February 18-21, 2024
Marriott Marquis 
Washington, DC USA

conference registration

conference hotel ​

The Association of International Education Administrators 2024 Annual Conference is the only conference specifically for those leading international education at higher education institutions. 
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• Over 100 sessions and roundtable discussions where international education leaders engage in peer-learning on relevant and key issues for the field 
• Pre-conference workshops that delve deeper into issues such as international strategic partnerships, virtual exchange, and more!
• Inspiring keynotes on trends influencing the future of the field 
• Opportunities to network with colleagues who lead strategy for comprehensive internationalization

2024
CALL FOR PROPOSALS

​​Conference
​Branding and Engagement

LEADING INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AT A CROSSROADS

​"Leading Internationalization at a Crossroads" encapsulates the dynamic and pivotal role played by visionary university leaders in navigating the complex post- pandemic landscape. This theme highlights the pressing challenges and opportunities faced by higher education institutions in fostering collaboration, understanding, and progress in an interconnected world.
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At the heart of this theme is the recognition that internationalization is no longer a mere option but a crucial imperative for higher education institutions. As the world rapidly evolves, leaders find themselves at a crucial crossroads, where they must make strategic decisions to shape the future in addressing global challenges and increased polarization.  Effective leaders understand that comprehensive internationalization extends beyond superficial interactions, requiring intentionality toward justice, equity, diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect. Leading internationalization at the crossroads demands foresight and adaptability. Leaders must anticipate emerging trends, evaluate risks, and seize opportunities for collaboration and innovative partnerships, creating platforms for dialogue and cooperation. By harnessing the power of technology, leaders foster connections and bridge gaps across  boundaries, transforming challenges into catalysts for growth and progress. Within this theme, international education leaders play a critical role in empowering individuals to embrace global perspectives, intercultural competence, and the ability to effectively navigate within increasingly fraught societies, empowering individuals to thrive in diverse environments and contribute meaningfully to a rapidly changing world.

"Leading Internationalization at a Crossroads" challenges international education leaders to think boldly, act decisively, and drive positive change in the face of globalization's complexities. It underscores the significance of visionary leadership, emphasizing the need for inclusive and collaborative approaches that embrace the oneness of our shared humanity and foster a harmonious and prosperous future for all. 

Conference Subthemes:

EXPLORING INTERNATIONALIZATION IN THE POST-PANDEMIC WORLD

​With the COVID-19 pandemic having a significant impact on global society, this sub-theme explores how internationalization has changed and will continue changing, and  how international education leaders can continue to navigate and succeed in the post-pandemic world including as entrepreneurs, visionaries, innovators, change agents, and advocates. Additionally, university leaders can examine the policies and regulations governing internationalization, including visa and immigration laws, and work to ensure compliance while still maintaining a commitment to global engagement. What has changed in global engagement, including emerging themes, and what are the best ways to address these changes? What innovations and strategies do international education leaders need to implement in this new era so that our institutions are transformed? Who do international education leaders need to be partnering with now, including our students, in navigating post-pandemic issues in our field? What are examples of successfully navigating policies, regulations, and geopolitics within the current realities of international education? 

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN INTERNATIONALIZATION

​Technology, particularly AI,  has become increasingly important in post pandemic society, and this sub-theme examines how universities can leverage technology to improve their internationalization efforts as well as explore how AI is and will  impact the field of international education.  What technologies are useful in internationalization efforts? What needs to change in internationalization strategies to make better use of technology? What ethical considerations should be taken into account when using these technologies such as generative AI?  How can these technologies help facilitate intercultural communication and understanding in international education and what might some of the challenges be? 

LEVERAGING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION THROUGH A MULTICULTURAL CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT

As higher education institutions become increasingly multicultural, it becomes imperative for leaders to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment.   How can university leaders focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment that values and celebrates diversity, and that fosters cross-cultural understanding and collaboration while addressing systemic oppression and inequity? What are some concrete examples of ways in which leaders are addressing systemic inequities? Whose voices are missing in international education? How can international education be more intentional and  inclusive in developing beloved community?  How can international education leaders take the lead on actively addressing racism and discrimination, within the campus community and beyond? 

Navigating Risk Management

With political and economic instability increasing in some parts of the world, this sub-theme examines how higher education can navigate these risks to successfully internationalize our institutions. What are ways that leaders can work with risk-adverse institutions? What structures and policies are most effective in navigating risk? What are some emerging issues that leaders need to be addressing in regard to risk management?  How can leaders pro-actively address risk and crisis management in international education? 

Prioritizing Sustainable Internationalization

With sustainability becoming a key concern for many organizations and higher education institutions, this sub-theme explores how universities can effectively internationalize while also prioritizing sustainability using the UN’s SDG’s as a blueprint. What can international education leaders do to refocus partnerships, programs and global learning opportunities to address climate sustainability? How can leaders work with students in co-creating sustainable internationalization?  What are some metrics to measure sustainable internationalization efforts including with students, faculty and partners as well as institutional and community impact?  

Enhancing Intercultural Competence

Effective and appropriate communication and behavior are crucial in international education and beyond, and this sub-theme focuses on how leaders can improve intercultural communication with and between colleagues and students to creatively and successfully internationalize the curriculum, co-curriculum and experiential learning programs. What are some examples of how and where intercultural competence is being intentionally addressed and integrated into internationalization efforts? What structural capacities are needed to support intercultural competence development? Given that students are often further along in their intercultural journeys, how can leaders partner with students to support faculty and staff intercultural development?  What is evidence that intercultural competence is being developed in students, staff, and faculty?