In the Season 4 premiere of the EdUp International Podcast, host James Shafer welcomes back Ben Waxman, CEO of Intead, who leads an in-depth conversation with Jason Czyz, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE). Jason shares the personal story of how a Rotary exchange year in France transformed his life and launched a career dedicated to advancing international education. From student mobility trends to humanitarian initiatives and higher education leadership, this episode offers insights for international enrollment professionals, senior international officers, university leaders, faculty, and global education professionals. Topics discussed include: ✅ Emerging international student recruitment markets and the diversification of student mobility ✅ Why countries such as Colombia, Peru, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Romania are attracting increased attention from U.S. institutions ✅ The growing role of U.S. community colleges and the opportunities they offer international students through affordability, transfer pathways, and workforce preparation ✅ Why the United States remains one of the world's most attractive study destinations despite increasing global competition ✅ International enrollment, institutional capacity, housing, affordability, and the future of student recruitment ✅ IIE's Open Doors data and how universities can use research and benchmarking to guide strategy ✅ The importance of data-driven decision making, CRM systems, dashboards, and institutional alignment ✅ Strategies senior international officers can use to build adaptable internationalization plans during times of uncertainty Jason also highlights several of IIE's impactful philanthropic programs, including: • Emergency Student Fund• Scholar Rescue Fund• Odyssey Scholarships for refugee and displaced students• American Passport Project• Fulbright Program engagement and support James Shafer contributes practical perspectives from the enrollment management side, discussing CRM implementation, KPI development, visa interview challenges, student deferrals, institutional reporting, and how universities can identify opportunity even during difficult recruitment cycles. One of the episode's strongest themes is that international education is about far more than enrollment numbers. It is about student success, global understanding, research collaboration, institutional innovation, and creating life-changing opportunities for students around the world. Jason explains why university presidents and leaders across the United States continue to see international education as a strategic priority, while Ben Waxman shares actionable advice on transforming data into decisions, building institutional support, and helping campuses adapt to rapid changes in the global higher education landscape. The episode concludes with valuable insights on leadership, international partnerships, celebrating institutional successes, and why organizations that continue investing in international education today will be best positioned for tomorrow's opportunities. Guests: Jason Czyz, President & CEO, Institute of International Education (IIE)Ben Waxman, CEO, Intead Host: James ShaferDirector of Internal Student Recruitment & Enrollment, Touro University Subscribe to the EdUp International Podcast for conversations with global higher education leaders, international enrollment experts, international educators, government officials, and innovators shaping the future of international education. #EdUpInternational #InternationalEducation #IIE #OpenDoors #InternationalStudents #StudentMobility #HigherEducation #INTEAD #GlobalEducation #EnrollmentManagement #CommunityColleges #InternationalEnrollment #Fulbright #EducationUSA #GlobalEngagement
