2026 Global Impact Conference | Abu Dhabi

Title: Sustainability in Action: Integrating SDGs into International Education

Presenters:

• Sean Reilly, AFS
• Saskia Kaya, AFS

Description:

Integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into international education programs enhances their global impact. This session explores how SDG-focused curricula prepare students and educators for responsible and informed global citizenship..

• Discuss how SDGs can be seamlessly integrated into curriculum and program design.
• Highlight the value of aligning international education goals with global sustainability objectives.
• Share examples of collaborative projects or community engagement initiatives tied to SDGs.
• Explore the benefits of preparing students with sustainability-focused learning outcomes.

Title: Identity & Inclusion at the Crossroads: Involving Students in the Development of Practical Support Strategies in the European Context

Presenters:

• Christine Kelly-Vereda, Director, Consortium for Advanced Studies Abroad (CASA) – Granada
• Leadra Reeves, CASA Granada Spring ’24 Alum & Travel Grant Awardee
• Dani Kaufman-Sedano, CASA Granada Spring ’23 Alum & Travel Grant Awardee

Description:

Join a seasoned study abroad director and two program alums as they share their stories, effective strategies, easy-to-implement practices, and the measurable outcomes that result from incorporating student voices in the development of inclusive support services onsite. In this deep-dive session, we invite you to engage in the exercise of validating the lived experiences of recent graduates whose identities span a range of both visible and invisible identities that we often encounter among our student cohorts, and of translating those experiences into concrete strategies. More specifically, based on both research findings and direct personal experiences, we will:

• Come to a comprehensive understanding of inclusion, drawing from the different approaches utilized in Europe and the U.S., and the lived experiences of our students at this crossroads, and use it as the foundation for building inclusive programs and practices.
• Explore the importance and the impact of inclusive approaches in academic and cultural adjustment support on students’ overall wellbeing and personal growth.
• Identify specific challenges that students of varying identities face while studying abroad in Europe, with a particular focus on students of low-income backgrounds, Black students, LGBTQ+ students, and students of different religious backgrounds.
• Discuss intentional support services/resources that study abroad programs can provide for diverse student populations in close collaboration with their host partners – institutions, host families, faculty, community organizations – and how to approach potential obstacles that may surface.
• Engage with the process of developing, implementing and evaluating the success of inclusive initiatives, and measuring the direct impact on your students and the future of your program!

Title: From Abroad to Beyond: Turning European Experiences into Career Success

Presenters:

• Nicola Sullivan, AIFS
• Maya Edwards, AIFS

Description:

Global education experiences in Europe equip students with unique skills for careers in public and private sectors. This session highlights how these experiences translate into employability and career preparedness.

• Explore how global education in Europe impacts students’ employability and career preparedness.
• Identify transferable skills developed through international education and their alignment with workforce demands.
• Discuss reverse culture shock and strategies to leverage the abroad experience professionally.
• Showcase alumni success stories to inspire future students.

Title: Ready, Set, Go: Enhancing Student Preparedness for Study Abroad

Presenters:

• Courtney Kroll, McGill University
• Alba Orgilés Fernández, Barcelona SAE

Description:

Preparing students for study abroad requires collaborative and tailored approaches. This session discusses comprehensive strategies that improve readiness and promote successful experiences in Europe.

• Identify key components of a comprehensive pre-departure orientation program.
• Discuss best practices for collaboration between home and host institutions to enhance student readiness.
• Highlight strategies for addressing cultural expectations, logistical concerns, and academic preparation.
• Explore how orientations tailored to diverse student needs improve overall program experiences.

Title: Leveling Up: Advancing Career Readiness with Global Experiential Learning

Presenters:

• Fiona Kirk, SIT

Description:

This session explores how global experiential learning can be harnessed to support career readiness, especially for students from marginalized backgrounds. Using a case study from SIT’s Internship Module in Amsterdam, “International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender”, attendees will examine how equity-centered internships and field-based experiences promote not only workplace skills but also personal empowerment and belonging. The discussion will highlight strategies to help students, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals and others facing systemic barriers, transition confidently from college to career. Participants will also learn how to develop global and local networks to support both student and professional growth. At the end of this session , attendees will be able to:

• Identify key elements that support students in launching meaningful careers.
• Understand core career readiness competencies through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens.
• Recognize challenges faced by underrepresented students, especially LGBTQIA+ individuals.
• Leverage global experiential learning to foster belonging and growth.
• Build sustainable networks with NGOs and community-led initiatives.
  

Title: Mind Matters: Supporting the Mental Health of Diverse U.S. Students Abroad

Presenters:

• Matilde Santini, CET
• Chan Williams, Emory University

Description:

Addressing the mental health needs of diverse U.S. students is essential for their success abroad. This session focuses on proactive strategies to support student wellness in European educational environments.

• Address the unique mental health challenges of diverse U.S. students in European educational settings.
• Discuss stigma, cultural differences, and barriers to accessing mental health support abroad.
• Identify proactive strategies to create a supportive environment that prioritizes well-being.
• Highlight case studies of successful wellness initiatives tailored to diverse populations.

Title: Impactful Strategies to Recruit Diverse Students to Global Experiences

Presenters:

• Quinn McMurtrey, IES Abroad

Description:

Recruiting underserved  students requires unique strategies to address their needs and barriers. This session explores how  institutions can better connect with these students for both study abroad and full-degree programs.

• Examine barriers that underserved students face in accessing study abroad and full-degree opportunities.
• Identify successful recruitment strategies used by universities to attract diverse students.
• Discuss the importance of messaging that resonates with underserved communities and highlights program benefits.
• Highlight examples of partnerships or funding initiatives that reduce barriers for underrepresented  students.

Title: Diversity Explained: What European Students Should Know About U.S. Colleges

Presenters:

• Monique Hodges, Tulane University
• Alejandra Rincon, UCSF

Description:

The United States has been historically a popular destination for students seeking to study abroad. Current controversies around “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” (DEI) have created confusion about what this work entails, who these efforts are targeted to and general concerns about safety for students of particular marginalized identities.

This session seeks to demystify equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility as work that serves everyone without preference or prejudice. Participants will explore the concept of intersecting identities and learn strategies to help European students understand how various aspects of culture and identity will enhance their experiences at U.S. colleges or universities.

Attendees will also examine the historical context of college and university access in the United States, exploring how diversity has evolved over time with intentionality and impact to serve everyone. While this work continues to face increased scrutiny, the need for engagement, equity, and access for all students remains critical in a global society.

Title: Holistic Support Strategies for U.S. Students in Europe (pre-arrival)

Presenters:

• Ethan Trinh, Georgia State University
• Kyle Keith, Barcelona SAE

Description:

Providing effective and inclusive support is key to fostering academic success for U.S. students in Europe. This session discusses strategies European institutions are using to ensure all students thrive academically and personally.

• Identify specific academic and non-academic challenges U.S. students face in European educational contexts.
• Discuss tailored support systems implemented by European institutions for diverse student populations.
• Highlight initiatives for inclusive student success, such as peer mentoring, accessible resources, and identity-specific programs.
• Explore the impact of cultural adjustment support on students’ overall academic and personal growth.

Title:Bringing the Joy Back: Sustaining Ourselves In Our Work

Presenters:

• Keshia Abraham,PhD, President & Founder, The Abraham Consulting Agency
  

Description:

In the ever evolving landscape of global learning and study abroad—especially for those advancing justice and equity with dignity and intention—the emotional, physical, and spiritual toll of this work can quietly accumulate. This session invites participants to pause and reflect on self-care and their own sustainability. Drawing on wisdom from holistic cultural frameworks shared throughout our diasporas, Ayurvedic traditions, and collective care frameworks like Ubuntu, we will explore how to restore joy, energy, and meaning within our professional practice. Through embodied exercises, storytelling, and intentional dialogue, we will name what sustains us, identify what drains us, and begin to braid personal and communal practices of nourishment back into our lives.

Participants will leave with at least one personalized strategy or daily ritual to support their own well-being while continuing to lead transformative global learning experiences for others.

Title: Learning Where You Live: Engaging with Local Communities while Abroad

Presenters:

• Marta Minguella, Barcelona SAE
• Maria Mateu, ISEP

Description:

On-site engagement with local communities offers invaluable opportunities for cultural and experiential learning. This session will explore how European institutions can deepen students’ understanding through meaningful collaborations with diverse populations. Participants will gain practical tips and strategies for engaging local communities when developing and implementing experiential learning programs. Using the city of Barcelona as a case study, we will examine the benefits and impact of such engagement on students, institutions, and the local community.

• Examine the benefits of fostering cultural engagement with local, diverse communities.
  Explore case studies from Barcelona that showcase collaborations with marginalized groups, such as refugees, to enrich student learning.
  Discuss how experiential learning activities deepen cultural understanding and global competence.
  Highlight methods for evaluating the impact of such programs on students and host communities