This summer, alongside their annual staff retreat, the Education Abroad (EA) team engaged in a professional development series focused on strengthening global learning design and outcomes—part of a broader effort to ensure every student’s experience abroad is purposeful, inclusive, and aligned with their goals.
The retreat, held on campus and off-site, was themed “Centered for Impact: Building Capacity with Purpose, Clarity, and Voice.” Through reflection and storytelling, staff reconnected with the motivations that drive their work in international education and defined a set of core values to guide their practice. These conversations were not only about team culture but also about how a shared sense of purpose translates into more student-centered advising, clearer communication, and stronger support throughout the study abroad journey.
A highlight of the retreat was an exchange with colleagues from NAFSA’s Advocacy and Education Abroad Services team, where staff discussed the importance of advocacy in sustaining international education and raising awareness of its value for students and communities.
Building on this momentum, the EA team engaged in a three-part OIA Summer Learning Series alongside other global learning staff at Maryland. The sessions focused on student learning outcomes, project-based learning design and badging and microcredentials, equipping staff with tools to strengthen the quality and accessibility of global learning opportunities. Together, the retreat and learning sessions reflect a holistic approach: aligning shared purpose with professional skills to enhance student outcomes.
“Our retreat helped us align purpose with practice, reconnecting with the ‘why’ behind our work in education abroad. Coupled with summer training focused on program design, learning outcomes, and credentials, we are building the tools to better serve students. These efforts equip us to create global learning experiences that are thoughtfully designed, inclusive, and outcomes-driven so students gain tangible skills and meaningful experiences throughout their academic path,” said Director of Education Abroad Lauren Ruszczyk.
By investing in both reflection and skill-building, the Education Abroad team is sharpening its focus on student success and ensuring that global learning remains a vital, transformative part of the Maryland experience.