Navigating International Education Careers: Opportunities and Insights

The field of international education has transformed significantly over the last half-century, evolving into a well-defined profession characterized by dedicated professional associations, established competencies, ethical guidelines, and specialized educational pathways. Beyond these formal structures, numerous organizations have emerged to facilitate the practical operations of international educators. While this article primarily focuses on international higher education, it's important to acknowledge the dynamic and substantial activities within K-12 international education as well.

Structuring the International Higher Education Profession

The profession of international higher education is largely structured around five specific knowledge communities, drawing from the framework established by NAFSA: Association of International Educators:

Education Abroad (EA): EA professionals concentrate on the needs of education abroad professionals, serving both outbound and inbound non-degree student mobility.
International Education Leadership (IEL): IEL encompasses senior international officers and other international education leaders who provide vision and build commitment for comprehensive internationalization efforts.
International Enrollment Management (IEM): IEM professionals work in admissions, recruitment, enrollment management, marketing, credential evaluation, and intensive English programs.
International Students & Scholars Services (ISSS): ISSS professionals support international students, scholars, and their dependent family members by overseeing immigration reporting and advising, as well as developing opportunities to support engagement with the university community and activities that celebrate intercultural understanding.
Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship (TLS): TLS professionals focus on curriculum internationalization, research that informs practice, and intercultural communications skills development. These individuals may serve as faculty, administrators, graduate students/post-docs, researchers, intercultural trainers, cross-cultural counselors, and other professionals in international higher education.

Organizational Structures within International Education

The structure of an international education office can vary significantly across colleges and universities. Institutional size, historical factors, and institutional culture all influence the placement and structure of a centralized international office or individual knowledge community units. Some institutions may house international offices within the student affairs division or spread individual knowledge communities between multiple divisions.

One common model is a semi-centralized structure, featuring a senior international officer with education abroad and international student and scholar services as reporting units. In more centralized models, reporting units may also include international enrollment management (e.g., student recruitment, admissions), English Language programs, and/or related regional and thematic centers and institutes.

Key Organizations Advancing International Education

Numerous organizations play vital roles in advancing international higher education:

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Education Abroad Program Providers: These organizations facilitate opportunities for colleges and universities to enroll students in education abroad programs. IES and CIEE are among the oldest providers operating today.
Education Technology Companies: These organizations generally provide customized application enrollment and automated CRM services for international offices. Terradotta and Via TRM are examples. Additionally, they may provide intercultural training or orientation programming.
Travel Assistance/Insurance Providers: Insurance providers play a key role for both inbound international students and scholars and education abroad students by providing health insurance coverage. The coverage often includes some combination of medical services, repatriation, trip disruption, emergency services, and more. Notable examples of insurance providers include CISI and GeoBlue.
Risk Management Companies: These are organizations that provide risk management services for international programs and the institutions that offer them. Services may include traveler tracking, the ability to facilitate push notifications, and traveler check-ins in the event of an emergency. Examples include Terradotta’s Alert Traveler, OffWeGo and Aerogami. Some risk management companies may also provide location assessments and on-the-ground assistance in medical, political, or natural emergencies.
International Student Recruitment Agencies: International student recruitment agencies play a key role in supporting international mobility. The National Association for College Admission Counseling and the American International Recruitment Council offer best practices and standards for partnering with agencies.
Governmental Agencies: There are many governmental agencies that support international higher education worldwide, most prominent of which is the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State.
Non-Governmental Organizations: There are many non-governmental organizations that support international higher education worldwide. Examples include Global Ties, the Institute of International Education, and World Learning.
Visa Service Providers: Transnational mobility is often facilitated by providers that support immigration and visa services. Examples include Swift Passport Services and VisaHQ.

Jargon in International Higher Education

Like any profession, international higher education has its own unique jargon and acronyms. Familiarity with this language is essential for effective communication within the field. For example, a Senior International Officer (SIO), or Chief International Officer (CIO) leads and facilitates campus internationalization efforts. In Europe, the role may be referred to as an International Relations Manager (IRM).

In international student & scholar services (ISSS), immigration jargon is essential. ISSS engages with the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS). School officials who maintain regular access to the SEVIS system are the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO), Designated School Official (DSO), Responsible Officer (RO), and Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO). In education abroad, professionals also utilize a plethora of terms and acronyms as well. The Forum on Education Abroad Glossary of Terms provides a comprehensive overview of common terms used in education abroad.

Getting Established: Resources and Training

For those seeking to enter or advance in the field, understanding the relevant associations and news outlets is crucial.

Major Professional Associations

Numerous professional associations focus on international education globally. Each typically offers an annual conference and professional development opportunities throughout the year. Many national university associations also include robust international services, as do the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU) and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). Engagement in these organizations generally requires membership, which can vary between individual membership and institutional membership. There are many associations focused on distinct areas international higher education including, for example, the Alliance for International Education, the American International Recruitment Council, the Association of International Education Administrators, etc. For a more complete listing of the major professional associations in international higher education, see Career Resources in International Higher Education. NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the largest professional association dedication to international education and exchange and seeks to advance the skills and competencies of every member.

Key News Outlets

International educators in higher education get news and updates from many sources. For example, PIE News is a leading international source for news and updates for the profession while University World News provides a window into higher education news worldwide. Other major outlets on higher education include, Inside Higher Ed, Times Higher Ed, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

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There are a number of active industry listserves, including SECUSS-L, and NAFSA offers a number of listserves as well. The Chronicle of Higher Education contributing writer Karin Fischer’s weekly newsletter Latitude(s) is key, providing a weekly analysis of current international higher education topics worldwide. Gateway provides a monthly newsletter that offers news, announcements, and resources on international higher education. Boston College’s Center for International Higher Education also offers an informative quarterly newsletter relevant to scholar-practitioners of international higher education. Gateway Resources provides a free curation of information relevant to the work of international educators and scholars around the world. Carpe Global also provides curated international resources and opportunities to inform and empower people with global interests.For a more complete listing of major news outlets for international higher education, see Career Resources in International Higher Education.

Graduate Degree Programs

While there are multiple pathways to becoming an international educator, a specialized graduate degree often provides a significant advantage in the job market. NAFSA maintains a helpful Graduate Program Database (membership required). For a more complete listing of graduate degree programs focused on international education, see Career Resources in International Higher Education.

Professional Development and Training

Various professional development, training, and career coaching opportunities are available, such as Gateway’s Leadership Institute, University at Albany’s International Education Leadership Expert Series, and career coaching for international students.

Understanding the Profession: Competencies and Salaries

Most positions in campus-based international education offices are classified as administrative. However, some senior leadership positions may include an academic appointment in addition to the administrative duties. As a result, positions have begun to emerge in international health, safety and security, global business and finance, and marketing.

Professional Competencies

Professional competencies for international educators are outlined by NAFSA and are a valuable resource for job seekers and hiring managers alike. The competencies needed for careers in international education vary depending on areas of specialization. For example, specific immigration knowledge is needed in ISSS, but all areas of the profession require a high level of intercultural competence and understanding. Furthermore, adaptability and general understanding of higher education are critical skills for the profession. NAFSA breaks down these competencies into three main functions:

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Direct Service: Provides service directly to students and scholars engaged in education abroad to and from the United States.
Management: Oversees the operation of a unit related to international education.
Strategy/Policy: Establishes, updates, and approves the policies and strategy for achieving the goals and mission of international education within an institution.

Whether you are an entry-level advisor or a senior international officer, the competencies provide a roadmap for ethical, professional, and inclusive work.

Salary Levels

A number of surveys have been conducted that depict salary, demographic, job titles, and other information within the profession. These include the AIEA SIO survey, the EUASA Resident Director survey, and Diversity Abroad. In general salaries vary greatly depending on institutional type, title, location, and other factors. According to CUPAHR (College and University Professional Association for Human Resources) data, some estimated annual salary ranges are listed below, keeping in mind that salaries vary greatly by institution type, region, etc.:

Dean Global/International Studies: $120,000 to $250,00
Chief Campus International Education Administrator or Director: $80,000 to $150,000
Head of International Student Affairs: $60,000 to $85,000
Study Abroad or International Student Advisor: $45,000 to $55,000
Study Abroad Coordinator: $45,000 to $55,000

Diversity and Inclusion

The profession of international higher education has come to include more diversity and inclusive best practices over the years, but much remains to be done. International offices must collaborate with diversity offices, as argued in the 2021 Diversity Abroad white paper, Collaboration to Advance Racial Equity Through Education Abroad. While ISSS and IEM programs bring student diversity to US campuses as they internationalizing the student body, education abroad enrollment lacks the diversity of the US undergraduate population. Despite strong rhetoric and varied efforts over the years to boost participation of underrepresented students, the slow pace of change in this area has given rise to significant new initiatives, leadership development and trainings, and collaborations. The renewed interest in social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion is bringing about changes in education, and in international education, as the following indicates: hiring managers are now requiring a statement on diversity and inclusion from job applicants and sometimes the Diversity Abroad International Education Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program as a “preferred qualification”; equity, diversity and inclusion is one of four Guidelines in the 6th edition of the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad; and education abroad providers are offering leadership in addressing the challenges of access and inclusion in their programming, funding and training.

Key Datasets and References

NAFSA also tracks the latest trends and data that provide useful context and perspective to the global environment. There are numerous helpful references that provide practical guidance on navigating careers in international education. Joining IIE is an opportunity to partner with professionals united by a single goal: to transform our interconnected world into a network of more peaceful and equitable societies. We are fortunate to have some of the most committed and respected people in international education and scholarship management as part of our worldwide team. We strive to create the best work environment possible to support ongoing employee development and growth. At IIE, we care deeply about our people. We value maintaining a quality of life, and healthy work-life balance. We offer competitive and comprehensive benefits that allow our team members and their families to access the healthcare services they need.

Additional Opportunities

Search Associates

Whether you're new to international teaching and looking for an adventure or a seasoned international educator looking for your next position, Search Associates wants to earn your trust. Since 1990, we've been assisting thousands of teachers, administrators, counselors, librarians, and interns to find jobs in our over 750 carefully-vetted, quality international schools located in 125 countries around the world. Every candidate who registers with Search Associates works with a Senior Associate in one of 20 offices around the world--not a team of strangers or some corporate department. Our Associates and Consultants have years of experience in international education and can provide invaluable guidance and individual assistance throughout the job search. Search Associates is perceived by the international school community as the leader in our field. We work with more than 750 of the best international schools in over 125 countries around the world.

The Pickering Fellowship

The Pickering Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to promote positive change in the world through work at an embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission around the globe.

USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program

This provides a pathway to the USAID Foreign Service and provides up to $96,000 in benefits over two years for graduate school, internships and professional development activities.

Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS)

Students can support U.S. government efforts around the world through the Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS), formerly the Virtual Student Foreign Service program.

MIUSA Internship Programs

MIUSA internship programs are designed to increase the skills, leadership and experience of emerging professionals with and without disabilities.

NAFSA Careers

NAFSA Careers is the premier job site for finding a job in international education. Whether you are breaking into the field or looking to make a change, NAFSA Careers features positions from all areas and all levels in the field. Search one of largest and most trusted IE job databases of openings from more than 1,000 jobs located in all parts of the world. Prepare for a job interview by practicing your responses to possible Hiring Manager Questions. Hiring Manager Questions: In Alignment with the NAFSA International Education Professional Competencies 2.0 provide you with sample questions can provide valuable information that will help you prepare for interviews.

The World Bank Group

Hosted by the World Bank Group, GPE is separately governed, capitalized and branded, and boasts great teamwork, inclusiveness, a technical and professional approach to work, and a passion for achieving our goals. We are an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce. We continuously seek to recruit and embrace individuals who will enhance our diversity regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, creed, race, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability. The World Bank Group's recruitment policy is to hire staff of the highest caliber, on as wide a geographical basis as possible, with preference to nationals of member countries or countries of operation. Job benefits include medical coverage, including dental and vision, a staff retirement plan, financial assistance program, life and disability insurance, comprehensive leave policy (minimum 26 days/year) and parental leave policy (50-100 days).

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