EdUp International

EdUp International

Welcome to EdUp–International, America’s leading international education podcast! Join me, your host James Shafer, as we dive deep into the intricate world of international education alongside influential leaders and practitioners from higher education and beyond. We’ll explore pivotal themes in education abroad, international enrollment management, leadership, international student services and compliance, internationalization, and pedagogy and scholarship. Let's navigate together the complexities and nuances that shape our global learning landscape. Don't miss out – tune in now!

  1. EdUp International Student & Scholar Services: Introducing a New Podcast Section of EdUp International

    MAR 17

    EdUp International Student & Scholar Services: Introducing a New Podcast Section of EdUp International

    In this episode of the EdUp International podcast, we introduce you to the hosts of the new exciting segments of the show: EdUp International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)—where today you'll meet the hosts of EdUp ISSS—and of EdUp International Enrollment Management (IEM) that will continue to be hosted by James Shafer. New EdUp-ISSS hosts Jennifer Kenyon (SUNY Geneseo) and Tricia Herritt (SUNY Buffalo State) share their journeys into international education and discuss the critical role student services teams play in helping international students succeed on campus and how to navigate the complicated regulations that govern their status. The conversation explores Jennifer's and Tricia's study abroad experiences, mentoring in the profession, global travel, how international student services have evolved over the past two decades, and resources like Globe Trotters United and NAFSA knowledge communities. Listeners will also hear about: Creating global citizens through campus engagement International buddy and community programs that help students feel welcome before and after arrival The evolution of international student & scholar services (ISSS), and receive career & networking tips for new professionals Whether you work in international admissions, student services, regulations & advising, or cover all three, this episode provides insight into the people and programs that make international education possible. It’s a great conversation about the people and programs supporting international students on campus. Listen now and share with colleagues in international education! #EdUpInternational #InternationalEducation #GlobalCampus #StudentSuccess

    38 min
  2. Supporting Global Talent in Tech with Leanne McKeown

    11/23/2025

    Supporting Global Talent in Tech with Leanne McKeown

    What does it take to connect international tech talent with U.S. employers? In this episode of EdUp International, James Shafer talks with Leanne McKeown, Director of Corporate Outreach & Career Development at Touro University’s Graduate School of Technology. Leanne shares her own bold move—studying abroad in the Philippines—and how that experience shaped her passion for helping international students succeed in the U.S. job market. Through career fairs, alumni mentoring, networking panels, and corporate outreach, Leanne builds bridges between global talent and industry. She also educates employers about Curricular Practical Training (CPT) internships and Optional Practical Training (OPT) post-graduation opportunities, while guiding students through cultural competency challenges like resumes, interviews, and LinkedIn profiles. What you’ll learn in this episode:✔ How Touro prepares international students for U.S. hiring norms✔ Employer outreach strategies for CPT/OPT-friendly roles✔ Alumni mentoring and networking that drive real results✔ Cultural competency tips for resumes, interviews, and networking✔ Trends in tech hiring for global talent Explore Touro GST Career Services:👉 https://gst.touro.edu/career-services/index.php Tune in to #EdUpInternational for Season 2, Episode 6! Subscribe now and look for new episodes twice a month. Connect with YOUR EdUp International and EdUp Team - ⁠⁠James Shafer⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠. Join YOUR EdUp community at ⁠⁠The EdUp Experience⁠⁠!

    40 min
  3. International House Philadelphia: Building Global Community Locally

    11/03/2025

    International House Philadelphia: Building Global Community Locally

    In this episode of EdUp International, host James Shafer heads to the City of Brotherly Love — Philadelphia — to explore how one organization is helping international students not just study in the U.S., but belong here. James is joined by Marissa Amos, Community Engagement Manager at International House Philadelphia (IHP), a long-standing hub for cultural exchange and global connection. This conversation dives into how IHP supports international students, scholars, and employers in building an inclusive and globally connected region. Community & Belonging: How IHP’s programs — from shared cultural celebrations to student gatherings and mentorship — create a home away from home for international residents. Career Pathways & Global Talent: IHP’s partnerships with employers, universities, and organizations like Campus Philly and the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce that help employers understand CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT — and open new doors for international graduates. Regional Advocacy: How IHP collaborates across the Greater Philadelphia region to strengthen its global talent ecosystem, especially in the life sciences and medical sectors. A Personal Story: Marissa shares how hiking pushed her to confront fear and discover resilience — a perfect metaphor for the international experience itself. Community building starts with listening, shared experiences, and genuine cultural exchange. Educating employers about how to engage talent through the Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training programs is key to unlocking regional economic potential. Philadelphia’s “eds and meds” sector provides fertile ground for global talent retention. Every city can learn from IHP’s model of collaboration between higher education, business, and community organizations. 🌐 Website: www.ihphilly.org Listen and subscribe to EdUp International wherever you get your podcasts — Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, or Google Podcasts. #EdUpInternational #InternationalEducation #GlobalTalent #StudyInTheUSA #OPT #STEM #CareerDevelopment #Philadelphia #HigherEducation #CommunityBuilding #TouroUniversity

    41 min
  4. International Credential Evaluation Roundtable with Study New York Part 2

    10/22/2025

    International Credential Evaluation Roundtable with Study New York Part 2

    In part 2 of this special Study New York edition of The EdUp International Podcast, we continue the discussion about international credential evaluation. Host James Shafer moderates a thoughtful discussion with three higher ed experts: 🎓 Jennifer Kenyon – Assistant Director of International Admissions, SUNY Geneseo 🎓 Cynthia Yu – Assistant Director of International Admissions, University at Buffalo 🎓 Freddy Cicchetti – Director of International Admissions, Long Island University Together, they share deep insights on how institutions evaluate academic records from around the world — and how these decisions impact international enrollment and student success. 💡 Topics covered in Part 2: Resources: Training–NAFSA’s Essentials of International Credential Evaluation and AACRAO The International Series; Databases–AACRAO Edge, Scholaro’s GPA Calculator, NCAA Guide to International Academic Standards Assessing Fraud, Verifying Credentials, and When to Require an External Credential Evaluation as Back-Up Options for refresher courses Agents providing a credential evaluation service for applicants from specific universities Backlogs and communicating with medical school admission committees about backlogs 🎙️ Whether you’re from a large research university or a small community college, this conversation offers practical wisdom and policy-level clarity on how to design a credential evaluation process that truly fits your institution’s mission. 📅 Thank you Study New York and our expert panel! 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. 🔗 https://www.edupexperience.com/p/edupinternational/ #EdUpInternational #StudyNewYork #HigherEd #CredentialEvaluation #InternationalAdmissions #WES #AACRAO #Backlogs #StudyConsortia #InternationalStudents

    33 min
  5. Inside International Credential Evaluations: Expert Insights from Study New York Part 1 of 2

    10/12/2025

    Inside International Credential Evaluations: Expert Insights from Study New York Part 1 of 2

    In this special Study New York edition of The EdUp International Podcast, we dive into one of the most technical — and often misunderstood — areas of international admissions: international credential evaluation. Host James Shafer moderates a thoughtful discussion with three higher ed experts: 🎓 Jennifer Kenyon – Executive Director of Global Engagement, SUNY Geneseo 🎓 Cynthia Yu – Associate Director of International Admissions, University at Buffalo 🎓 Freddy Cicchetti – Director of International Admissions, Long Island University Together, they share deep insights on how institutions evaluate academic records from around the world — and how these decisions impact international enrollment and student success. 💡 Topics covered in Part 1: The big question: Internal vs. External Credential Evaluations Pros and cons of each approach Building staff expertise. AACRAO Edge and other valuable tools Common challenges interpreting marks vs. credits Why consistency is key for institutional credibility 🎙️ Whether you’re from a large research university or a small community college, this conversation offers practical wisdom and policy-level clarity on how to design a credential evaluation process that truly fits your institution’s mission. 📅 Stay tuned next week for Part 2, where the panel continues the discussion! 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. 🔗 https://www.edupexperience.com/p/edupinternational/ #EdUpInternational #StudyNewYork #HigherEd #CredentialEvaluation #InternationalAdmissions #WES #AACRAO #GlobalEducation #InternationalStudents

    25 min
  6. Touchpoints, Tech & Thought Leadership: Ben Waxman on Building Global Brands

    09/15/2025

    Touchpoints, Tech & Thought Leadership: Ben Waxman on Building Global Brands

    In this episode of EdUp International, we continue last-week’s conversation with Ben Waxman, CEO of INTEAD, who introduces a powerful new metaphor for international student recruitment: the metro map. Instead of a straight line from lead to admit, Ben encourages institutions to think of their campus as city central and their website as the main subway station—a hub of engagement and discovery for each prospect’s journey. Ben shares real-world examples of institutions building long-term global branding: Babson College through Babson Global University of Rhode Island, spotlighting its oceanography and marine science expertise in Korea University of North Texas, creatively engaging the local Vietnamese diaspora through community outreach He also dives into how to communicate with leadership–advocating for international opportunities using data and strategy, and into a discussion of the evolving landscape of tech education—where demand for tech graduates in programs like cybersecurity and data analytics will remain strong, AI or no AI. 💬 Can your institution inspire prospects to say:"Hmmm, I hadn’t thought about you before. Maybe I’ll visit a few more of those touchpoints and get to know you better." 🎧 Tune in now to explore how to build authentic engagement, manage upward with leadership, and stay the course in times of policy chaos. #EdUpInternational #GlobalEd #HigherEd #InternationalBranding #StudentJourney #EducationUSA #LeadershipStrategy

    37 min
  7. Changing Perceptions: Dr. Jia-Yi Cheng-Levine on Community Colleges & Global Student Mobility

    09/08/2025

    Changing Perceptions: Dr. Jia-Yi Cheng-Levine on Community Colleges & Global Student Mobility

    Community colleges are often misunderstood outside of the U.S.—frequently not recognized as a legitimate pathway to a bachelor’s degree. Before she could recruit in Taiwan, Dr. Jia-Yi Cheng-Levine, Dean of International Affairs & Global Engagement at College of the Canyons, had to launch a campaign to educate key stakeholders in Taiwan and elsewhere—government officials, parents, and agencies—about the U.S. community college model. In this episode, Dr. Cheng-Levine shares how she became a recognized thought leader in Taiwan, making many appearances on national TV to shift perceptions, and how patience, persistence, and authenticity were essential to branding and recruitment success. She is joined by Ben Waxman, CEO of INTEAD, who provides economic insights on the future of international student mobility, pointing out that the number of students studying abroad will double from 5 million to 10 million in the coming years—but with fewer financial resources on average. Together, they explore why community colleges may be one “secret weapon” in expanding access. Key Topics: Taiwan’s government push for nationwide bilingualism by 2030. Why branding in target markets takes 18–24 months at minimum in international education. The 1+1=2 model at College of the Canyons: blending online foundational study with U.S. campus enrollment to lower costs and increase access. Shifting from enrollment targets to a student-centered mission: “How can education change your life?” 📌 Episode Highlights “We don’t just focus on getting 10 more students for the fall—we ask: how can education change your life?” – Dr. Jia-Yi Cheng-Levine 🎙️ EdUp International Podcast, Season 3, Episode 1 #EdUpInternational #CommunityColleges #HigherEd #StudyAbroad #GlobalEd

    26 min
  8. Developing an International Student Recruitment Plan, Study New York Webinar, Part 2 of 2

    04/07/2025

    Developing an International Student Recruitment Plan, Study New York Webinar, Part 2 of 2

    🚀 EdUp International Podcast – Season 2, Episode 8 Developing an International Student Recruitment Plan with Study New York (Part 2 of 2) How can universities craft a smart, sustainable international student recruitment plan? In this episode, we bring you Part 2 of the Study New York webinar, featuring five international recruitment and marketing experts from leading institutions across the state. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: ✅ How to make the most of resources using tools like Open Doors Data from the Institute of International Education. ✅ Smart strategies for recruitment travel—maximizing conferences like IACAC, deciding between fall vs. spring travel, leveraging small group trips, and leveraging EducationUSA & U.S. Commercial Services and major recruitment fairs. ✅ Best practices for collaborating with international recruitment agencies, conducting post-trip assessments, and making the most of limited budgets. 🌍 As the global higher ed landscape continues to evolve, continuing to build your university’s brand name and to maintain your long-term international student recruitment strategy is more vital than ever. Hear how institutions are adapting and innovating to drive international name recognition and sustainable growth. 📌 Missed Part 1? Catch up on key insights around market selection, funding strategies, aligning recruitment with institutional goals, and more. Thank you to Study New York and to Tricia Herritt of SUNY Buffalo State, Robert Oliva of St. Francis College, Jennifer Kenyon of SUNY Geneseo State, and Daniel Kopperud of Rochester Institute of Technology. #InternationalStudentRecruitment #HigherEdMarketing #EnrollmentStrategy #StudyNewYork #StudyintheStates #EdUpExperience #USHigherEducation #iie #EducationUSA #USCommercialService

    30 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to EdUp–International, America’s leading international education podcast! Join me, your host James Shafer, as we dive deep into the intricate world of international education alongside influential leaders and practitioners from higher education and beyond. We’ll explore pivotal themes in education abroad, international enrollment management, leadership, international student services and compliance, internationalization, and pedagogy and scholarship. Let's navigate together the complexities and nuances that shape our global learning landscape. Don't miss out – tune in now!