Safety Abroad

Summit

2026

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> World-Class Training

Innovation solutions and thought leadership for international education safety, health, security and risk management.

> SafeAbroad Awards

Join us in nominating and congratulating the international education safety champions of the year.

Call for Speakers 2026

We’re looking for engaging speakers and expert practitioners. Proposals are open.

Submit Your Proposal

Training Sessions & Topics

October, 2026

Health, safety, security and risk management for international education

Join us at the Safety Abroad Summit for comprehensive training sessions and insightful discussions on essential topics in health, safety, security, and risk management for international education. Our expert speakers will cover a range of crucial areas, including risk management strategies, crisis response protocols, ensuring student safety, and promoting diversity in international education. 

Stay tuned for updates on our agenda, packed with valuable information and resources to enhance your understanding and practice of safety abroad. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to strengthen your knowledge and network with professionals in the field.

Learning Objectives

  • Develop strategies for anticipating, identifying, and mitigating potential crises to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
  • Acquire techniques for promoting emotional well-being and resilience among students during their international education journey.
  • Learn how to assess and strengthen program resiliency to ensure its long-term success and positive impact on participants.
  • Understand best practices for continuous program evaluation and improvement to meet the evolving needs of students and stakeholders.
  • Cultivate an inclusive program environment that embraces diversity and study abroad safety, empowering underrepresented students to fully participate and thrive.

Sponsors

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Previous Speakers, Panelists & Topics

Meet our lineup of expert speakers and experienced panelists

Linda Weissgold

Former Deputy Director for Analysis
at the CIA

Bio

Christopher Daniel

Director for Global Health, Safety and Security at Michigan State University

Bio

Linda Weissgold: Safely Navigating a Complex World

Linda Weissgold, former Deputy Director of Analysis at the CIA, lent her expertise to the realm of international education at the SafeAbroad Summit in 2023 as a keynote speaker. She discussed practices for students and faculty, equipping them to confidently navigate the intricacies of a complex global landscape. Linda’s unique insights empowered attendees with invaluable tools for success in the international education arena.

Christopher Daniel: Building Resilient Programs Abroad – It Takes a Team

Christopher Daniel discussed the core principles behind creating robust study abroad programs that weather challenges effectively at the SafeAbroad Summit in 2023. Through 10 actionable steps, gleaned from real-world experiences and research, this session highlighted the critical significance of teamwork in program resilience. His speech explored how intentional partnerships, comprehensive preparation, and ongoing support ensure a transformative and secure study abroad journey for students.

Robert Reeves

Division Chief at the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Office of Overseas Citizen Services

Bio

Robert Reeves: Helping U.S. Citizens Abroad

Robert Reeves, a Division Chief at the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Office of Overseas Citizen Services, illuminated the crucial support systems in place for U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad at our 2023 SafeAbroad Summit. With a distinguished career in the Foreign Service, including extensive consular service across diverse global regions, Reeves brought firsthand experience to his discussion of the wide range of services offered by U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas. Attendees will gained insights into valuable messaging products developed by the Department of State, designed to provide both comprehensive background information and timely updates on foreign countries. Additionally, the presentation covered the essential process of registering overseas travel with the nearest U.S. mission, ensuring the safety and well-being of U.S. citizens abroad. This session proved to be an invaluable resource for anyone concerned about the safety and support available to U.S. citizens navigating foreign territories.

2023 Panel: Safeguarding Students Abroad - Crisis Management for Universities

Our panel of experts: Todd Lee Goen, Mandy Reinig, LaSharon McLean Perez, and Sonja Lind, moderated by Allison Mahr delved into the realm of crisis management for universities overseeing student experiences abroad. This panel explored proactive strategies and collaborative measures that universities can adopt to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of students during their global journeys.

Todd Lee Goen

Director of Global Education and Senior International Officer at Virginia Military Institute

Bio

Mandy Reinig

Director of Global Engagement
at Virginia Wesleyan
University

Bio

LaSharon McLean Perez

Assistant Director for Education Abroad at the University of California, Riverside

Bio

Sonja Lind

Assistant Director of Education Abroad at the University of California, Riverside

Bio

Allison Mahr

Operations Manager and
Senior Intelligence Analyst at SafeAbroad

Bio

2023 Panel: Mental Health Matters – Prioritizing Student Wellness in International Education

Our panel of experts: Landes Holbrook, Barbara Lindeman, Elisabet Raquel Garcia, and Dr. Laura Thompson, moderated by Leanne Johnson, explored the pivotal role of student well-being in the realm of international education. We delved into the strategies, challenges, and collaborative efforts needed to prioritize and nurture students’ mental health during their global learning experiences. This panel provided insights into fostering a supportive environment that promotes both academic growth and emotional resilience for students abroad.

Leanne Johnson

Director of International Risk Management at the University of Maryland

Bio

Landes Holbrook

Council Member for the Overseas Security Advisory Council
(OSAC)

Bio

Barbara Lindeman

Director of International Health, Safety and Security at the University of Missouri, Columbia

Bio

Elisabet Raquel García

Global
Education DEI
Specialist

Bio

Laura Thompson

Founder of The Mental Health Team and Co-Founder of P3 Mental Health Advisors

Bio

... With More to Come!

We’re enlisting fresh faces on a rolling basis. Keep an eye out for updates!

Live Online Engagement

Not your average “webinar.” This summit is hands-on with participant involvement, networking, video chats, and more!

Interactive Panels
Rated 5 out of 5
Networking Opportunities
Rated 5 out of 5
Q&A
Rated 5 out of 5

SafeAbroad

Awards

Recognizing Your Achievements

Nominate yourself or a colleague to be recognized as a leader in international safety. All nominations are subject to review and vote by our Advisory Board.

International Education Safety Champion of the Year

Awarded to an international education leader that exemplifies distinguished excellence in health, safety, security, and risk management.

Analyst of the Year

Awarded to a safety or security analyst embedded in an international education team for their significant contributions to their team and/or the industry.

Innovator of the Year

Awarded to a trailblazing individual or team who uses technology, analytics, and/or intelligence to enrich their institution’s safety and risk management programs.

Safety & Security Program of the Year

Awarded to an institution or team who has developed state-of-the-art safety and security protocols and resources for their students abroad.

Health & Wellness Program of the Year

Awarded to an institution or team who has developed industry-leading health and wellness protocols and resources for their students abroad.

Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year

Recognizing outstanding commitment to DEI-focused safety and security in international education, ensuring the well-being and protection of marginalized identity groups

Nomination Form

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Training Attendee
Training Attendee
The Forum on Education Abroad
"This was an excellent and informative session, perhaps the best I have attended in years. I appreciated a list of OSINT resources to check out."
Training Attendee
Training Attendee
The Forum on Education Abroad
"One of the best presentations I've attended; excellent information and presented extremely effectively."

- The Forum on Education Abroad: Best Practices for Health, Safety, Security & Risk Management

Tickets

Don’t miss out. Reserve your seat today.

Single

$300

Early Bird

Until June, 2026

$200

Group

4+ tickets

$150/ea

Join us in October 2026

summit@safeabroad.org

+1.929.515.7233

Pre-Register for 2026!

Call for Speakers

Submit your proposal.

Linda Weissgold

Former Deputy Director for Analysis at the CIA

Linda Weissgold was the CIA’s Deputy Director for Analysis from March 2020 until April 2023. In that role, she was responsible for the quality of all-source intelligence analysis at the CIA and for the professional development of the officers who produce it. During her 37-year career at CIA, Linda was part of the creation and delivery of intelligence analysis on a variety of complex issues and in multiple settings. Before the 9/11 terrorist attacks, she was an analyst and leader of analytic programs focused on the Middle East. Immediately afterward, she was among those that volunteered for counterterrorism assignments. The units she guided, including as the head of the CIA’s Office of Terrorism Analysis, generated insights that informed US policy and operations across multiple Administrations and helped to identify Usama Bin Laden’s location and the rise of ISIS. For more than two years, she served as President George W. Bush’s intelligence briefer. A skilled communicator experienced in the coverage of urgent and controversial issues, Linda is a proven teacher and champion of analytic tradecraft, integrity, and objectivity in intelligence analysis. She is widely recognized for her unwavering dedication to the CIA’s national security mission and its officers.

Christopher Daniel

Director for Global Health, Safety and Security at Michigan State University

Christopher C. Daniel is the founding Director for Global Health, Safety, and Security at Michigan State University (MSU). In this role, he oversees preparedness and response for MSU’s incoming and outbound traveling population working with a broad range of university partners and stakeholders to help keep the MSU community safe, secure, and healthy. Chris has worked globally with NGOs, governments, the private sector, and multi-lateral organizations designing and leading public service, security, and humanitarian programs.

Chris comes from Daniel Consulting, LLC, a company he launched to provide specialized security, humanitarian, emergency management, and business development services. He has experience in security risk assessment, disaster preparedness, and response with a focus on innovative strategies utilizing leading-edge technologies to mitigate risk and respond to emergencies. He has worked for and partnered with the US Peace Corps, USAID, the United Nations, OSAC, Catholic Relief Services, World Vision, NDMS Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, the US Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC, the US Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, and the RI Department of Health – Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response.

Chris began his career in the US Peace Corps working on public health and water and sanitation projects in the rainforests of eastern Cameroon. He has worked throughout Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He holds a BA in communications from the University of San Diego and an MA in International Environmental Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. He is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) by the International Association of Emergency Managers and extensively trained in the National Incident Management System (NIMS). His language skills include French, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. Chris is committed to volunteerism and supports causes promoting maternal and public health, girls’ education, social entrepreneurship, community development, and humanitarian response across the globe.

Robert Reeves

Division Chief at the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Office of Overseas Citizen Services

Robert Reeves is a Division Chief covering East Asia and the Pacific at the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Office of Overseas Citizen Services. He joined the Department of State in 2006 as a career Foreign Service Officer. He has served much of his career in overseas consular assignments in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, during which he provided both routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens.

The highest priority of the Bureau of Consular Affairs is to protect the lives and serve the interests of U.S. citizens abroad. Across the globe, they serve fellow citizens during some of their most important moments – births, adoptions, medical emergencies, deaths, arrests, and disasters. They also help U.S. citizens connect with the world by issuing millions of U.S. passports each year. They keep the country safe and help foreign nationals connect with the United States by issuing visas to qualified visitors, workers, and immigrants. Led by the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Office is proud to be the public face of the Department of State, representing the best of U.S. values to millions of people around the world.

“We are here to serve you.”

Todd Lee Goen

Director of Global Education and Senior International Officer at Virginia Military Institute​

Todd Lee Goen is Director of Global Education and Senior International Officer at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) where his responsibilities include oversight for education abroad, international student and scholar support services, international grant/program management, and strategic planning and initiatives for campus internationalization.

Goen previously held full-time faculty positions at Christopher Newport University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, and Clemson University, teaching courses in human communication and quantitative research. His previous university administrative leadership includes: Faculty Director for Cultural Communication Competence in Benelux, Internship Director, Public Speaking Coordinator, Chair of International Studies Advisory Committee (the oversight committee for campus internationalization), and Vice-Chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

Goen is an active member of a number of professional organizations. He is currently the Chair of the NAFSA (Association of International Educators) Academy, following a year as Chair Designate and two years as the Region VIII Academy Coach. He is a member of NAFSA’s Trainer Corps and an IDI Qualified Administrator. His service to the Southern States Communication Association (SSCA) includes four years as chair of Resource Development Committee (raising over $52,000 during his tenure), two years as parliamentarian, and three years in the chair streams for the Interpersonal and Community Theory Divisions. He is currently secretary of the Intercultural Communication Division. He routinely volunteers as a judge and parliamentarian for speech and debate tournaments, and with community organizations to improve their intercultural relations. Goen’s research interests focus on interpersonal and family relationships and their intersections with nonverbal behavior and intercultural contexts.

Goen’s scholarly accomplishments include over seventy-five presentations, and service as journal, conference, and grant reviewers. His published works appear in Communication Research Reports, Family Science Review, and the Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, and Perspective. Goen is an Honors College Graduate with a BA in Computer Science, French, and Vocational Ministry from Harding University, holds an MA in Communication from the University of Arkansas, and completed all coursework toward a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Georgia. He is the 2020 recipient of SSCA’s John I Sisco Excellence in Teaching Award and the 2022 recipient of NAFSA’s Lily von Klemperer Award for supporting and strengthening professional development in education abroad.

Mandy Reinig

Director of Global Engagement at Virginia Wesleyan University

Mandy Reinig is the Director of Global Engagement at Virginia Wesleyan University. At VWU, she manages a one-person office that oversees both outbound and inbound students. She is working to increase study away participation through means of diversity and inclusion, bringing the institution in line with best practices, and developing new partnerships that create a more robust international education experience. Additionally, Reinig provides incoming international students immigration support and intercultural programming.

In Reinig’s more than 15 years in the field, she has assisted numerous institutions in developing and implementing high quality study abroad courses, including providing training for faculty instructors and assisting and overseeing her institutions’ risk management plans. Reinig presents often on topics related to health and safety, diversity and inclusion, and technology within the international education field. She is highly involved in NAFSA, serving on Trainer Corps, and also has been a member of OSAC’s ASC (Academia Sector Committee).

LaSharon McLean Perez

Assistant Director for Education Abroad at the University of California, Riverside

LaSharon McLean Perez is the Assistant Director for Education Abroad at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). She has been at the forefront of international education, providing service not only to the university and students but actively involved in the community and international-related organizations. She is the current NAFSA Region XII Southern District Chair-Elect. She has served as the NAFSA Conference Chair Coach and on the NAFSA Region XII Southern District team and Region XII team, co-presented at several regional conferences, and serves on the Advisory Board for Lessons from Abroad. She completed her BA in Theatre at UCR and her Italian minor at the Università per Stranieri di Siena in Siena, Italy. She continued her educational pursuit, completing two graduate degrees (MA and Graduate Diploma) in Sydney, Australia at the University of New South Wales, a MFA at UCR; and a MEd at Jones International University.

Sonja Lind

Assistant Director for Education Abroad at the University of California, Riverside

Sonja Lind is an Assistant Director of Education Abroad at the University of California, Riverside, where she focuses on faculty-led program development and coordination, including scholarship support and risk assessment. For over seven years, Sonja has worked as an education abroad coordinator and director at four public universities in California. She is a triple citizen (Norway, Canada, and the U.S.) who has traveled to just under 50 countries and lived in six, including Kenya, England, and South Korea.

Allison Mahr

Operations Manager and Senior Intelligence Analyst at SafeAbroad

Allison Mahr is the Operations Manager and a Senior Intelligence Analyst at SafeAbroad. Allison is skilled in intelligence analysis, research, writing, and OSINT. In her role as Operations Manager, Allison manages and coordinates operational activities within the company and oversees SafeAbroad’s interns. 

Allison’s studies in International Affairs, National Security, and Russian Language and Culture Studies have given her a deep understanding of US-Russian relations. She has developed a strong foundation in the history and dynamics of the relationship between these two countries and is skilled in analyzing the security implications of their interactions. As she seeks her Master’s, Allison is focusing on further deepening her knowledge and expertise in this area, with a particular emphasis on the security impact on Europe.

Leanne Johnson

Director of International Risk Management at the University of Maryland

Leanne Johnson has worked in international travel risk management and higher education since 2007. As the Director of International Risk Management at the University of Maryland, she oversees health, safety, security and crisis response for international travelers. She is a member of Pulse, the Overseas Advisory Council and its Academic Sector Group, the Forum on Education Abroad, and the University Risk Management and Insurance Association.

Before coming to UMD, Leanne was the Assistant Director for the Global Perspective Program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She has also worked for the City of Riverside, CA, the CA 51st Assembly District, the Pacific Council on International Policy, the Peace Corps, and the Clinton Administration. She completed her own study abroad experience in Yaounde, Cameroon. She earned a master’s degree in international communication from American University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington Adventist University.

Landes Holbrook

Council Member for the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)

Landes Holbrook manages all security, safety, health and mental health of all BYU international travelers and programming abroad. He represents the University as key contact for government, non-government, and other professional organizations who interface with BYU internationally. Holbrook has served in leadership roles at various professional organizations with a focus on international security, health, safety, risk and programming who set standards (NAFSA, FORUM, PULSE, URMIA, OSAC). He currently serves as a Council Member for the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). Holbrook has directed programs to Paraguay, Mexico, Spain, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic.

Barbara Lindeman

Director of International Health, Safety and Security at the University of Missouri, Columbia

Barbara Lindeman, M.S., serves as the Director of International Health, Safety and Security at the University of Missouri, Columbia. She frequently presents and publishes about strengthening mental health support for education abroad participants, risk assessment and mitigation, and legal issues impacting the field of international education.

Lindeman served as editor and co-author of Best Practices in Addressing Mental Health Issues Affecting Education Abroad Participants (NAFSA 2017). She co – chaired the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Academia Sector Committee (ASC) Mental Health Initiative and edited and co-authored the OSAC ASC Mental Health Toolkit (2020). An active member of Pulse: International Safety and Security Professionals in Higher Education, NAFSA, and the Forum on Education Abroad, she represented Pulse on the Forum on Education Abroad and NAFSA Joint Task Force to update the Responsible Education Abroad: Best Practices for Health, Safety, and Security (2021).

Her international experiences include study at Beijing Language and Culture University and teaching at Tunghai University in Taichung, Taiwan.

Elisabet Raquel García

Global Education DEI Specialist

Elisabet Raquel García was a first-gen, low-income student turned 4x scholar abroad, now Global Education DEI Specialist. She founded her company, Access Equitable Education, to help equip the fields of higher education and international education better serve historically underserved students.

Elisabet has worked with different international education programs every year since 2016 and is a strong believer that DEI and health and safety go hand-in-hand. Since her time beginning her career as a 2x study abroad intern at UC Santa Cruz, she has worked with both the U.S. Department of State and the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations to further their international exchange programs. Elisabet and her work have been featured by UC Santa Cruz Global Learning, Terra Dotta, Go Overseas, NAFSA, Diversity Abroad, and so much more. These days, you can find Elisabet working on-site of international education programs, presenting and speaking on international panels, and writing remotely in the great company of her cats, from her home in East Los Angeles.

Laura Thompson

Founder of The Mental Health Team and Co-Founder of P3 Mental Health Advisors

Laura is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Boulder, Colorado. Since 1994, she has worked with the emerging adult population within university settings, both nationally and internationally. Laura is the Founder of The Mental Health Team and a Co-Founder of P3 Mental Health Advisors. For over seven years, she has served as a mental health consultant and conducted trainings for a wide range of programs and organizations including study abroad, secondary and higher education, outdoor and experiential education, gap year, volunteer and service learning, and camps. Laura also teaches graduate courses in counseling for New York University.

Laura holds a Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education from Syracuse University. At Syracuse, she also earned a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Addiction Studies. Additionally, she holds a M.A. in Counseling and Educational Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Laura considers herself to be a global citizen. As a student, she participated in study programs in both Mexico and Spain. She also worked in Europe for 7 ½ years. She has served as a staff member on three Semester at Sea voyages (most recently as a Counselor on the Spring 2019 voyage) and has visited over 50 countries in the world.

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