For more than 20 years, The Forum’s Conference has provided a space for dialogue exploring the pressing issues facing education abroad. The 2025 Forum Annual Conference will reflect on the history of education abroad, the current state of the field, and trends on the horizon.
IES Abroad looks forward to attending this year's Conference as a Diamond Sponsor. We also welcome you to stop by and meet the team at our tables (108 and 109).
Virtual Event
📅 When: February 26-27, 2025
📍 Where: Virtual
In-Person Event
📅 When: March 19–21, 2025
📍 Where: Toronto, Canada
Learn More About Forum
In-Person IES Abroad Sessions at Forum
- Wednesday, March 19, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Navigating Shifting Terrain: Strategies for Supporting Today’s Students
IES Abroad will share insights on how they are adapting to the evolving needs of today’s students. This session will explore key strategies for meeting students where they are—whether through financial aid innovations, mental health resources, or inclusive programming—while fostering a more accessible and impactful study abroad experience.
Speakers: Jody Felton (Operations Manager at IES Abroad Cape Town and Student Affairs Cluster Lead, Global South Cluster | IES Abroad); Brittani Smit (AVP of DEIA | IES Abroad); Noelle Baldwin, Director of Access & Strategic Partnerships | IES Abroad)
- Thursday, March 20, 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM | What Do I Really Need to Know About Student Health?
Most international education offices require students to complete a medical form before student departure. What do international education offices do with information collected? What health information is essential for student success abroad? What ethical considerations must be considered in managing student health information? This session will provide practical mental and physical health information to practitioners desiring to make a positive impact for student health and safety abroad.
Session Leader: Matthew Rader (Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students | IES Abroad)
Speakers: Rebecca Hurst (Psychologist/Clinical Assistant Professor | Oklahoma State University); Lezlie J. Painovich (College Health Physician/Director of Training | University of Wisconsin-Madison) Friday, March 21, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Reimagining Financial Aid: Using Data-driven Design to Increase Impact
IES Abroad will share how they partnered with Enrollment Research Associates, a higher education consulting firm, to use a data-driven approach to overhaul their financial aid program. Penn State University will share how IES Abroad’s new financial aid program not only impacted our students as a member of their pilot study but also inspired a deeper dive into our own data and some radical changes to our scholarship awarding structure.
Session Leader: Susan R. Thomas (Associate Director of Financial Aid | IES Abroad)
Speakers: Carrie Rackers Cunningham (Assistant Vice President Analytics and Institutional Research | IES Abroad); Jesse Gamble (Project Lead | Enrollment Research Associates); Matt L. Leet (Assistant Director for Academic Services | Penn State); Lauren Kreibich (Lead Strategist for Financial Aid | IES Abroad)
