Professional Certification in Education Abroad

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!

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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.

Virtual Accelerated Residency

The Virtual Accelerated Residency provides a structured, cohort-based pathway to the Professional Certification Program. This six-week online program brings participants together to engage with the Standards of Good Practice, learn alongside colleagues from across the field, and connect key concepts to their work. The experience culminates in an applied project, through which participants fulfill the final requirement for certification.

When: Annually in the Fall
Where: Virtual (Synchronous)
What's Included: Enrollment in the Virtual Accelerated Residency program and Professional Certification upon successful completion of all program requirements.
What's Not Included: Participants are responsible for internet access and any technology needed to join the live virtual sessions.

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Accelerated Residency

The Accelerated Residency is a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the Standards of Good Practice while learning alongside peers. This intensive three-day, in-person residency includes all Professional Certification Program content, activities, and assessments, allowing participants to complete nearly all certification requirements during the program. Participants then complete an applied project to fulfill the final certification requirement.

When: Annually in June
Where: In-person. Location varies.
What’s Included: Enrollment in the Accelerated Residency program and Professional Certification upon successful completion of all program requirements. Lunch is provided during each full day.
What’s Not Included: Attendees are responsible for travel, accommodation, and other meals.

Learn More

The Value of Certification

The Professional Certification in Education Abroad program is designed to help you grow professionally and provide value to:

the students you serve
your institution or organization
the education abroad field as a whole

You can confidently invest time, energy, and resources into your professional development knowing that the Professional Certification program:

1. Centers on Recognized Standards

Certification in education abroad validates your fundamental knowledge of the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad, your ability to articulate and to apply the Standards; your advanced capabilities in analysis and synthesis of the Standards; and your commitment to professional excellence and ethical conduct.

2. Supports Quality Education Abroad at Colleges, Universities and Program Provider Organizations

Senior administrators can be assured of the quality of The Forum Professional Certification in Education Abroad Program and know that their personnel have been certified by the Standards Development Organization for the field of education abroad. As a certified individual, you can contribute significantly to the goal of ensuring high quality education abroad programming at institutions and organizations.

3. Improves the Education Abroad Field

Through your application of the Standards of Good Practice, you can ensure quality education abroad programming, making The Forum Professional Certification in Education Abroad a vital contribution to improving the quality of the education abroad field as a whole.

4. Enhances Careers

The Forum Professional Certification in Education Abroad is a voluntary demonstration of expertise, and as such demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and ethical conduct.

5. Promotes Lifelong Learning

Once certified, you are encouraged to continue pursuing further professional development and active engagement with The Forum and the field of education abroad.

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.

Read more about The Forum's Professional Certification policies and procedures.

Scholarships

Scholarships for The Forum’s Professional Certification in Education Abroad are available to Forum Fellows. Applications for the 2027 fellowship scholarships are not yet open. Details, including eligibility requirements and application deadlines, will be announced soon.

Learn more about the Forum Fellowships:

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 in-person or virtual Accelerated Residency option.

Number of Awards: 1
Amount: Registration Fee for Certification

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 one fellow will be chosen in 2027.

Sponsored by MISTI, the 2027 Forum Fellowship will engage a maximum of one fellow 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.

Questions?

Browse Frequently Asked Questions
Email us at [email protected].

“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

The Forum on Education Abroad is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission as the Standards Development Organization for Education Abroad. The Forum on Education Abroad is hosted by its strategic partner, Dickinson College

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