I don’t know about you, but after a turbulent and isolating year, I’m really looking forward to the virtual NAFSA 2021 Annual Conference & Expo! Now more than ever, I feel the need to gather with my global community to contribute to the work of “Designing Our Shared Future.” I can’t wait to meet with colleagues old and new, discover the latest innovations and new strategies in the field, and share ideas on crafting the future we want to see. Whether this is your first NAFSA conference or your first virtual global conference, this is going to be one to remember!

There are so many opportunities to expand your knowledge during the conference, and attending one of the of the interactive 2021 Current Topics Workshops is one of the very best. Choose from 16 live workshops, taking place June 1–3, to meet your professional needs. These workshops provide in-depth, participatory learning opportunities on a variety of topics, such as:

  • advancement of racial justice,
  • development of data strategies,
  • financial sustainability,
  • global operations,
  • inclusive leadership,
  • virtual exchange, and
  • intercultural agility and cultural responsiveness.

I want to personally invite you to take a look at the workshops to see if there is one or more that especially pique your interest. I’d like to start off by highlighting “Careers in International Education: Guidance for New Professionals,” led by Sora Friedman and Amir Reza. Designed around a series of self-exploration and planning exercises—including developing a professional autobiography, completing a skills and knowledge assessment, and creating a detailed action plan—this training is especially timely as the IE community prepares the next generation of international educators to take an active and collaborative role in designing our shared future. Are you new to the field of international education or looking to take to take your career to the next level? Consider this workshop as your foundation for building your IE career path! Or are you mentoring or managing someone who is new to the field? Consider sharing this opportunity with them! By the end of the workshop, participants will have a detailed roadmap outlining what they need to do to create a great career in international education!

In upcoming blog posts, you’ll be able to read more about other NAFSA 2021 workshops. But if you want to get started now, there’s no need to wait! The full listing of 2021 annual conference workshops is available now. We can’t wait to meet you in June!


Sandra Janusch, PhD, is the 2021 NAFSA Annual Conference Committee workshop coordinator and the assistant vice provost for international and academic programs at the University of Washington Continuum College.