EdUp International

About EdUp International

Welcome to EdUp–International, America’s leading international education podcast! Join me, your host James Shafer, as we dive deep into the intricate world of international education alongside influential leaders and practitioners from higher education and beyond. We’ll explore pivotal themes in education abroad, international enrollment management, leadership, international student services and compliance, internationalization, and pedagogy and scholarship. Let's navigate together the complexities and nuances that shape our global learning landscape. Don't miss out – tune in now!

Publisher

EdUp International

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Oct 2023

Latest episode

23 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

29 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Sept 2026

   Jason Czyz, President of IIE: Open Doors, International Student Data & Trends, and the Future of Global Higher Education

   In the Season 4 premiere of the EdUp International Podcast, host James Shafer welcomes back Ben Waxman, CEO of Intead, who leads an in-depth conversation with Jason Czyz, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE). Jason shares the personal story of how a Rotary exchange year in France transformed his life and launched a career dedicated to advancing international education. From student mobility trends to humanitarian initiatives and higher education leadership, this episode offers insights for international enrollment professionals, senior international officers, university leaders, faculty, and global education professionals. Topics discussed include: ✅ Emerging international student recruitment markets and the diversification of student mobility ✅ Why countries such as Colombia, Peru, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Romania are attracting increased attention from U.S. institutions ✅ The growing role of U.S. community colleges and the opportunities they offer international students through affordability, transfer pathways, and workforce preparation ✅ Why the United States remains one of the world's most attractive study destinations despite increasing global competition ✅ International enrollment, institutional capacity, housing, affordability, and the future of student recruitment ✅ IIE's Open Doors data and how universities can use research and benchmarking to guide strategy ✅ The importance of data-driven decision making, CRM systems, dashboards, and institutional alignment ✅ Strategies senior international officers can use to build adaptable internationalization plans during times of uncertainty Jason also highlights several of IIE's impactful philanthropic programs, including: • Emergency Student Fund • Scholar Rescue Fund • Odyssey Scholarships for refugee and displaced students • American Passport Project • Fulbright Program engagement and support James Shafer contributes practical perspectives from the enrollment management side, discussing CRM implementation, KPI development, visa interview challenges, student deferrals, institutional reporting, and how universities can identify opportunity even during difficult recruitment cycles. One of the episode's strongest themes is that international education is about far more than enrollment numbers. It is about student success, global understanding, research collaboration, institutional innovation, and creating life-changing opportunities for students around the world. Jason explains why university presidents and leaders across the United States continue to see international education as a strategic priority, while Ben Waxman shares actionable advice on transforming data into decisions, building institutional support, and helping campuses adapt to rapid changes in the global higher education landscape. The episode concludes with valuable insights on leadership, international partnerships, celebrating institutional successes, and why organizations that continue investing in international education today will be best positioned for tomorrow's opportunities. Guests: Jason Czyz, President & CEO, Institute of International Education (IIE) Ben Waxman, CEO, Intead Host: James Shafer Director of Internal Student Recruitment & Enrollment, Touro University Subscribe to the EdUp International Podcast for conversations with global higher education leaders, international enrollment experts, international educators, government officials, and innovators shaping the future of international education. #EdUpInternational #InternationalEducation #IIE #OpenDoors #InternationalStudents #StudentMobility #HigherEducation #INTEAD #GlobalEducation #EnrollmentManagement #CommunityColleges #InternationalEnrollment #Fulbright #EducationUSA #GlobalEngagement

2. 

   26 Apr 2026

   Unique Academic Programs in New York State with Study New York

   EdUp International | Season 3, Episode 8 (Part A): Study New York Special In this special two-part series, recorded in collaboration with Study New York, we spotlight the incredible diversity of academic opportunities across New York State—and how they connect to real-world careers. In Part A, host James Shafer is joined by two outstanding guests: Kellie Fasano from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), who breaks down the unique value of CIA’s associate and bachelor’s degree programs—where culinary excellence meets business, innovation, and global career pathways. Tricia Herritt from SUNY Buffalo State, who highlights standout programs in Fashion & Textile Technology, Fashion Merchandising, and Hospitality & Tourism—fields that blend creativity, industry insight, and hands-on experience. James also shares insights into Touro University’s AS in Radiologic Technology, a high-impact, career-focused program with strong employment outcomes and direct connections to leading healthcare institutions. This episode is packed with examples of how specialized programs across New York State are preparing international students for meaningful, in-demand careers. 🎧 Don’t miss Part B—coming in two weeks—where we turn the spotlight to New York’s community colleges and the powerful pathways they offer international students.

3. 

   17 Mar 2026

   EdUp International Student & Scholar Services: Introducing a New Podcast Section of EdUp International

   In this episode of the EdUp International podcast, we introduce you to the hosts of the new exciting segments of the show: EdUp International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)—where today you'll meet the hosts of EdUp ISSS—and of EdUp International Enrollment Management (IEM) that will continue to be hosted by James Shafer. New EdUp-ISSS hosts Jennifer Kenyon (SUNY Geneseo) and Tricia Herritt (SUNY Buffalo State) share their journeys into international education and discuss the critical role student services teams play in helping international students succeed on campus and how to navigate the complicated regulations that govern their status. The conversation explores Jennifer's and Tricia's study abroad experiences, mentoring in the profession, global travel, how international student services have evolved over the past two decades, and resources like Globe Trotters United and NAFSA knowledge communities. Listeners will also hear about: Creating global citizens through campus engagement International buddy and community programs that help students feel welcome before and after arrival The evolution of international student & scholar services (ISSS), and receive career & networking tips for new professionals Whether you work in international admissions, student services, regulations & advising, or cover all three, this episode provides insight into the people and programs that make international education possible. It’s a great conversation about the people and programs supporting international students on campus. Listen now and share with colleagues in international education! #EdUpInternational #InternationalEducation #GlobalCampus #StudentSuccess

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

101

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 41 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

33

Social presence

0

YouTube

64

Engagement

60

Contact EdUp International

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.