How can international education professionals stay current with trends and best practices?

As an international education professional, you know how important it is to keep up with the latest developments and best practices in your field. Whether you work in teaching, administration, research, policy, or advocacy, you need to stay informed and adaptable to the changing needs and opportunities of your students, colleagues, and stakeholders. But how can you do that effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced and diverse global context? Here are some tips and resources to help you stay current with trends and best practices in international education.

1 Join professional associations

One of the best ways to network, learn, and share your expertise with other international education professionals is to join relevant professional associations. These organizations offer a range of benefits, such as access to journals, newsletters, webinars, conferences, workshops, awards, grants, and mentoring programs. Some examples of international education associations are the Association of International Educators (NAFSA), the European Association for International Education (EAIE), the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), and the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE).

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Nevin Klippenstein

My experience in support work has taught me that when I assume that supported individuals are capable of more and aware of more than most people expect, I am never disappointed.
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Also: learn more about the history of the culture of the location in which you're teaching, and the culture of the students you are teaching.

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Veronica Mordi

Assistant Head of School/ Head Teacher(NPQH)/ Educational Consultant/ Conference Speaker/ Designated Safeguarding Lead.
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I totally agree with the point about seeking ways to keep up with current trends in our professional space by engaging with expert associations or professional communities. It just open us up to interesting conversations about the innovations within and outside our career path as people will definitely share from their wealth of experience as well as expertise. Similarly, the inquiries on such platforms allow us to dive into deeper aspects of learning. Also, we can evaluate our practice and learn new things. You keep unlearning, relearning.

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2 Follow thought leaders and influencers

Another way to stay current with trends and best practices in international education is to follow the thought leaders and influencers who are shaping the field. These are the people who have the vision, experience, and influence to inspire, challenge, and inform you. You can follow them on social media, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or books. Some examples of thought leaders and influencers in international education are Allan Goodman, president and CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE), Hans de Wit, director of the Center for International Higher Education (CIHE) at Boston College, Esther Brimmer, executive director and CEO of NAFSA, and Pasi Sahlberg, professor of education policy at the University of New South Wales.

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3 Subscribe to online platforms and newsletters

Another way to stay current with trends and best practices in international education is to subscribe to online platforms and newsletters that provide curated and relevant content for your field. These are the sources that can keep you updated on the latest news, research, policy, innovation, and best practices in international education. You can choose from a variety of topics, regions, sectors, and formats. Some examples of online platforms and newsletters for international education are The PIE News, University World News, Inside Higher Ed, International Higher Education, and Global Education News.

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Veronica Mordi

Assistant Head of School/ Head Teacher(NPQH)/ Educational Consultant/ Conference Speaker/ Designated Safeguarding Lead.
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Very apt. Any new ideas or information can easily be gleaned from the shared articles. I have particularly benefited from reading up on latest news articles, published works from experts in the fields, researchers and what have you. The evidence backing up their ideas are always very intriguing as it helps one understand the impact of their ideas and you can readily deduce how these will shape lives and the future within that field of study.

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4 Participate in online courses and webinars

Another way to stay current with trends and best practices in international education is to participate in online courses and webinars that offer professional development and learning opportunities for your field. These are the resources that can help you enhance your skills, knowledge, and competencies in various aspects of international education. You can choose from a range of topics, levels, durations, and formats. Some examples of online courses and webinars for international education are the International Education Management Certificate Program by the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate Program by the University of Toronto, the Global Citizenship Education Webinar Series by UNESCO, and the Intercultural Competence Development Webinar Series by NAFSA.

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5 Engage in communities of practice and peer learning

Another way to stay current with trends and best practices in international education is to engage in communities of practice and peer learning with other international education professionals. These are the spaces where you can exchange ideas, experiences, insights, and feedback with your peers and learn from each other. You can join existing communities of practice or create your own, depending on your interests, needs, and goals. Some examples of communities of practice and peer learning for international education are the EAIE Expert Communities, the NAFSA Knowledge Communities, the IEAA Special Interest Groups, and the AAIE Leadership Mentoring Initiative.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can international education professionals stay current with trends and best practices?

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1 Join professional associations

2 Follow thought leaders and influencers

3 Subscribe to online platforms and newsletters

4 Participate in online courses and webinars

5 Engage in communities of practice and peer learning

6 Here’s what else to consider

K-12 Education

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How can international education professionals stay current with trends and best practices?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Join professional associations

2 Follow thought leaders and influencers

3 Subscribe to online platforms and newsletters

4 Participate in online courses and webinars

5 Engage in communities of practice and peer learning

6 Here’s what else to consider

K-12 Education

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