albion James Fitzgerald, Temple University Rome
• Madhuri Gunti, CIEE
• Amy Heitzman, UPCEA
• Alexandria Johnson, Georgia State University
• Megan Jones, Columbia University Office of Undergraduate Global Engagement
• Amy Kuether, Ascendium Education Group / Independent
• Sue Macchiarella, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Joseph Meringolo, Salve Regina University
• Carolyn Meyer, Middlebury Institute of International Studies
• Andreanna Mond, Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security and Conflict Transformation
• Carrie Owen, Vanderbilt University
• Hannah Parten, CEA CAPA
• Jennifer Rogers, Loyola University Chicago
• Vivian Shannon-ramsey, Bowie State University - Bowie, MD
• Carolyn Stevenson, Purdue University Global​​

Advancing Equity in EA Faculty Compensation & Reward Structures

​​Description: Faculty engagement is critical to advancing The Forum’s strategic priorities to grow inclusive membership, reimagine education abroad and expand EA to include all academic disciplines. In light of these targets, this working  group builds on findings from the 2022-23 Faculty Engagement Working Group, which identified inequities in faculty compensation and rewards systems (e.g., contractual arrangements, annual reviews, promotion and tenure, etc.) as a fundamental barrier to sustaining and growing faculty engagement in education abroad. In 2023-24, this working group is tasked to gather evidence from EA organizations and higher education institutions, active in the practice and scholarship on education abroad.  

Expected Deliverables:

1. Benchmarking report - includes literature scan as well as interviews with cross-section of organizations and institutions to document range of practices represented across Forum network institutions and highlight case examples of promising practices.  The report should include a dissemination and outreach plan that includes 3-5 concrete recommendations/action steps to aid The Forum Council in sharing and mobilizing use of the findings.

The working group may also explore the development of additional resources including a Faculty Compensation and Policy Scanning Tool and Faculty Recognition Letter template.

Timeline: September 2023 - May 2024

Estimated Time Commitment:  3-5 hours per month for monthly meetings and asynchronous collaborative work to meet benchmarks

Special skills or expertise needed: 

1. Faculty, department chairs, and/or senior administrators with knowledge of and prior experience with faculty oversight and administrative processes, contracts, faculty governance, and/or tenure and promotion
2. Individuals with prior experience working on faculty equity initiatives
3. Individuals who are involved in teaching, curriculum development, and program design in education abroad
4. Individuals with some experience leading focus groups and analyzing qualitative data helpful

Members: 

• Keshia Abraham, Co-Chair
• Hannah Kilgore, Co-Chair
• Raquel Arouca, University of Missouri
• Tobias Blake, Montana State University
• Abi Cavazos, Siena College
• Dr. John Chappo, Pennsylvania College of Technology
• Elena Corbett, AMIDEAST Education Abroad
• Maureen Gordon, Temple University​
• Anthony Gristwood, CEA CAPA Education Abroad
• Nicole Herrin, University of Colorado Denver
• Sharde Johnson, Drexel University
• Amanda Mack, Kansas State University
• Kelly Phillips, Lone Star College - Houston North
• Margaret Rakus, Gwynedd Mercy University
• Trish Sangelo, Arapahoe Community College
• Katie Sensabaugh, James Madison University
• Samila Sosic, Miami Dade College
• Mary Price, The Forum on Education Abroad, pricemar@forumea.org​

Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Students in Education Abroad

Description: This group will provide guidance and resources on supporting transgender and non-binary students participating in education abroad programs, including guidance around the X gender marker on passports, access to gender-affirming care abroad, access to inclusive medical professionals, gender-inclusive housing, gendered language, and health, safety, and well-being. This group will also provide resources to prepare transgender and non-binary students for the complex experience of preserving one’s identity abroad without imposing one’s own cultural values on the host community.   
 
Expected Deliverables: 
1.       Create an Education Abroad Professional’s Guide to Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Students Abroad, addressing: 
a.       X gender marker on passports
b.   Health, Safety, and Well-Being 
c.       Access to gender-affirming care abroad 
d.       Access to medical professionals abroad 
e.       Gender-inclusive housing 
f.     Gendered language
 
Timeline: September 2023 – June 2024 
 
Estimated Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month, including 1-2 hours of meetings and asynchronous work. 
 
Special skills or expertise needed? 
No special expertise is needed. Those with experience supporting transgender and nonbinary students and those committed to addressing gaps in guidance on this topic, including individuals working for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion affiliated offices are encouraged to apply. Those with lived experience are encouraged to apply. 

Members: 

• Marissa Mitchell, Dickinson College (Co-Chair)
• Jeanette Owen, American Councils for International Education (Co-Chair)
• Kirsten Bartels, Grand Valley State University
• Courtney Bauman, School for International Training
• Patrick Bingham, Wake Forest University
• Terence Coetzee, FIE: Foundation for International Education
• Bridget Demorest, Syracuse University Abroad
• Marcy Dodson, IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad)
• Kelsey Eihausen, CEA CAPA
• Darren Gallant, Bates College
• Caitlynne Goodlett, Furman University
• Anna Hayes, Duke University
• Randeep Kullar, CEA CAPA Education Abroad
• Angela Luedke, University of North Carolina Wilmington
• Lauren Mallon, University of Westminster
• Lauren McNamara, Mary Immaculate College - Limerick
• Christian Merino Rubio, CEA CAPA
• Katherine Mary Meyer, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
• Krista Miller, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Hannah Parten, CEA CAPA
• Brooke Paynter, UC Davis
• Nina Peci, ISI Abroad
• Brian Poepsel, University of Arkansas
• Catarina Ramalho, Dublin City University
• Lauren Schmidt, A Tree That Grows
• Ash Trebisacci, Brandeis University
• Samuel Yocca, Georgetown University
  
• ​Elizabeth Frohlich, The Forum on Education Abroad, frohlice@forumea.org

Committees

AWARD SELECTION 

Description: This committee is responsible for vetting submissions, selecting winners, and preparing the winners for their participation in the annual conference for The Forum’s signature awards, including: Award for Excellence in Education Abroad Curriculum Design (for course designers/instructors), Award for Academic Achievement Abroad (given to students), Award for Advancing the SDGs through Education Abroad (for institutions) and the Peter A. Wollitzer Award (which honors a colleague who has been remarkably effective in influencing institutions of higher learning to understand and support education abroad through the promotion of The Forum’s mission and vision). The committee will divide into subcommittees specializing in individual awards for portions of this work.

Expected Deliverables: 

1. Encourage/recruit nominations of awards.
2. Review and select winners for each award.
3. Assist with the promotion and celebration of finalists and winners.
4. (For some members of the committee) Prepare students/faculty for sessions delivered during The Forum’s Annual Conference.
5. (For some members of the committee) Present the award winners during online and/or in-person awards ceremony during The Forum’s Annual Conference.

Length of Term: 1 awards cycle

​Time Commitment: Approximately 4-5 hours per month from September through November during the nomination review period immediately following deadlines; December through March will depend on each committee member’s assignment, and can range from 1-4 hours per month plus any time spent at the Annual Conference.

Members: 

• Karen Miller , Johnson County Community College (Chair)
• Lindsay Allen, UPCES Study Abroad in Prague
• Marne Ausec, Kenyon College
• Gayathri Banavara, Community College of Philadelphia
• Briana Casey, UNC Charlotte
• Lisa Chieffo, Global Academic Ventures Pty. Ltd.
• Mary Catherine Colley , Auburn University
• Ramil Collier, CEA CAPA Education Abroad
• Rebekah Dale, Emerson College
• Billie Jo Ember, Bryn Mawr College
• Steven Mockler, Verto Education
• Kamryn Moore, Saint Louis University
• Camila Nardozzi, Office of International Education
• Erica Nikolaisen, New Mexico State University
• Destiny Oppe, IES Abroad
• Bianca Schonberg, University Of Houston - Clear Lake
• Amelia Dietrich, The Forum on Education Abroad, dietrica@forumea.org  
• Elizabeth Frohlich, The Forum on Education Abroad, frohlice@forumea.org
• Mary Price, The Forum on Education Abroad, pricemar@forumea.org​

HEALTH, SAFETY, SECURITY & RISK MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE PLANNING 

​Description: The annual Institute on Best Practices for Health, Safety, Security & Risk Management is education abroad’s signature annual event focusing on the education abroad risk management issues faced daily by organizations and institutions. The Standards Institute Planning Committee is formed in September for the event the following June, and will include one Council member. The committee helps generate prospective plenary speakers, generate session proposals, review session proposals, and generate prospective sponsors.

Expected Deliverables: Develop Call for Proposals, assist with recruitment of proposals, review of proposals, attend the Institute.

Length of Term: 9 months, beginning in September

Time Commitment: approximately 3 hours per month + attendance at the Institute.

Members:

• Julie Pollard, University of California Education Abroad Program (Co-Chair)
• Emelee Volden, DU (Co-Chair)
• Morgan Inabinet, University of South Carolina
• Monija Amani, Muhlenberg College
• Alyssa Berg, Northeastern University
• Murphy Scott, Expanish
• Jordan Viars-Whisinnand, Duke University
• Christopher Fuglestad, Medical University of South Carolina
• Greta Decker, Vassar College
• Eryn Kudzinski, CEA CAPA Education Abroad
• Kim Priebe, UNC Chapel Hill
• Susan Carty, Indiana University
• Chris Cook, University of Denver
• Ashley Courney, Columbia University
• Kelly Trail, Allegiant Global Partners
• Matthew Rader, IES Abroad
• Maria Rivera, Alamo Colleges
• Laura Semenow, The University of Tulsa
• Patrick Morgan, University of Michigan
• Seth Tucker, Syracuse University
• Maureen Gordon, Temple University
• Daniel Solomon, University of Denver
• Mauricio Jimenez, Penn State Global
  
• Marissa Lombardi, The Forum on Education Abroad, lombardm@forumea.org

RESEARCH ADVISORY ​

Description: Serve as advisors to the Senior Director for Research and Publications in developing upcoming Forum research projects and data reports.

Expected Deliverables: Provide feedback on Forum data collection projects and collaborations as needed.

Length of Term: 2  years

Time Commitment: approximately 2 hours per month; 1 hour for monthly meeting, 1 hour for review of materials in preparation for the meeting

Members: 

• Lou Berends, CEA CAPA Education Abroad
• Monija Amani, Muhlenberg College
• Giselda Beaudin, Rollins College
• Christian Canizales, University of Tennessee Knoxville
• Maia Gahtan, Kent State University, Florence campus
• Martina Hamanaka Serizawa, London Metropolitan University
• Stacey Hansen, University at Albany, SUNY
• Theresa Heath, St. Olaf College
• Tanisha Jones, Baylor University
• Sarah Knight, Peace Corps / Universidad¬†Polit√©cnica¬†de¬†Santa¬†Rosa¬†J√°uregui
• Kayla McGuire, CEA CAPA Education Abroad
• Katherine Mary Meyer, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
• Jennifer Nativo, Institute for American Universities (IAU) and The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM)
• Zachary Nowak, The Umbra Institute (ISI Abroad)
• Guanglong Pang, Michigan State University - Broad College of Business
• Mayara Luiza Pereira, NYU Florence
• Michele Riley, Purdue University Global
• Coryn Shiflet, Georgia Tech
• Mary Alice Soriero, CEA CAPA Education Abroad
• Takeo Suzuki, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• Amelia Dietrich, The Forum on Education Abroad, dietrica@forumea.org  

European, Middle East and Africa Conference

Description: 
The Europe, Middle East, and Africa Conference Committee works closely with Forum staff in deciding on the conference theme, creating the Call for Proposals, and reviewing session proposals to create the content of the conference. Conference committee members contribute via e-mail and online meeting, primarily in September-October 2023, January-February 2024. Committee members are expected to attend the conference in Athens October 16-18, 2024.
 
Expected Deliverables: 
Selecting conference theme and creating Call for Proposals; reviewing session proposals; assistance with plenary speaker identification.
 
Length of Term: September 2023-October 2024
 
Time Commitment: Time commitment varies from month to month; committee members will be asked to devote 2-3 hours/month in September and October in preparation for the call for proposals; Several hours will be required for proposal review after the January 2024 deadline.

​Members: 

• ​Alexis Phylactopoulos, College Year in Athens, Greece, Chair
• Mary Boyington, IAU, France
• Imraan Buccus, SIT Durban, South Africa
• Mercia Coetzee, Central University of Technology, South Africa
• Caroline Cully Garbers, Georgia Institute of Technology, US
• Oussama El Addouli, IES, Morocco
• Ariadne Ferro, APUNE, Spain
• Jennifer Fritz, Bucknell University, US
• Thea Gilien, Boston College Ireland
• Katya Grim, NYU Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Brian Henry, University of Denver, US
• Alexandria Johnson, Georgia State University, US
• Leigh Lawrence, St Clare's, Oxford, England
• Robert Lubin, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
• Janine Ludwig, Dickinson College in Bremen, Germany
• Daniel Lutaaya, Charowa Consult & Advisory LTD, Uganda
• Vanessa Nichol-Peters, Marist College, Italy
• Phares Odhiambo, International Medical Aid, Kenya
• Quinton Redcliffe, CIEE, South Africa
• Fabrizio Ricciardelli, Kent State University Florence Center, Italy
• Stephen Robinson, Champlain College Dublin, Ireland
• Ghina Sadek, University of Indianapolis, US
• Theoni Scourta, College Year in Athens, Greece
• Sadira Smith, Pace University, US
• Mary Alice Soriero, CEA CAPA Education Abroad, Spain
• Stephanie Tilley, Prairie View A&M, US
• Rachid Touhtouh, AMIDEAST, Morocco
• Erin Tschupp, Accent Global Learning, England
• Trisha Winkle, Texas A&M University, US
• Elizabeth Frohlich, The Forum on Education Abroad, frohlice@forumea.org

Annual Conference

Description: The Annual Conference Committee works closely with Forum staff in deciding on the conference theme, creating the Call for Proposals, and reviewing session proposals to create the content of the conference. Conference committee members contribute via e-mail and teleconference, primarily in May, June, August, and September.

Expected Deliverables: Selecting conference theme and creating Call for Proposals; reviewing session proposals; assistance with plenary speaker identification.

Length of Term: 1 year; chairs serve a second year as Past Chair

​Time Commitment: Time commitment varies from month to month; committee members will be asked to devote 2-3 hours/month in May and June in preparation for the call for proposals; Several hours will be required for proposal review after the August deadline.

Members:

• Emily Gorlewski, Wesleyan University/Forum Council, ​Chair
• Francine  A'Ness, DartmouthUniversity
• Alejandra Barahona, Universidad VERITAS
• Andie Beer, University of Houston​
• Corey Blackmar, Emerson College
• Julia Carnine, Dickinson en France
• Sara Dart, Education in Ireland
• Eny  Di Iorio, LdM - Lorenzo de' Medici Institute ​
• Luis Kauachi, CAEI | Conference of the Americas on International Education
• Kate Manni, Penn State
• Tafadzwa  Muchopa, EDUAfrica
• Kelly Newlon, Washington State University
• Mary Parsons, IES Abroad
• Rebecca Pisano, CET Academic Programs
• Elaine Ramzinski, South Plains College
• Darja Saksida Bogataj, University of Ljubljana
• Girija Shinde, Volunteer State Community College
• Thomise Simpson, CIEE
• Carolyn Stevenson, Purdue University Global
• Ellen Stoddard, Northeastern University
• Jewell Winn, Tennessee State University
• David Yenerall, Perimeter College, Georgia State University
• Elizabeth Frohlich, The Forum on Education Abroad, frohlice@forumea.org

All Working Groups and Committee projects start with ideas and recommendations from Forum members.

Click here to submit an idea