This Spotlight On features Jason Kinnear, Associate Dean of Study Abroad & Exchanges at UNC Chapel Hill. With years of experience leading student groups across the globe, Jason brings a deeply practical perspective to international education and safety. From setting clear expectations and building student trust to navigating emergencies abroad, his approach underscores the importance of preparation, empathy, and strong partnerships. Jason goes on to talk about the challenges associated with balancing students’ sense of adventure with adherence to safety protocols. He also looks to the future, addressing emerging challenges such as anti-American sentiment and the need for identity-based safety resources.

This Spotlight On features Christina Sanchez, Associate Provost for Global Engagement at California Lutheran University. With a career spanning student affairs, residence life, teaching, and intercultural communication, Christina has developed an insightful perspective on global engagement and international education. Drawing on both academic training and firsthand experiences abroad, she emphasizes the importance of integrating global learning across the curriculum and preparing students emotionally as well as academically for intercultural challenges. At Cal Lutheran, this holistic approach informs not only student advising but also faculty preparation, risk management, and the broader mission of campus internationalization. This approach helps produce the global leaders of tomorrow.

This Spotlight On features Dr. Greg Muger, Director of Student Experience at Pepperdine University’s International Programs Office. With a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change and over two decades of experience in leadership and education, Dr. Muger brings a powerful combination of vision, empathy, and operational expertise to his work. Having worked in over 40 countries, he offers a truly global perspective on student engagement and risk management. Since 2014, he has been pivotal in shaping the direction of Pepperdine’s international programs, ensuring that students and faculty have safe, transformative experiences abroad. In this conversation, we explore Dr. Muger’s approach to safety, leadership during crisis, and how to foster meaningful cultural immersion while maintaining a strong foundation of care and preparedness.

In this Spotlight On interview, Leah delves into the comprehensive training programs she oversees for faculty and staff involved in study abroad programs. She emphasizes the critical role these programs play in equipping faculty to handle the multifaceted responsibilities they assume abroad, including health, safety, and student affairs. She also highlights the value of interactive workshops, drawing on real-world examples and external expertise to fuel continuous feedback and ensure the training remains effective and responsive to emerging trends and faculty needs.

In this “Spotlight On” interview, LaSharon McLean Perez, Assistant Director for Education Abroad at UC Riverside, outlines her holistic approach to pre-departure preparation. She details a multi-touchpoint program that includes selection maintenance seminars, financial literacy workshops, and safety and wellness training in partnership with SafeAbroad. Lasharon emphasizes the importance of tailored safety training for various destinations and building trust with students to encourage proactive reporting of safety concerns, and the need to keep students informed and supported throughout their time abroad.

In this edition of Spotlight On, Emily Rittenberg, co-founder of Being Well Abroad, discusses the crucial role of psychological flexibility in international education. She explains how this concept, derived from acceptance and commitment therapy, helps students manage distressing thoughts and emotions during their study abroad experiences. Emily emphasizes the importance of pre-departure mental health education and highlights the need for thorough staff training in mental health support and crisis management. By fostering a proactive approach to mental health, Emily aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for students, ultimately enhancing their resilience and overall experience abroad.

In this insightful edition of “Spotlight On,” we sit down with Allie Oberoi, the Associate Director for Global Safety and Risk Management at Virginia Tech, to explore the multifaceted challenges she faces while supporting student travel for research purposes. With a portfolio of approximately 4500 travelers annually, Allie shares her strategies for managing travel risk as a one-person operation.