Be recognized as a leader and expert in applying the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad with a Professional Certification in Education Abroad. The Certification program is intended for education abroad professionals at all levels and is a great way to expand your network of colleagues.  

​After completing the program, you will be able to use the Standards at your institution to: 

• Advocate for resources and institutional changes 
• Improve student learning outcomes. 
• Enhance education abroad programming.  
• And more! 

Register for the Professional Certification Virtual Course

Register for the Summer Term starting May 19, 2025

Options for Completing Your Certification

The registration costs cover participation in one of two options. Select the program option that best aligns with your professional goals, timeline, and availability.  ​

​Accelerated Residency 

​Meet in-person for a three-day intensive residency where you’ll attend all six of the program workshops with a cohort of colleagues in the field. By the end of the residency, you will have the foundation and resources needed to complete the assignments when you return home. 
 
When: Annually in June  
Where: In-person. Location varies. 
What’s Included: The Professional Certification enrollment fee includes the cost of attendance at the Accelerated Residency. Lunch is provided during each full day. 
What’s Not Included: Attendees are responsible for travel, accommodation, and other meals. 

The Forum's Professional Certification Virtual Course In Partnership with SIT

Offered in partnership with the SIT Graduate Institute, the asynchronous course is open to both current SIT Graduate Institute students and non-matriculated working professionals. Participants can start the course in fall, spring, or summer term. 
 
When: Three terms (Fall, Spring and Summer); Begin the course during any term.
Where: Virtual - asynchronous 
What’s Included: The Professional Certification enrollment fee includes the cost of the asynchronous course. 
What’s Not Included: Participants who elect to receive SIT Graduate Credit will be invoiced $200 per credit (1 credit per term). Invoices will be issued by SIT.

Register For the Summer Term starting May 19, 2025

Watch a Webinar About the SIT Forum Course 23-24

Watch a Webinar About the SIT Forum Course 22-23

Curriculum Overview 

This mostly self-paced and flexible program includes six modules and culminates with a project based on the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad. Each module consists of a workshop led by a Forum Trained Facilitator and Standards Assignments. 

• Module 1: Framing the Standards of Good Practice 
• Module 2: Program Design 
• Module 3: Program Management: From Implementation to Evaluation 
• Module 4: Health, Safety and Well-Being 
• Module 5: Student Learning & Development I: Advising & Orientations 
• Module 6: Student Learning & Development II: Reflection, Integration & Assessment 
• Final Culminating Project

​Assignments

Using a combination of provided case studies and your own experience, you will complete assignments that evaluate your ability to articulate and apply the Standards. Assignments are submitted online and evaluated by Forum Certification Assessors.  

Sample: Module 1 Assignments

“The Certification program provided space and intentionality to think deeply about advocacy points in my profession and in the field. The in-person, cohort structure supported relationship building with other professionals, which I have continued to find meaningful. I would highly recommend this Certification program to those engaged in the education abroad field, at any level.” 
​
- Stephanie Lovseth, Principia College 

What's Included

The Professional Certification in Education Abroad is an investment in your professional growth and leadership. Certified Professionals play a significant role in contributing to advancement of the field of education abroad and institutional goals for high-quality education abroad programming.  

The enrollment fee includes: 

• Six Professional Certification workshops delivered in person or asynchronously. 
• Online learning management system with comprehensive resources, tips, and assignment uploads. 
• Timely and helpful feedback from Certified Professionals trained to assess and certify the participant’s knowledge and application of the Standards of Good Practice. 

On successful completion of the program, participants receive: 

• Seven digital badges for successful completion of each module and culminating project. 
• Recognition on The Forum’s website and at The Forum’s Annual and European Conferences 
• Access to use The Forum’s “Certified Professional” Mark on resumes, curricula vitae, email signatures, business cards, letterhead and websites. 

The Professional Certification in Education is a highly valued credential and often referenced in the description of leadership positions in the field.  

Enrollment Fees: 

• Member: $2,250 
• Non-member: $2,999 
• Participants who elect to receive SIT Graduate Credit will be invoiced $200 per credit by SIT. To pursue the certification for SIT Graduate Credit you can apply here.

Not sure if your institution is a member of The Forum? Many are! Check here.

Eligibility

The Forum Professional Certification Program is intended for professionals who are active in or are considering a career in the field of education abroad. 
​
Participants must agree to: 

• abide by The Forum’s Code of Ethics for Education Abroad. 
• exemplify high standards of honesty and integrity by maintaining the confidentiality of the contents of the Standards Assignments, including the questions and responses. 

Questions?

• Browse Frequently Asked Questions
• ​Email us at [email protected].  
• Call (717) 245-1031 to speak with a Forum staff member. 

Scholarships

Scholarships for The Forum’s Professional Certification in Education Abroad are available to Forum Fellows. Learn more about the Forum Fellowships and application deadlines. 

Sara's Wish Foundation Fellow​

​​Sara’s Wish Foundation has generously provided funding for the establishment of a Sara’s Wish Foundation Fellow. The recipient of the Sara’s Wish Fellowship will receive funding to enroll and participate in The Forum on Education Abroad Professional Certification program. Participants may choose from the Professional Certification Asynchronous Course hosted by the SIT Graduate Institute, or the Accelerated Residency program offered in-person each June.

• Number of Awards: 1
• Application Deadline: January 15
• Amount: $2500

Forum Fellowship

In collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI), the Forum Fellowship is ideal for graduate students looking for a practicum or internship experience. A maximum of two fellows will be chosen in 2025.

A pilot program sponsored by MISTI, the 2025 Forum Fellowship will engage a maximum of two fellows in The Forum’s Professional Certification Accelerated Residency program and then match them with experienced mentors at MISTI to work on a meta project over the course of six weeks.

Learn MOre about Forum Fellowships