On the season finale of Changing Lives through Education Abroad, host Zac Macinnes is joined by Kate Hellman and Sebastian Fernandes, two leaders from the Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE). Together, they explore CANIE’s grassroots origins, the global momentum behind the CANIE Accords, and how the international education sector can take bold, practical steps toward climate justice. From institutional transformation to individual advocacy, this conversation offers inspiration, strategy, and a clear call to action for educators ready to lead the charge. Whether you’re just starting your sustainability journey or looking to deepen your impact, this episode is your guide to meaningful engagement with climate action in our field.

What happens when a site visit becomes the catalyst for strategic innovation? In this episode, Ehren Kuzekov, Director of Study Abroad at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), shares how GVSU is reimagining access through strategic cohort programs in Spain, Costa Rica, and South Korea. Ehren reflects on the 2024 Group Site Visit experience lead by WorldStrides and the collaborative campus work that followed. From student support programs to GVSU’s study abroad mascot “Wander,” this episode explores how intentional design and on-the-ground insight can drive powerful transformation.

Join host Zac Macinnes as he sits down with Samantha Brandauer, Associate Provost and Executive Director of the Center for Global Study and Engagement at Dickinson College. They will dig into how study abroad and fair trade go hand in hand—supporting ethical practices, empowering local communities, and shaping thoughtful global citizens. This episode gives real examples of how students and universities can make travel more intentional and impactful.

In this episode of Changing Lives through Education Abroad, host Zac Macinnes sits down with Meg Ramey, Ph.D., founder and Executive Director of WorldKind and winner of the inaugural Forum on Education Abroad InnovateEA award. This discussion explores how instructional design and gamified eLearning are transforming pre-departure orientations. With a background in academia, international education, and instructional design, Meg shares insights on making pre-departure training more engaging and effective in reaching today’s students. From overcoming the limitations of traditional orientations to the power of scenario-based learning, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for education abroad professionals.

In this episode of Changing Lives through Education Abroad, host Zac Macinnes explores the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural students in accessing international experiences. Joined by Kate Wray Chettri, Director of Education Abroad at the University of Idaho, the conversation delves into practical strategies for overcoming financial and cultural barriers, helping students embrace the power of strong community ties, and how institutions can better support this often-overlooked group. With inspiring stories of rural students who transformed their futures through study abroad, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about making global education accessible to all.

In this episode of Changing Lives through Education Abroad, host Zac Macinnes sits down with Melissa Torres, President & CEO of the Forum on Education Abroad, to discuss her path to leadership, the Forum's evolving role in our field, and the future of education abroad. With insights into the upcoming annual conference in Toronto and new initiatives like the Beyond Polarization Residency, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about international education. Tune in for an inspiring and forward-looking discussion!

Today we take a deep dive into what we mean when we talk about location and purposeful learning in education abroad. Join Host Zac Macinnes and Paul Geis, Director of Education Abroad and Away at the University of Dayton, for a thoughtful exploration of the concept of study through a lens of city as culture shock. Tune in to hear tips for practitioners to support students in centering their intercultural experience around engaged learning and to meaningfully encounter the space of their host destination.

In this episode, Host Zac Macinnes sits down with Mandy Reinig, Director of Education Abroad at Coastal Carolina University, for an insightful conversation unpacking what practitioners need to know about advising students in 2025. Takeaways include techniques and technologies to cultivate a culture of empowered advising, effectively reach Gen Z, and leverage AI in our daily work. Join us for Mandy’s tips to stay ahead of the curve while encouraging student agency.