My colleague, Ann Hubbard and I are both Affiliates of the new Gateway International Group and co-authors of this foundational reading: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://gatewayinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Foundational-Reading-for-Education-Abroad-Employability.pdf “The concept of employability is driving higher education policy worldwide as governments see their economies inextricably linked to a trained workforce. A universal concern has emerged about the effective transition of students to the workplace.” Published in 2021, this document is a useful ..read more

I wrote this essay last month -prior to the mid-term elections in the U.S. – for the blog series of The Gateway International Group where I am an Affiliate. Understanding the implications of the U.S. mid-term elections on international higher education. We can’t afford complacency. We do not need to learn the results of every local and statewide election on November 8 to imagine their lasting impact on our civil society and political life. Worldwide media coverage of the campaigns and court cases, gerrymandering, efforts at voter suppression, and in particular, the continued influence and impa ..read more

The Fragility of our Democracy and the Challenge Posed to International Educators Dear Followers: I’m back! Throughout the pandemic, I’ve focused on my commentary via my Twitter feed and LinkedIn network. You may not follow me on those platforms, but, I’ve had a lot to say there. This is a blog just up for a new international consulting practice which I’m connected to as an Affiliate. There’s a lot of content on the Gateway website. Check it out. Marty ..read more

I was recently interviewed by the founder of the organization, Beyond the States, Jennifer Viemont, https://beyondthestates.com/category/podcast/. I discussed the impact of international study on the future career development of students. In this instance, the organization promotes and assists families of high school students looking for an affordable means of sending their children to college – in Europe. While I’ve usually addressed this topic solely from the perspective of students enrolled in U.S. higher ed institutions, it was an opportunity to share my thoughts with an audience likely to ..read more

Written over a year ago, I have to say that my comments have largely come to pass. And yet, we remain in a time of tremendous flux – both for our field and with respect to the job market on campuses and in non-academic organizations. My advice: with more openings just beginning to appear, now is the time to aggressively engage in a job search. Most importantly, touch base with your professional colleagues and friends and let them know you are actively looking!! Do not assume they know that. Remain flexible, if possible, about geography. I think the job market will remain in flux throughout ..read more

In a recently released report by the American Council on Education, https://www.acenet.edu/Documents/International-Student-Inclusion-Success.pdf, there’s some good news: “About two-thirds (68 percent) of respondents agree that “American college students benefit when they have close and regular contact with students from other countries.” The proportion of respondents indicating agreement with this statement increased by eight percentage points since the 2017 survey.” And some bad: “Whether used to inform formal advocacy or to “make the case” to a wider audience on campus and in local communiti ..read more

Although retired, I have maintained my membership with NAFSA; in fact, I’ve been a member since 1977- over four decades. Many followers of my blog are also members or perhaps know of the association and its preeminent work in the field of international education. It is the largest organization of its kind in the world. In recent years, annual conferences usually have had upwards of 9-10,000 participants. That is, until 2020… Some of my oldest friends are a result of my ties to the mission of NAFSA . I built my reputation largely as a result of my collaboration with campus and organizational co ..read more

Thanks for posting about your internship experience in response to what Davina Potts wrote on my blog. I’m glad her research and analysis helped you to think in a purposeful way about the meaningfulness of your internship. -Marty Tillman ..read more

Written last July – am I seeing this issue differently now that we are entering the end-time of this academic year? I don’t know, but, there has been a consistent effort to foretell the future of higher education and of prospects for a transformation of campus culture as a result of the pandemic. Both the classes of 2019 and 2020 are going to find that their short-term professional aspirations/career goals have been radically altered due to the pandemic. No doubt, it was take longer for students to pay down their debt because it is going to take longer than anticipated to find solid ground ..read more

It’s a new year, and with it comes renewed hope for a return to a world robust with international exchange and study abroad. However, turbulent times and widespread job insecurity are not yet over in the field of international education. Uncertainty remains wide spread among international educators – both in the U.S. and abroad. Are you, or someone you know, experiencing job insecurity in the field of international education? If so, I encourage you to consider joining a virtual Listening Circle, a free program developed by members of the NAFSA Association of International Educators Phase II: C ..read more