Take Five: Reality Check

This year, International Educator is bringing back a familiar favorite—our Take 5 column—but with a fresh approach. Each month, we pose a thought-provoking prompt to five members of the NAFSA community. These international educators, who represent a diverse range of voices and perspectives, respond with their insights, recommendations, and personal reflections on the myriad themes and questions that are facing the field.

What’s a common misconception about your work or about being an international educator?

Since I was a first-generation college student, my family struggles to understand the value and logistics of studying in another country. Now that I work in education abroad, a misconception they have is that I am planning “trips” or vacations for students. Not only are study abroad programs much more academically and culturally enriching than a vacation, but I do so much more than advise students! My family and friends aren’t aware of the program and relationship development, mentorship, event planning, cross-campus collaboration, and administrative work we do every day to support study abroad. International educators wear so many hats!
—Lyndsi Jones, Towson University

International students may have different needs compared with their domestic peers, but, at the end of the day, they are looking for the same vibrant and supportive student experience! Oftentimes, international educators are perceived to be experts on all areas of the university, an unreasonable expectation. But when the entire campus community is dedicated to supporting international students and prepared to engage in the international scope and intercultural significance of their