2025 Education Abroad Award Winner Interview -- Jennifer Engel
Bio:
Jennifer Engel, Ph.D. is the Associate Vice President for Education Abroad at Indiana University, providing strategic leadership for education abroad initiatives across the Indiana University system. Prior to coming to IU, Jennifer was the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Experiential Learning at CIS Abroad, providing leadership in the areas of student learning and assessment; curricular and programmatic development; and innovation in education abroad. Jennifer has served as the Executive Director of the Office of International Programs (SIO) at Loyola University Chicago. There she was responsible for partnership cultivation, program development and general administration as well as the functional areas of: education abroad; international student and scholar services; English as a second language; the International House living-learning community; and enrollment management and support for the University's three Global Centers. Prior to her appointment at Loyola, Jennifer was the Executive Director of Global Learning at the University of South Carolina. In that role, her primary responsibilities included policy and program development, safety and risk management, assessment and strategic planning for education abroad, and campus internationalization. Jennifer also taught Spanish and developed the study abroad program for Marygrove College. Jennifer has been involved with AIEA, The Forum on Education Abroad, and NAFSA: Association of International Educators in various capacities, holding leadership positions, presenting at regional, national and international levels, and mentoring newcomers to the field. She earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of South Carolina, with an emphasis on international higher education and a cognate in anthropology. Her research interests include international and comparative higher education and the effects of American study abroad students on their host cultures. An Endeavour Fellow, Jennifer also holds a BA in International Relations and Spanish from Alma College and an MA in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University.
Those Who Shaped My Path in Education Abroad
When I think about the people and experiences that truly shaped my career in education abroad, two names immediately come to mind: Sally Kaufmann and Sally Raymont.
First, there was Señora Kaufmann—my high school Spanish teacher. I grew up in rural Michigan surrounded by cornfields and cow pastures, and neither of my parents had gone to college or traveled overseas. But Señora Kaufmann encouraged me to join a two-week trip to Spain that she and another Spanish teacher were organizing for the upper-level language students.
At that point, I had never even been on a plane. The idea seemed out of reach and completely enticing. I worked two jobs all summer, and somehow made it happen. That trip changed everything. It opened my eyes to the world and set me on a path that I never could have imagined. Without her encouragement, I don’t think I would have found this field—or myself—in the same way.
Then came Sally Raymont, who directed the study abroad office at Bowling Green State University while I was completing my master’s. I reached out to her during my first semester, and she immediately took me under her wing. She gave me the opportunity to intern in her office, then later helped secure a summer assistantship supporting a Spanish professor running BGSU’s language and culture immersion program in Spain. Two months in Spain? That was hands down the best summer job I’ve ever had. I helped shepherd 35 students, guided them through cultural excursions, and served as on-site support—it was such a formative experience.
Sally didn’t stop there. She created a graduate assistantship for me in her office for my second year of grad school, and that role was my formal entry into the field. She introduced me to NAFSA and brought me on as a co-presenter at my very first regional conference. When I got my first professional job post-graduation, she made sure I was plugged in at the NAFSA national conference. She introduced me to her network, helped me navigate the sessions, and gave me the kind of professional start I could only dream of.
These two women—and the experiences they made possible—laid the foundation for everything that came after. Of course, I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors since then, and I still turn to them for advice, support, and perspective. But if you ask who truly shaped my path into education abroad, it all started with two incredible Sallies and a lot of encouragement to say “yes” to the unknown.
Why Giving Back Matters
When people ask why I’ve taken on leadership roles or dedicated time to writing, teaching, and mentoring in international education, the answer is pretty simple: I feel a strong obligation to give back to a field that has given me so much—both personally and professionally.
I’ve spent the last 25 years doing work that truly matters. Work that has a real, tangible impact on the world through the students we advise, the teams we manage and mentor, and the colleagues we collaborate with to solve big, complex challenges. That sense of shared mission is a powerful thing.
One of the things that makes international education unique—especially compared to some other corners of higher ed—is how deeply rooted we are in collaboration and sharing. We trade best practices, troubleshoot together, and really invest in helping one another. That spirit is what motivates me to contribute however I can—whether that’s through leadership roles, presenting at conferences, writing articles, or training and mentoring professionals new to the field.
It’s also personally fulfilling. Watching former staff members, graduate assistants, and even undergrad student workers go on to enter the field—and not just enter but thrive and advance it—that’s incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to see the ripple effect of your time and investment in others. That’s what real leadership looks like in our field.
Ultimately, we are stronger when we grow together—when we share what we know and help bring others along. That’s how the field continues to evolve, and it’s also how I stay connected to the heart of why I do this work in the first place.
The Most Important Leadership and Service Lessons I’ve Learned
When I think about leadership, especially in the context of mentoring or managing others, one key lesson stands out: leadership is about intentionally creating opportunities for others to grow. Whether that’s within my own team or with someone I’m mentoring, I try to look for ways to help them “level up.”
That might mean aligning someone’s day-to-day responsibilities with the skills they want to develop—or even something as simple as inviting them to shadow me on a project or take on a small piece of a larger initiative. When we consciously look for ways to stretch people beyond the confines of their job descriptions, we give them the space to gain confidence and grow into new areas. That kind of intentional alignment makes a big difference.
From a service perspective, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is this: you can’t do it all. And as much as I say that out loud, I’ll admit—I’m still working on living it out fully.
But here’s what I do know: when it comes to giving back, the most meaningful (and sustainable) contributions come from finding what you’re good at and what brings you joy. Some people thrive on research and writing. Others love creating training materials or presenting in front of an audience. Some people are natural facilitators who can lead a group toward a shared goal. No one can do everything, so the key is finding your niche—the kind of service that aligns with your strengths—and then diving in.
It’s not always easy to resist the pressure to do it all. But learning to focus your energy where it matters most? That’s where leadership and service really align.
Three Pieces of Advice for Mid-Level Professionals in International Education
When I think back to that mid-level point in my own career, a few key lessons stand out—things I wish I had known earlier, and things I still come back to even now. Here are three pieces of advice I’d offer to anyone navigating that middle space in international education:
1. Seek Out Mentors—Yes, Still.
We often focus so much on mentoring newcomers to the field—which is absolutely important—but mentorship doesn’t stop there. I’ve learned that mid-level professionals need mentorship just as much, maybe even more. You’ve gained valuable skills and knowledge, but you’re also facing new challenges and trying to figure out how to get to that next level.
Early on, I assumed my manager would naturally be my mentor. Sometimes that works, but in most cases, managers are just that—managers first. That’s why it’s important to seek mentors outside of your day-to-day work, people who can give objective, independent feedback. I still have mentors I turn to today. Mid-career can be a make-or-break stage, and having that support can help you move forward with confidence.
2. Differentiate Yourself.
Mid-career is a great time to ask yourself: what’s next, and how do I get there? Look for opportunities that allow you to build leadership skills, take on new types of projects, or serve in roles that expand your experience and visibility. Think about what will set you apart—what will help you stand out while also helping you grow.
It’s about being intentional with your time and energy. Volunteer for that working group. Co-present at a conference. Say yes to that stretch project. All of these things can shape your path forward in meaningful ways.
3. Build—and Maintain—Your Network.
When I started out, I didn’t realize how vital networking would be. I just wanted to meet people and get involved, so I volunteered, went to NAFSA conferences, and signed up for presentations. Over time, those connections turned into colleagues, collaborators, and friends.
Now, looking back, I can say with confidence: your network will be one of your greatest professional resources. Not just for job opportunities, but for navigating tricky situations, exchanging ideas, and supporting each other. And the beautiful thing is, your network isn’t just something you rely on—it’s something you contribute to. The more you nurture it, the more it grows.
We talk a lot about retaining newcomers, but if we want a strong future for international education, we also need to invest in our mid-level professionals. Because when we lose those folks mid-career, we lose so much experience, insight, and potential leadership. Let’s make sure we’re supporting them too.
How NAFSA Has Shaped My Career in International Education
When I reflect on my journey in international education, NAFSA has been a constant and transformative presence throughout every stage of my professional growth.
In the early years, I was introduced to NAFSA through a mentor, and that connection opened the door to a wealth of training opportunities. I took part in workshops and programs that were incredibly formative—on topics like crisis management, faculty-led programs, and leadership development. I remember how valuable the Management Development Program was in helping me build competence in my role as a director.
As I grew in the field, my role with NAFSA evolved too. I moved from participant to presenter—joining the Trainer Corps, delivering workshops, speaking at regional and national conferences, and even serving as the Education Abroad Knowledge Community (EAKC) rep for Region VII. What started as a space for learning became a platform for giving back and contributing to the professional development of others.
Today, NAFSA remains essential in a very different but equally important way. The field is constantly shifting—visa regulations, global policies, political tensions—and staying informed is critical. NAFSA helps synthesize and distribute these updates, providing professionals like me with timely, reliable information and advocacy tools.
Beyond the logistics, NAFSA also plays a crucial diplomatic role—amplifying the collective voice of our institutions, especially when individual campuses can't speak out publicly due to political or institutional constraints. That unified voice matters, now more than ever.
Perhaps what I appreciate most is how NAFSA has met me at every stage—whether I needed training, community, leadership development, or advocacy. It’s more than a professional organization; it’s been a cornerstone of my career in international education.
Looking Ahead: Jenn’s Vision for the Next 5–10 Years
When asked where she sees herself in the next five to ten years, Jenn’s answer is a perfect blend of humor, realism, and aspiration: “Hopefully on a beach with a margarita!” she jokes, before shifting into a more reflective mode.
Jenn is deeply committed to international education—it’s not just her profession, but a central part of her identity. Looking ahead, she envisions staying active in the field, though perhaps in new and evolving ways. One direction she’s particularly excited about is expanding into consulting and research, bringing her wealth of experience to bear on diverse projects within the broader international education landscape.
While her background has been rooted in education abroad, she’s also served in Senior International Officer (SIO) roles and explored other areas within the field. Jenn is now interested in branching out even more—tapping into areas she hasn’t had the bandwidth to pursue while balancing full-time leadership responsibilities.
One goal? Getting back to research. Though completing a dissertation left her temporarily burnt out, she now feels ideas “brewing” again and is hoping to carve out time for meaningful projects that contribute to the field.
Long-term, retirement may be on the horizon—but not in the traditional sense. Jenn imagines a future where she’s “officially retired,” but still professionally involved, mentoring, consulting, or supporting the field in flexible ways. And yes—there will definitely be mango margaritas on the beach.