November 17–21 • 1 hour per day • Free Virtual Series
International Education Week 2025
Join us for five days of expert-led sessions designed to empower students, faculty, and administrators to build and expand global opportunities.
Why You Should Attend
Gain Expert Insights
Learn from top professionals and thought leaders in global education.
Network with Peers
Connect with a community of students, faculty, and advisors.
Discover Opportunities
Explore new partnerships and innovative approaches to study abroad.
Event Schedule
Day 1: November 17 • 1:00 PM ET
Building Impactful Faculty-Led Programs
Discover the essentials of designing and running successful faculty-led study abroad programs. Learn from experienced faculty leaders about how to integrate academics with cultural immersion, manage logistics abroad, and maximize student learning outcomes.
Mary Krebs, Senior Program Manager, Education Abroad, University of Minnesota
Dr. Randal Scamardo, Assistant Professor of Spanish, Lees-McRae College
Day 2: November 18 • 1:00 PM ET
Strategies for Access, Mental Health Support, and Career Impact
This session explores the complete study abroad lifecycle, focusing on practical strategies for Access (recruiting diverse students), Mental Health Support (pre-departure and on-program wellbeing), and Career Impact (translating the experience into professional success). Join us to learn how to build more inclusive, supportive, and high-impact global programs from start to finish.
Emily J Schifferling, Director of Career Services, University of Washington
Kiera Arnson, Global Engagement and Student Advisor, Carroll University
Day 3: November 19 • 1:00 PM ET
Student Voices: Transformative Experiences Abroad
Hear directly from students who have participated in MOBT Global programs as they share their stories of growth, challenges, and intercultural learning. Gain insight into the student journey and how international experiences shape academic and career goals.
Register for SessionDay 4: November 20 • 1:00 PM ET
Partnering for Global Engagement
Explore how universities, organizations, and providers can work together to create impactful international programs. This session highlights the importance of partnerships, curriculum integration, and long-term collaboration.
Nora Belahcen Fitzgerald, Founder, Amal Women Organization
Day 5: November 21 • 1:00 PM ET
The Future of Study Abroad: Innovation and Opportunities
Explore emerging trends in international education, including the growing role of technology and AI in study abroad advising. We will also introduce the MyMOBT Dashboard, an innovative tool designed for faculty and professionals to track program planning progress, manage participants, and generate analytical reports.
Yassine Echcherki, Senior Director of Global Operations & Initiatives, MOBT Global
Louis Shannon, Executive Director, MOBT Global
Meet Our Speakers
Mary Krebs
Senior Program Manager, Education Abroad
University of Minnesota
Mary holds a BBA in International Business from Northwood University and an MA in International Relations from London Metropolitan University. She has traveled to 42 countries, lived in three, and worked in marketing, education, and international relations.
Dr. Randal Scamardo
Assistant Professor of Spanish
Lees-McRae College
Dr. Randal Scamardo is passionate about language, culture, and global engagement. He has led multiple faculty-led programs to Latin America and Spain, inspiring students to explore the Spanish-speaking world.
Emily J Schifferling
Director of Career Services
University of Washington
A passionate global educator and traveler, Emily has explored numerous countries, helping students connect academic, cultural, and professional experiences to achieve their career goals.
Kiera Arnson
Global Engagement and Student Advisor
Carroll University
Passionate about intercultural learning, Kiera guides students through study abroad opportunities that promote personal growth, academic enrichment, and a deeper understanding of diverse cultures.
Nora Belahcen Fitzgerald
Founder
Amal Women Organization
Nora is the founder of a Moroccan nonprofit empowering disadvantaged women through culinary training. Her organization has hosted numerous American college students, fostering cultural exchange.
Yassine Echcherki
Senior Director of Global Operations & Initiatives
MOBT Global
Yassine has worked with several higher education institutions in international programs. Previously, he served as a Language and Culture Trainer with the Peace Corps, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Louis Shannon
Executive Director
MOBT Global
Louis oversees the organization’s international education initiatives and has led numerous study abroad programs overseas, promoting cultural immersion and academic growth.
A Special Thanks to Our Guest Speakers & Participants
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our guest speakers for generously sharing their expertise and insights with us during International Education Week. Their contributions are invaluable in fostering a global perspective in education. A special thanks also goes to the students participating in the 'Student Voices' session. We've been privileged to lead their programs and to have them participate in MOBT Global's study abroad initiatives.
Participating Institutions & Organizations