The Forum on Education Abroad Launches First Chapter in Ireland

New initiative aims to strengthen local engagement, expand membership, and deepen connections across The Forum's global community. 

The Forum on Education Abroad is launching a pilot chapter model designed to strengthen member engagement, support local professional development, and expand opportunities for collaboration among education abroad professionals around the world. 

The new Forum Chapter framework reflects The Forum's ongoing commitment to serving members where they are by creating meaningful opportunities for connection, learning, and leadership at the local and regional levels. Through in-country initiatives such as seminars, training programs, networking events, and other professional development opportunities, chapters will help extend the impact of The Forum's mission while remaining aligned with its strategic priorities and values. ​

​Ireland Selected as First Pilot Chapter 

As part of the pilot, The Forum is launching Forum Chapter: Ireland. The selection reflects the country's strong history of engagement with The Forum, its active community of education abroad professionals, and its significant concentration of members. 

The proposal was presented during a recent Forum gathering in Dublin, where members of Ireland's education abroad community came together to discuss opportunities for greater collaboration and local engagement. The concept was met with enthusiasm, highlighting the potential for a chapter that can serve as a model for future regional and international expansion. 

"Ireland's education abroad community has long been an active and valued part of The Forum's global network. Forum Chapter: Ireland creates an opportunity for members to connect more regularly, impact programming around local priorities, and strengthen professional relationships while remaining part of a broader international community committed to excellence in education abroad," said Enda Carroll, Head of European Engagement for The Forum on Education Abroad. 

Call for Forum Chapter Leadership Nominations Opens 

Beginning today, The Forum is inviting self-nominations for three inaugural Forum Chapter: Ireland officer positions: Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary. All candidates must be current Forum members. 

Selected by a committee of Forum team, leadership, and Council members, these volunteer leaders will play a critical role in launching and guiding the chapter during its formative years. 

The Chair 

The Chair will lead the establishment and growth of the Ireland chapter, championing member recruitment and fostering engagement across the local education abroad community.  The Chair will represent the chapter at various events and work closely with Forum staff to ensure alignment with The Forum's mission and brand.  The Chair will also help identify new opportunities and potential for community partnerships. 

Vice-Chair 

The Vice-Chair will support the Chair in chapter operations and event delivery, while serving as a deputy when needed. Working closely with the Chair and the broader community, the Vice-Chair will help identify emerging topics, address member needs, and develop impactful programming. 

Secretary 

The Secretary will manage chapter records, maintain the calendar of events, document meetings and correspondence, and support financial oversight in collaboration with Forum staff.  

The call for officers will end on Tuesday, September 1. Apply now. 

Building a Sustainable Model for Growth 

The structure, including officer rotations and election processes, will be evaluated as the chapter model evolves and as feedback is gathered from participants.  The Forum also intends for chapter leadership to reflect the diversity of the education abroad community by including representation from both higher education institutions and education abroad organizations/providers, while ensuring geographic diversity across the country or region. 

As The Forum explores new ways to connect and support education abroad professionals around the world, the Forum Chapter: Ireland represents an exciting first step toward building stronger local networks within a global community. ​