Reflections from Accelerated Residency 2026

From June 22–24, The Forum on Education Abroad’s Accelerated Residency 2026 brought together 32 education abroad professionals at Boston College for an immersive learning experience grounded in the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad.  

Participants completed all six workshops of the Professional Certification Program, engaging with topics such as program design; health, safety and well-being; and student learning and development. Through activities such as interactive discussions and case study analyses, they gained new perspectives and practical strategies for applying the Standards while connecting with peers from across the field.  ​

"The Residency is more than a series of workshops...it's an immersive learning experience," said Patricia (Pato) Lin-Steadman, Ed.D., Residency event lead and Forum Director of Programs and Training. “By engaging deeply with the Standards over several days, participants have the time and space to connect concepts to their own practice, exchange ideas with colleagues, and return to their institutions ready to make a meaningful impact." 

Participants Describe Their Residency Experience 
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Reflecting on their experiences, several Residency participants shared what stood out most to them, their key takeaways, and how they plan to apply these insights—and the Standards--in their work.
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Skylar Tucker 
Study Abroad Coordinator 
Auburn University

Ana Koonjean 
Program Officer, Faculty-Led
​and Global Experiences 
Toronto Metropolitan University ​

Maria Papapietro 
Assistant Director of Semester
​and Exchange Programs 
Elon University

What inspired you to participate in the Accelerated Residency, and what were you hoping to gain from the experience? 

Skylar Tucker (ST): “As an early career professional, I was inspired to participate in the Accelerated Residency to challenge myself in a way that seemed much more hands-on than other professional development opportunities. I set out to gain a more robust knowledge of education abroad and to feel inspired by others in the field, and this experience did that and more!” 

What was a moment during the Residency that really stood out to you? 

Ana Koonjean (AK): “What truly stood out to me during the Residency was the collective impact of the group table activities. Every discussion shared a common, powerful thread: authentic dialogue. Across different tables, my peers openly shared their personal experiences, practical tips, professional struggles, and hard-earned successes. Coming from Toronto to a program where the majority of participants were from the United States, I wasn't sure how much common ground we would share. However, these discussions made me realize that we all navigate the exact same challenges, regardless of geography or workplace.” 

What makes the Accelerated Residency a valuable experience for professionals in education abroad today? 

Maria Papapietro (MP): “The field of education abroad is constantly evolving, as are the needs of our students. The Accelerated Residency provides a valuable opportunity to engage with colleagues who bring unique perspectives and experiences to our work. Learning alongside other professionals and exchanging ideas helps us grow individually while strengthening the field as a whole. I found the experience inspiring!” 
 
How do you see yourself applying what you learned, particularly the Standards of Good Practice, in your work moving forward? 

ST: “As a study abroad coordinator, I will carry the lessons learned at the Accelerated Residency into my relationships with both students and faculty/staff. I envision referring to the Standards of Good Practice and its guiding principles on a very regular basis to ensure I am holding my decisions and actions to a high standard.” 
 
What was it like learning alongside colleagues from different institutions and backgrounds, and how did those perspectives shape your experience? 

AK: “Learning alongside colleagues from such diverse institutions was incredibly eye-opening. Operating within your own local system can easily lead to tunnel vision, so being surrounded by peers from entirely different backgrounds completely shattered that bubble. These diverse perspectives deeply shaped my experience by creating an environment rich in mentorship. I was learning alongside professionals who had decades of experience in systems I knew very little about, yet their words of wisdom were instantly applicable to my own work.” 
 
What advice would you give to someone considering the Accelerated Residency to get the most out of the experience? 

MP: “Be present and open to learning and sharing! The three days go by quickly, and the more you engage and share, the more enriching the experience will be. Your colleagues will be excited to learn from you!” 

Thank you to all participants and facilitators, to Boston College for hosting, to the Forum team, and to IES Abroad, Education in Ireland, EF Study Abroad, CEA CAPA Education Abroad, and IAU for sponsoring registration for five attendees.  
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Learn more about The Forum’s Accelerated Residency program. ​