Regional Seminar Indiana Provides Strategies to Advocate for Education Abroad While Supporting Student Success in an Evolving World

On Friday, September 12, education abroad professionals gathered in Muncie, Indiana, for a day-long Regional Seminar designed to equip early and mid-career practitioners with the tools and strategies needed to navigate disruption and foster student success abroad. 

Hosted by Ball State University and The Forum on Education Abroad, the seminar brought together more than 50 regional professionals from six states for interactive sessions, expert insights, and collaborative discussions focused on the evolving landscape of global education. Participants explored how shifting geopolitical priorities and global events are reshaping the education abroad experience—and how to respond with resilience and purpose. 

“This Regional Seminar was a timely and energizing opportunity to come together as a community and reflect on how we can support students and advocate for global education in a rapidly changing world,” said Mandy Brookins, Executive Director of the Rinker Center for Global Affairs at Ball State. “We’re proud to host the event and help foster conversations that center student success and global learning values.” 

The keynote address, Navigating Disruption, Advocating for Global Learning, and Supporting Student Success in an Evolving World, delivered by Hilary E. Kahn, Vice Provost, International Affairs; Associate Professor, Anthropology, at Indiana University, set the tone for the day. Her keynote offered a compelling framework for understanding external influences while reaffirming the core values of global learning. 

During her keynote, Kahn shared, “The field of international education is at a crossroads, and we are clearly moving towards more professionalism, and we need these standards excellence, but there are consequences to this and we need to do so while also being interdisciplinary, nimble, and always critical and academic alongside the practicalities of our work. That is how we create reflective learning. This is how we stick to shared values and break down boundaries.” 

​Throughout the seminar, attendees engaged in sessions like: 

• Equipping the Next Generation: Tools for Fostering Global Learning and Dialogue When Tensions are High 
• Staying Ahead of the Curve: Proactive Risk Management and Student Support in Education Abroad 
• Universal Design, Global Impact: Building More Inclusive Education Abroad Experiences 
• Strategic Advocacy for Education Abroad: Engaging Internal and External Stakeholders 

Participants left the event empowered to advocate for education abroad opportunities and to implement practices that enhance learning and engagement for all students, regardless of background or destination. 

Special thanks to our speakers, Regional Seminar planning committee, and sponsors AIFS Abroad and The Ohio State University’s Center for International Business Education and Research for making this impactful event possible. 

“Education abroad professionals are facing complex challenges, and our Regional Seminar in Muncie gave us space to share strategies, build connections, and reaffirm our commitment to inclusive, learning -centered practices,” shared The Forum’s Pato Lin-Steadman, who led the Regional Seminar planning committee. “We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to making this seminar a success.” 

Regional Seminars are a core part of The Forum’s mission to meet members where they are—particularly on-site staff who work directly with students navigating unfamiliar cultures, academic systems, and personal growth while studying abroad. Designed by and for education abroad professionals and faculty, these events offer space for learning, networking, and collaboration around topics relevant to specific regions.  

​Interested in hosting a Regional Seminar? Learn more and submit your proposal today.