5 Essential Tips for New Professionals in Education Abroad Risk Management

Unlike many professions, there is no single degree or prescribed path that fully prepares education abroad risk managers for the work ahead. Instead, much of what professionals learn comes through experience: navigating real situations, building relationships, and developing instincts over time. 

During the virtual Opening Plenary of The Forum on Education Abroad’s Institute on Health, Safety, Security, and Risk Management 2026, experienced practitioners reflected on their journeys into the field and offered candid advice for those just getting started.

“The work that we do is incredibly rewarding, and it’s really a very rewarding and impactful field,” said Christine Sprovieri, Ed.D., President & Chair of Pulse International, and Senior Director of the Office of Global Travel Operations, Risk & Resilience, Brown University. At the same time, “much of what we learn really comes through hands-on experience. You don’t really go to college to major in what we do,” she added. ​

For newcomers, the key is to embrace that reality early: you are not expected to know everything. You are expected to grow into the role. Explore these five tips from veterans in this risk management abroad work. ​

Your Perspective Matters 

While it’s common for new professionals in any field to question their expertise or hesitate to contribute, Jason Hope, Chair of OSAC Academia, and Director of Global Risk & Strategic Operations, University of Kentucky , explained how being new to a risk management can be an asset. 

“A lot of people…have a sort of imposter syndrome. They feel like they can’t add to the conversation, and that is not true,” said Hope. “I love meeting new people who are looking at things with fresh eyes…having new perspectives…is hugely important for us.” 

Newcomers should feel empowered to ask questions, share ideas, and engage actively in discussions. 


Communicate with Clarity and Purpose 

One of the most critical skills in the role of risk manager in education abroad is the ability to communicate complex information clearly, especially to senior leadership. 

Amy Conger, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Global Engagement, North Carolina State University, stressed the importance of getting to the point when speaking to key stakeholders: “Don’t bury the lead. Lay out the most important information first.” From there, she recommended presenting next steps in a structured way: “Propose your next steps or your recommendations in rank order.” 

This approach not only helps leaders make decisions more efficiently but also strengthens your credibility as a trusted advisor. As Conger said, the goal is to “distill the key points of a complex situation into a version that campus leaders can easily understand”. 


Step Outside Your Comfort Zone 

At its core, education abroad is about encouraging students to step beyond the familiar…risk management professionals need to do the same. 

“Don’t hesitate to push yourself out of your comfort zone,” said Sprovieri. That includes asking a lot of questions and taking advantage of professional development opportunities like conferences, webinars, and institutes. 

Whether volunteering for committees or pursuing leadership roles, opportunities that feel challenging are often the ones that accelerate growth the most. As Christine noted, getting involved in ways that may feel uncomfortable can “really help accelerate your learning and your professional network.” 


Build Your Network Within and Beyond Your Office 

Because risk management in education abroad is fundamentally collaborative, strong relationships across campus are essential. 
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Dale LaFleur, Ph.D., now Senior Director, Academic Affairs and Internationalization, NAFSA: Association of International Educators reflected on the value of expanding her network early in her career when she worked at an institution: “I started to seek out people who I didn’t normally engage with…campus police, risk management services, health teams.” These connections brought new expertise into LaFleur’s work, particularly around emergency response and institutional protocols. 

Importantly, these relationships were mutually beneficial. “They learned a lot from me and from my team…we also learned a lot from them,” explained LaFluer. Over time, this collaboration evolved into “a very powerful task force…brought together for the common purpose of safety and security.” 

Margaret Wiedenhoeft, Executive Director, Center for International Programs, Kalamazoo College, and Institute committee co-chair, reinforced the importance of relationships, sharing that it’s not just who you know, but how your institution operates: “I cannot stress enough the importance of building relationships on campus and really understanding the way that your campus leadership makes decisions.” 


Set Boundaries and Care for Yourself 

Risk management work is deeply meaningful, but it can also be emotionally demanding. Hope said, “It’s very easy to get very emotionally tied to your work because we want to help.” But that same commitment can become overwhelming without boundaries. He encouraged newcomers in risk management abroad to think early about “what your personal boundaries need to be and where you need to draw the lines for yourself.” 

Sprovieri agreed, adding: “It can really be easy to get fully absorbed…especially when you’re supporting students in really complex or high-stakes situations.” 

That’s why self-awareness and support systems are essential. “Pay attention to your own well-being…recognize those early signs of burnout,” Sprovieri advised. “It’s okay to be not okay.” 

In the end, risk management in education abroad is not about having all the answers. It is about staying curious, building strong relationships, communicating clearly, and sustaining yourself in the work. As these risk management professionals remind us, growth in the field of education doesn’t happen all at once, but through experience, connection, and care. ​