Sparking a Passion for International Education

When I was studying my master’s degree at Florida State University, I planned to do a study abroad program and was looking at going to western Europe. But my trajectory changed when other students in my Russian history class said, “Did you know about the Russia trip?” 

Even though I had studied Russian and Soviet history, politics, and culture for years, as a first-generation student, I had never thought that studying in Russia would be possible for me. But the study abroad office helped me realize this pivotal journey—my first trip abroad. I took the leap, even though I didn't know any Russian—I learned how to count to five on the plane—and immersed myself in a culture, language, and living history that I had only read about.

They allowed me to learn and make mistakes, but they also supported me through that journey. I’ve always striven to give that same support to my students.

That semester in Saint Petersburg sparked a passion for international education. Now, I’m the one working with students going through their own culture shocks, language barriers, and adjustment to the United States. The study abroad staff at Florida State made my journey exciting but also comfortable and safe. They allowed me to learn and make mistakes, but they also supported me through that journey. I’ve always striven to give that same support to my students.

As I entered the profession of international education, I found NAFSANs to be generous mentors. No one ever closes a door; they are always willing to share knowledge and collaborate. You never know everything, but it takes a village to continually learn and grow. 

Creating a World of Possibilities

International education has weathered many difficulties in its existence. The field was established around world wars and has navigated disasters, global pandemics, and political upheaval, especially in the last 25 years. Change is always occurring, and keeping a flexible, helpful, and hopeful outlook is sometimes hard to maintain in times of difficulty. 

Amid these changes, our field can create a world of possibilities for all students by fostering knowledge sharing, diplomacy, and positive experiences. For students who decide to pursue global education, whether they are international or domestic, this approach establishes the opportunity for people-to-people connections. Creating those webs between us all is a great gift, and helping students learn different perspectives and expand their understanding and passions helps develop a better future for all.

Being curious, caring, and welcoming has been the key to my relationship with students over the years.

Being curious, caring, and welcoming has been the key to my relationship with students over the years. I am clear about who I am but also accepting about who my students are. As we have greater and greater conversations about identity and intersectionality, it’s important to keep things simple and allow people to be free to teach each other and learn. We must continually assess our own biases and reactions. 

I have been so happy to mentor and work with new professionals in our field as they are strong, passionate, and educated individuals. International educators are unique in that many of us have a true passion for aspects of our field. We are the hopeful ones who see education as a pathway to changing the world. This is critical for the future, as the many challenges that we face continue to tighten the world into narrow lines. We should address those challenges, including reforms to the status quo, after thorough preparation and fact gathering. Through the strength of our field, data, and practice we can create a solid foundation.  •

Stacye Fraser Thompson is coordinator of international services at Jefferson State Community College.