The field of international training and education is vast. From creating a welcoming environment for international students in the US to roles in nonprofit organizations focusing on equity and advocacy, professionals in this field enjoy many options.
The diverse roles held by alumni from American University’s (AU’s) Master of Arts (MA) in International Training and Education Program (ITEP) demonstrate the many career options available to impact international training and education. They work in varied organizations worldwide in such positions as Peace Corps Municipal and Community Development Volunteer in Niger, training specialist for the Department of Homeland Security’s TSA division, and English as a Foreign Language teacher in Mongolia. As current student Ansilta de Luca ’25 puts it: “This program has allowed me to explore topics within international education without having limitations of other types of programs that specialize in certain fields.”
This article explores career possibilities within international education administration and related fields, showing the different paths you can pursue with an ITEP from AU.
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Education Administration Jobs
Today’s globalized world is creating a growing demand for qualified professionals who can address issues and work collaboratively with international peers. Education administrators and leaders play a vital role in preparing students at all levels—from early learners to higher education—to thrive in this environment and compete for jobs both inside and outside of schools.
Higher Education Administration Jobs
International student programs and study-abroad opportunities enhance campus diversity and cross-cultural understanding. Higher education administration jobs available to international education master’s graduates include the following:
- International student advisors assist international students throughout their academic journey, helping with visas, immigration regulations, and cultural adjustment.
- Study abroad advisors help domestic students navigate opportunities for studying abroad, including program selection, application processes, academic credit transfer, and pre-departure orientation.
- International programs managers oversee international collaborations. Their responsibilities can include forming partnerships with foreign universities, coordinating faculty exchanges, and overseeing grants and scholarships.
The ITEP from AU prepares you for a career in higher education administration. ITEP graduates work as advisors, program coordinators, managers, and directors for universities and international exchange organizations. Anna Lippard, ’14, works as an International Services Specialist with F-1 and J-1 international students at Southern Methodist University. Her duties include immigration advising and cultural/educational programming.
Remote Education Administration Jobs
Working in education administration doesn’t necessarily mean traveling to campus every day; many jobs can also be done remotely. If you want to work remotely, a role focused on international student recruitment could be a good fit. International student recruitment specialists use online platforms to recruit international students, establish partnerships with educational agencies abroad, and develop marketing strategies to attract prospective students.
Social and Community Learning Specialist Jobs
International education professionals specializing in social and community learning work to address educational inequalities, foster social inclusion, and empower communities.
Social and community learning specialist jobs in international education include:
- Community education coordinators partner with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) partner to develop and execute community-based educational programs. These programs empower marginalized communities, foster literacy, and encourage lifelong learning.
- Youth development specialists design and facilitate youth-focused training and education initiatives, like life skills workshops and vocational training programs.
- International development consultants advise NGOs on international education policies, project planning, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes in developing countries.
Many AU ITEP graduates work in social and community learning-focused roles. Emily Bird, ’15, works as a business development manager at Plan International, designing projects focusing on child-centered development and youth participation. Alumna Jamie Bussey, ’13, serves as deputy director for the International Rescue Committee, a humanitarian organization that assists communities affected by conflict and disaster.
Organizational Development Jobs in Education
Organizational development professionals help educational institutions operate more effectively. Working independently or with consulting firms, they design organizational development strategies, cross-cultural exchange programs, international partnerships, and projects to promote global citizenship and intercultural understanding.
The ITEP from AU equips students with the skills to research, evaluate, discuss, and contextualize pressing global education issues, preparing them for organizational development jobs. Brinton Ramsey, ITEP ’93, currently works as a Senior Consultant at Education First, an international education company offering study abroad, language learning, cultural exchange, and academic programs worldwide.
Careers in Education Policy & Government
International training and education specialists play a critical role in shaping our nation’s educational policies. Striving for an inclusive, fair, and diverse approach, they help to create a coordinated and effective system. Government and policy-related roles in international education include:
- International education policy analysts conduct research, analyze data, and provide policy recommendations in such areas as education accessibility and quality standards.
- International program officers design, implement, and manage international education programs and initiatives within government agencies or nonprofit organizations.
- Policy advisors for international education affairs advise government agencies or policymakers on matters related to international education, including cross-border collaboration, student mobility, global competency, and international partnerships.
Many AU ITEP alumni choose to pursue jobs with government agencies upon graduation. Shelley Stinelli, ITEP ’13, serves as Senior Advisor in the US Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs’ Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking.
Gain a Global Perspective: Benefits of an Internationally Focused Master of Arts in Education
The international education field is broad, with job opportunities in higher education, NGOs, government agencies, and private organizations. American University’s ITEP exposes students to the social theories that have shaped educational institutions, policies, and practices globally. It also teaches them how to design and deliver training programs. In their culminating capstone project, students design and implement a training, curriculum, research paper, or evaluation in a context relevant to their professional interests and goals.
Additional Training: Specialized Pathways and Graduate Certificates
AU’s ITEP offers students specialized pathway options and an optional graduate certificate in training design and facilitation, enabling them to align their degrees with their interests and career aspirations.
The program offers three pathway options:
- International education development: This pathway prepares students to research, evaluate, discuss, and contextualize pressing global education issues. It equips students with the skills to pursue careers in policy development, advocacy, research and evaluation, and program management.
- Training for change: This pathway prepares students to serve as social change agents. Skills learned apply to various roles in education institutions and agencies that facilitate teacher training, programming for newcomer communities, nonformal and refugee education, and youth development.
- Internationalization and exchange: This pathway caters to students interested in the interchange and movement of people and ideas across cultures. Coursework emphasizes the history, politics, and changing nature of exchange, study abroad policies and practices, student mobility, internationalization efforts in higher education, and intercultural program management. Graduates work for universities and international exchange organizations as advisors, program coordinators, managers, and directors.
Take the Next Step: Start Your Master’s Degree Journey at AU
Enrolling in a specialized MA program represents a purposeful next step toward advancing your international education career. AU’s ITEP offers unique opportunities to help prepare you for a job in policy development, higher education, or nonprofit organizations. As current student Maddy Crawford explains, “Being at AU has provided me with opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise… I’ve been able to expand my experiences and network through the ITEP program.”
To learn more about the ITEP, request information online. If you’re ready to take the next step, start your application today.
