Take 5: Words of Wisdom

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 one thing that newcomers to the field should know about international education?

When I first joined the international education field, I felt like a small fish in a big pond. But then I discovered NAFSA’s Advocacy Day. It was like finding my tribe.

Advocacy Day isn’t just about policy change; it’s about community and connection. It’s where we come together to celebrate our successes, share our challenges, and learn from each other. If you’re looking for a way to feel seen, inspired, and connected to a larger purpose, I highly recommend attending Advocacy Day. It’s an experience that will change your perspective and your career.
—Alexis Akagawa, Columbia University

One thing newcomers to the field of international education should know about is the power of global perspectives in shaping students’ worldviews. As someone born in the Philippines, raised in the United States, and teaching government courses, I’ve seen how incorporating international issues and diverse viewpoints in the classroom helps students become more critical thinkers and informed global citizens.

My experiences traveling and working in higher education have shown me the value of engaging with different cultures, both