As I walked the halls of the AIEA conference last week, surrounded by international education leaders from around the world, there was an undercurrent of tension that felt both familiar and unsettling. The conversations, whether over a meal or during panel discussions, often drifted back to politics, specifically, the impact of Trump’s recent executive orders impacting global education.
There was a sense of déjà vu – as if we’ve been here before, watching political winds shift and wondering how they will reshape the landscape of international education. Yet, there was also a recognition that education has always been both resilient and adaptive, finding ways to thrive even in challenging environments.
“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” – No one is certain who said this but it is often attributed to Mark Twain. Regardless, as I listened to colleagues share their experiences and concerns, I couldn’t help but hear those rhymes, the faint echoes of past political shifts, where education systems had to navigate new realities.
From the early 2000s and the tightening of visa policies after 9/11, to the more recent pandemic disruptions, global education has consistently faced external pressures. Each time, the challenge has been not just to respond but to adapt, to find new pathways for students and institutions to connect, learn, and grow.
There was a delicate balance in the conversations, a mix of pragmatism and hope. Many are concerned about how Trump’s executive orders might influence international student mobility, university partnerships, and global collaboration. Others are focused on solutions – how to innovate within constraints, how to support students who may feel uncertain, and how to preserve the spirit of internationalization, even if the political climate feels inhospitable.
There was talk of contingency plans, of virtual exchanges, and of building deeper relationships with countries less impacted by U.S. policies. And while no one was predicting the future, there was a shared understanding that education must remain open, welcoming, and connected to the world, even when borders close.
At the same time, another conversation was gaining momentum – one about how technology, particularly AI, is reshaping the landscape of international education. I was thrilled to co-present a session along with Blair Thomson and Ravi Ammigan on Harnessing AI for Internationalization, and the response was overwhelming – a packed room with conversations spilling into the hallways afterward. It’s clear that AI is no longer a distant concept; it’s here, forcing us to rethink access, engagement, and the very nature of student mobility. The real challenge now is not whether AI will change international education, but how we as educators will shape AI to uphold the values of openness, equity, and opportunity.
Why We Do What We Do
The true value of international education lies not only in its academic offerings but in its power to bridge divides, foster understanding, and cultivate resilience. As I engaged in these conversations, I was reminded that our role as international educators is not to avoid turbulence but to pilot through it – steady hands on the controls, guiding students through the bumps and preparing them to navigate whatever skies they encounter ahead.
We must equip students with historical context, with the skills to analyze media critically, and with the confidence to participate in civic life – even when the rules of engagement seem to change overnight.
A Thought for the Road
As the conference wrapped up, I found myself thinking less about the headlines and more about the conversations – the quiet ones, over coffees and in passing, where my colleagues shared ideas, offered solutions, and sought clarity in ambiguity.
In these moments, I saw glimpses of the future – not a predicted path, but a shared commitment to forge one. Because in the end, it is not politics but people who shape education. And as long as we remain curious, courageous, and connected, I believe that international education will not only survive but thrive, finding new ways to bring the world together, one student at a time.
