Partnerships Are Everywhere, But How Can We Measure Them? 

Through a New Survey, IIE Is Building the First Global Picture of International Academic Partnerships 

International partnerships have become one of the defining strategies for higher education institutions seeking to expand research, student mobility, workforce development, and global engagement. Yet despite their growing importance, the field lacks reliable global data on how these partnerships are structured, managed, and evolving. Without comparable data, institutions have limited ability to benchmark their efforts, identify emerging trends, or make evidence-based decisions. 

To expand the body of knowledge in this under-researched space, IIE’s Center for International Partnerships (CIP) has launched the comprehensive International Partnership Landscape Survey (IPLS), the first survey solely dedicated to understanding international partnerships in higher education on a global scale. The survey, aimed at higher education professionals, examines why institutions pursue partnerships, how they manage them, where collaboration is expanding, and what challenges and opportunities are shaping the future of international engagement. Over time, the survey will produce comparative data that can help institutions strengthen their partnership strategies and provide researchers, policymakers, and organizations with a valuable resource for understanding global trends in higher education.  

The survey is being conducted in regional stages to capture both global and local perspectives. Stage 2 is now underway across East Asia and the Pacific, expanding the project’s reach while generating new insights into one of the world’s most dynamic higher education regions. 

To support this effort, the CIP is collaborating with the experts at the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) who helped tailor the survey to reflect the region’s unique higher education landscape and partnership ecosystem. APAIE will also lead outreach efforts throughout East Asia and the Pacific, helping to ensure broad institutional participation and robust regional data. Together, IIE and APAIE aim to deepen understanding of how institutions can build stronger, more sustainable, and more impactful international partnerships. 

The survey builds on the success of Stage 1, which launched in fall 2025 and gathered responses from higher education institutions in Canada, Europe, and the United States. The Stage 1 responses suggest that international partnerships are becoming more strategic, more institutionally integrated, and more closely aligned with long-term organizational priorities. 

Three themes emerged from the initial data. 

• First, institutions are professionalizing partnership management. More than half of respondents reported having a dedicated institutional partnership manager, while 80% maintain centralized databases to track international partnerships. These findings suggest that institutions increasingly view partnerships as a strategic institutional function supported by dedicated leadership and infrastructure. 

• Second, institutions are expanding their geographic engagement. More than half of respondents reported maintaining partnerships in every region of the world, reflecting a broad commitment to global collaboration. 

• Finally, partnerships themselves are becoming more multifaceted. Once centered primarily on student mobility, they now frequently encompass collaborative research, faculty exchanges, virtual learning, institutional planning, and shared outreach initiatives. This evolution reflects a broader understanding of partnerships as long-term strategic relationships that support multiple dimensions of institutional success.  

Higher education institutions across East Asia and the Pacific are encouraged to participate in Stage 2 of the IIE International Partnership Landscape Survey, which remains open through October 1, 2026. Access the survey here to participate. By sharing their experiences, institutions will help to build a richer understanding of international partnerships and strengthen the evidence base that supports global higher education collaboration for years to come. 

IIE gratefully acknowledges the expertise and dedication of the survey leads and the International Partnership Landscape Survey Advisory Council, whose guidance have been instrumental in developing the survey.  

Survey Leads 

• Sylvia Jons, Director, IIE Center for International Partnerships 

• Susan Buck Sutton, IIE Center for International Partnerships Fellow 

• Cori Crisfield, Manager, IIE Center for International Partnerships 

• Kari Kuja, Senior Advisor to the CEO, IIE 

Advisory Council  

• Jane Gatewood, Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Services, Emory University 

• Robin Matross Helms, Vice President, Membership & Educational Services, The Association of Community Colleges Trustees (ACCT) 

• Jody Hoekstra-Selten, Knowledge Development Officer, European Association for International Education (EAIE) 

• Chad Hoseth, Assistant Vice Provost of International Affairs, Colorado State University 

• Louise Kinnaird, Executive Director, APAIE 

• Bill Lacy, Vice Provost Emeritus for University Outreach and International Programs, University of California Davis 

• Giorgio Marinoni, Manager of Higher Education and Internationalization, International Association of Universities 

• Mirka Martel, Head of Research, Evaluation & Learning, IIE 

This spring, as students celebrated graduation on campuses around the world, the Qatar Scholarship for Afghans Project (QSAP) recognized 74 talented and determined scholars who completed – or are expected to complete – their degrees during the 2025 – 26 academic year. Pursuing fields ranging from law to mechanical engineering, this year’s QSAP graduates earned degrees from more than 27 higher education institutions worldwide. To recognize this milestone, QSAP partners and supporters gathered for a virtual graduation ceremony on June 2, 2026. Through partnerships with higher educational institutions around the globe, QSAP provides students displaced from Afghanistan the opportunity to continue their education and pursue degrees outside their country of origin. 

“QSAP is a testament to the impact of international cooperation. Together with IIE’s partners, we have helped create pathways for Afghan students to continue their education and achieve this important milestone,” said Jonah Kokodyniak, IIE’s Executive Vice President. “Their success reflects both their resilience and the power of sustained global commitment to education.”

The graduates’ achievements were made possible through the support of the Afghan Future Fund (AFF), Education Above All Foundation (EAA), Qatar Fund for Development, the Institute of International Education, and the Yalda Hakim Foundation.  

These graduates join more than 400 QSAP scholars from Afghanistan who have pursued higher education at colleges and universities across North America and Europe since the program launched in 2021. 

Voices of QSAP Scholars

“Success that stops with us is incomplete. Let us continue opening doors for others.” 

Fawzia Mohammadi, QSAP Class of 2026, Master of Laws (LL.M.) Penn State Dickinson Law; Legal Assistant, Kakar Advocates Law Firm LLC, Kabul, Afghanistan

As these graduates begin professional careers or continue their academic journeys, they embody the QSAP’s mission of developing globally minded leaders who have demonstrated resilience, perseverance, and determination in the face of extraordinary challenges.

Follow the journey of QSAP scholars on the IIE Opening Minds Blog. Their education is transforming lives and helping shape a brighter future for Afghanistan.

At APAIE 2026, IIE Experts Led Five Sessions and Hosted a Reception for Global Partners  

The Asia-Pacific region is playing a key role in shaping the future of international higher education. At the 2026 Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference in Hong Kong, the Institute of International Education (IIE) reinforced its long-standing strategic partnerships and initiatives that create opportunities for universities, governments, students, and scholars in the region and worldwide. 

For more than 60 years, IIE has maintained deep engagement across the Asia-Pacific, supported by its offices and collaborations with universities, governments, and organizations throughout the region. With teams based in Bangkok, New Delhi, and other cities across East Asia and the Pacific, IIE works closely with stakeholders to strengthen global academic collaboration, support student mobility, and foster pathways to higher education. As demand for STEM skills increases, IIE has been selected to administer several in-demand, global education programs with a presence in the Asia-Pacific, including the following programs:  

• Ocean Futures Fellowship 

• Quad Fellowship 

• Avery Dennison Foundation EnviroChamp Fellowship 

• Korea-U.S. Special Exchange Program for STEM students (KORUS)  

• International Academic Partnership Program in Thailand 

IIE’s work also extends to those affected by crises such as displacement due to extreme weather and civil war; through its Crisis Response initiatives such as the Odyssey Scholarship and the Scholar Rescue Fund, IIE provides vital opportunities for the growing number of students and scholars affected by conflict, displacement, or unrest in this region. Since 2018, IIE’s Southeast Asia regional office in Bangkok has awarded more than 300 scholarships to refugees from Myanmar. 

The APAIE Conference brought together universities, policymakers, scholarship providers, and international education organizations to explore the theme, Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good. “International partnerships are evolving rapidly, and institutions need data-driven insights to navigate this changing landscape,” said Jonah Kokodyniak, Executive Vice President at IIE. “Through our collaboration with APAIE, we look forward to bringing stronger Asia-Pacific perspectives into the global conversation and providing governments and institutions with practical insights to build meaningful, sustainable partnerships.” 

Throughout the conference, IIE leaders shared their expertise, facilitated critical discussions in five sessions, and convened a global partners reception and corollary meetings.  

Expanding Opportunity for At-Risk Students and Scholars in the Region 

Extreme weather such as flooding and earthquakes and other long-term crises have displaced more than 17 million people throughout the Asia-Pacific. In the panel, Partnerships for the Global Good: Expanding Opportunity for At-Risk Students and Scholars, IIE President Jason Czyz joined global leaders to discuss the role of collaborative initiatives in supporting displaced and vulnerable learners. “Partnerships are the foundation of international education’s impact,” said Czyz. “When institutions, governments, and organizations work together across borders, we can support talented students and scholars and create opportunities for them to contribute to their communities and the world.” 

Other IIE-led sessions highlighted sustainable global student mobility programs, innovative models for collaboration, and pathways to higher education for students facing significant barriers. These discussions also emphasized how IIE’s Crisis Response initiatives like the Odyssey Scholarship provide tangible, life-changing support to learners navigating crises while reinforcing the broader role of strategic partnerships in international education.  

IIE Global E3 Consortium: Preparing Engineers for a Global Workforce  

APAIE provided a forum for IIE to engage members of the IIE Global E3 Consortium, a network of leading engineering institutions committed to expanding international mobility for engineering students. IIE hosted a Global E3 meetup, bringing together institutional representatives to exchange perspectives, reconnect, and explore opportunities for strengthening engineering exchange programs in the region. The gathering highlighted the consortium’s commitment to preparing engineers for a global workforce through international collaboration. 

Celebrating Global Partnerships 

Beyond formal sessions, APAIE offered an opportunity to reconnect with long-standing partners and cultivate new collaborations. IIE hosted a Global Partners Reception, welcoming more than 70 colleagues from universities, governments, and international organizations. The event recognized established partnerships and explored opportunities for collaboration, reinforcing IIE’s role as a trusted partner in the Asia-Pacific higher education ecosystem. 

Throughout the conference, IIE delegates met with universities, scholarship agencies, and global organizations to advance mission-aligned initiatives, including programs supporting scholars and students affected by crises. These engagements reflected the breadth of IIE’s work, from promoting global student mobility to ensuring that at-risk learners can continue their education. 

Looking Ahead 

Collaboration across institutions and sectors remains essential to strengthening research, fostering academic collaboration, and preparing students to thrive in a globally connected world. “Gatherings like APAIE remind us how interconnected our work is,” said Czyz. “The relationships built here lead to new collaborations, innovative programs, and new possibilities for students and scholars around the world.” 

As IIE continues its work with partners across Asia-Pacific and beyond, the organization remains committed to advancing both global academic collaboration and its Crisis Response initiatives, building pathways that connect talent, knowledge, and opportunity worldwide. 

April is Community College Month. Standing at the forefront of workforce development and local economic growth, community colleges are increasingly exposing and connecting students with international education opportunities. This strategy prepares students to be more competitive in the future global workforce. Competencies such as language skills, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate in a globally interconnected world are now essential in nearly every sector, from healthcare and advanced manufacturing to cybersecurity and business.

Open Doors data continue to underscore the reach and relevance of community colleges for both American students studying abroad and students who travel to the United States for study. More than 5,700 U.S. community college students studied abroad in 2023/24. Studying at a U.S. community college also holds global appeal, with international students traveling from nearly 200 countries across the world to pursue educational opportunities. Nearly 64,000 international students attended U.S. community colleges in 2023/24, representing approximately 5% of all international students nationwide.

Community colleges are at the forefront of ensuring that international education is accessible, workforce-relevant, and responsive to community needs. The IIENetwork, IIE’s membership association, serves as a strategic partner to many community colleges, connecting them to resources, visibility, funding opportunities, and an international network of peers working at the intersection of global learning and workforce development. Through opportunities made available exclusively to IIENetwork members, institutions gain the tools, recognition, funding access, and peer connections needed to scale their impact and prepare students for success in a global economy.

Why Peer-to-Peer Networking and Collaboration Matter for Community Colleges

Through IIENetwork membership, colleges join an international community that elevates institutional impact and student outcomes. Benefits include:

• Recognition and Visibility: IIENetwork members are eligible for prestigious honors such as the IIE Andrew Heiskell Awards for Innovation in International Education, which spotlight exemplary programs and raise institutional profiles nationally and globally.
• Grant and Funding Opportunities: Many IIE-administered initiatives, including the  American Passport Project and Emergency Student Fund, are exclusively available to IIENetwork members. These initiatives help institutions to remove financial barriers and expand student participation.
• Peer Learning and Best Practices: Members connect with industry experts and colleagues across institution types and regions, sharing models for internationalization that are scalable, equitable, and workforce aligned. The IIENetwork hosts numerous webinars each year, providing members with forums for thought leadership and information sharing.
• Thought Leadership Platforms: Community college leaders and practitioners also contribute to the semiannual IIENetworker magazine and the IIE Opening Minds Blog, ensuring their voices shape the broader international education field.

The IIE American Passport Project

The costs associated with studying abroad—including passport application fees—prevent a significant portion of American college students from embarking on the experience. IIE created the American Passport Project in 2020 to cover the costs associated with passport applications. To date, 25 community colleges have received Passport Project grants, enabling nearly 550 students to obtain their first U.S. passports and participate in international experiences.

Student voices reflect their motivations to participate in the career-shaping impact of these opportunities:

Cybersecurity is an important career and I want to see how it functions in other parts of the world.”

Bergen Community College Student

I would like to study medicine abroad and gain a better understanding of how forensics works outside of the United States.”

Mesa Community College

These experiences help students connect classroom learning to global career pathways, strengthening both confidence and employability.

Recognition Through the IIE Heiskell Awards

Through the Heiskell Award program, IIE has witnessed firsthand how community colleges directly align international education with career preparation.

Lone Star College received the Heiskell Award for Widening Access to International Education in 2025. Its Global EdVantage initiative has significantly expanded student participation in global learning while strengthening transfer success, career outcomes, and in-demand work skills for thousands of students throughout Texas. By integrating global coursework, faculty development, study abroad, virtual exchange, and co-curricular programming across the large, multi-campus system, the initiative illustrates how international education can be embedded in a range of student pathways, not just traditional study abroad terms. Read more to learn how the professionals at LSC built this comprehensive and scalable model.

Also last year, Texas’s Alamo Colleges District received the Heiskell Award for Strategic Partnerships for its International Nursing Pathway, developed with the Methodist Healthcare System and Tecmilenio University. This workforce-driven initiative addresses nursing shortages by preparing internationally trained nurses to meet U.S. licensure and practice standards. By integrating global education, employer engagement, and clear employment pathways, the program exemplifies how international partnerships can respond directly to labor market needs.

Building Career Skills Through Global Learning

Community colleges are advancing the conversation around global learning and workforce readiness through the IIENetworker magazine. In the Spring 2025 issue, Career Skills at the Core, Jonah Kokodyaniak, IIE’s Executive Vice President of Program Development and Partner Services, interviewed President Jenny Varner of Davidson-Davie Community College about embedding global competencies across academic and workforce programs. The article highlights how international curricula, study abroad, virtual exchange, and employer partnerships work together to prepare students for careers in globally connected industries.

Earlier issues have further reinforced these themes, including the Fall 2023 article, It’s About Priorities: Internationalization in Community Colleges, which emphasizes aligning global engagement with workforce development, enrollment strategy, and civic responsibility.

New Partner Resource

IIE affiliates Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) have produced and will soon release Global Learning in Community Colleges, a free, publicly accessible resource to help community, technical, and vocational colleges advocate for the value of global education. The report provides data and talking points that colleges can use with students, families, leaders, policymakers, employers, and the media to highlight the vital role community colleges play in preparing learners for a globally connected world. Learn more.

As community-rooted institutions, community colleges are uniquely positioned to ensure that global learning and relevant international experiences are not add-ons but practical and integral dimensions to student success and career readiness. We look forward to continuing to build pathways where global learning fuels workforce readiness and opportunities for all students.

IIE’s CEO, Jason Czyz, Convened an Expert Panel to Discuss the Role of International Education in Workforce Transformation  

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign—just two and a half hours outside of Chicago—something remarkable is happening: at any given time, hundreds of students and employers are collaborating to build solutions that meet disruption with innovation. Research Park was just one of the models that took center stage in IIE’s spotlight session, International Higher Education & Industry Partnerships: Shaping the Global Workforce, during the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., February 17-19.  

The urgency behind these partnerships is clear. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs reports, 65% of today’s primary school children will work in roles that don’t yet exist, and by 2030, 40% of workers’ skills will be obsolete or fundamentally transformed. In response, universities are partnering with employers to align academics, experiential learning, and research with the rapidly evolving needs of industries in the U.S. and abroad. Organizations like the Institute of International Education (IIE) help to design and implement programs that prepare learners for the future of work. IIE draws on its 107-year history of administering global scholarship programs, extensive university network, and evidence-based best practices. 

Related Report: Integrating AI in Higher Education

Bringing together insights from seven countries—Qatar, Colombia, Ghana, India, Kazakhstan, Spain, and the United States—the experts at World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) and IIE offer a nuanced look at how AI is reshaping higher education systems worldwide.

Read the Report

As an administrator of more than one hundred international exchange programs, higher education initiatives, and research studies, IIE tracks how universities, private sector companies, and governments invest in talent development across the globe. IIE’s CEO, Jason Czyz, led the discussion with leaders from business and higher education about the role of international education in workforce transformation. All agreed that deep collaboration between higher education and industry is essential. “We can’t predict exactly what the future of work will look like,” said Czyz. “But we can prepare students with versatile competencies that help them navigate ambiguity, adopt new technologies, and add value across industries.” 

Key Themes from the Conversation 

• Shared goals, shared investment, and shared infrastructure among partners amplify outcomes.  

• A global mindset is, indeed, a critical skill—both for students who will need to navigate an ambiguous future of work, and the people who educate them. 

• Work-integrated learning and applied research deepen the impact of global partnerships. 

What Successful Partnerships Look Like 

Each shared insights from their institutions’ most effective models:  

Medtronic Foundation: Liz Lund shared how Medtronic is demonstrating how businesses can lead with purpose and create opportunity at scale. Their ambitious initiative, Medtronic Spark, is a global 10-year commitment to propel 1 million students from low-income households into health tech careers. The Medtronic Spark Scholarship removes financial barriers for students pursuing degrees or credentials in health tech and related fields by providing financial assistance and access to support services. By opening doors to education, this scholarship empowers students to unlock their potential and shape the future of health. By working with IIE to offer the scholarship across 75+ countries and in 15 languages, the program has earned significant interest globally, raising awareness of the scholarship with more than 100,000 students and interested stakeholders worldwide! 

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Dr. Jones highlighted Research Park’s workforce ecosystem, built on interdisciplinary learning, experiential education, and strong industry engagement. With 120+ corporate partners, 2,000 employees, and 800+ student interns, the model produces measurable outcomes for students, employers, and regional industries. Stakeholders collaborate to advance R&D, develop new products, and incubate early‑stage ventures. 

Siam University: Dr. Mongkhonvanit urged leaders to view education as the connective tissue linking research, innovation, and industry. He described Thailand’s involvement in the Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HESD) initiative and other national efforts. “By building collaborative clustering systems—first nationally among institutions and industries leading the 10 most important research or innovation areas, then expanding internationally—mobility enables smoother research, innovation, internships, and capacity building.” 

A Call to Action 

All panelists agreed: the future global workforce will be shaped by institutions, industries, and governments that work together to build adaptive, mutually beneficial learning ecosystems. Strategic partnerships prepare graduates not only for jobs, but for lifelong learning in a world defined by rapid change. 

Their message was clear—deepen collaboration, reduce barriers, and invest in shared infrastructure that supports learners worldwide. By embracing this model, higher education and industry can jointly cultivate the resilient, innovative, globally minded workforce that the future demands. 

IIE Connects Campuses Worldwide and Helps Countries Meet Global Talent Demand  

Many countries increasingly view academic and professional exchanges as core to building skills, fostering innovation, and expanding their global influence. Educational exchange has been instrumental for governments seeking to foster bilateral cooperation, promote talent development, and raise economic competitiveness.  These international education initiatives cultivate leaders while also contributing to long‑term national development, advancement across STEM fields, and other national priorities. 

With targeted funding and in close cooperation, universities and governments can achieve multiple goals, including: 1) attracting high‑achieving students, particularly STEM, business, and language majors; 2) sending students to the United States to gain skills that contribute to national priorities; and 3) strengthening research collaboration and industry ties. The Institute of International Education (IIE) specializes in partnering with public and private sector organizations to design programs that advance these priorities, drawing on more than a century of expertise in scholarship program administration, a deep network of university connections around the world, and evidence‑based best practices. In addition to our long-standing work with premier international exchange programs such as Fulbright, we have partnered with esteemed global universities such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and NYU Abu Dhabi.  

National Priorities and Student Demand in STEM Fields 

Given the strong demand for STEM skills in today’s economy, it is important to understand the landscape of STEM education globally and within the United States.  

There are an estimated 7 million globally mobile students worldwide pursuing higher education—a number that has nearly doubled over the last two decades. STEM disciplines now dominate global student mobility (Project Atlas, 2025), with a strong demand for STEM degrees as well as study or intern abroad programs that prepare students for the future of work. 

U.S. institutions are responding to this demand according to the 2025 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. More than half of international students come to the U.S. for its world-class STEM degree programs. And more than one‑quarter of Americans studying abroad are STEM majors, including engineering (6%), health professions (6%), math or computer science (4%), and physical or life sciences (8%). This alignment creates a strong opening for governments seeking to advance workforce development, innovation ecosystems, and public–private collaboration through targeted mobility programs that feed into these objectives. 

How IIE Partners with Governments Worldwide 

For governments interested in expanding educational exchange with the United States, IIE is a go-to partner for designing, implementing, and scaling education partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes. 

Facilitating Strategic Partnerships 

Through a structured curriculum, best-fit matching, and facilitated dialogues, IIE’s Center for International Partnerships connects U.S. and international institutions around defined national priorities such as digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, and health innovation. 

Recent initiatives have involved R1 and regional public research universities, specialized technical colleges, community colleges, and private institutions, including: 

• Thailand: 16 Thai and 11 U.S. universities are exploring agreements focused on STEM education and the digital economy, engaging public and private U.S. universities. 
• Vietnam: 31 Vietnamese and 21 U.S. universities collaborated on engineering and semiconductor workforce development. 
• India: Five Indian and 17 U.S. universities explored branch campuses, edtech, and industry-aligned higher education partnerships. 
• Saudi Arabia: 80 Saudi and U.S. institutions participated in the inaugural Saudi-U.S. Higher Education Partnerships Forum to explore and strengthen educational collaboration. 

Engineering and Experiential Learning 

Study abroad among American engineering students has increased fivefold in 30 years, supported in part by IIE’s Global Engineering Education Exchange (Global E3) Consortium, which facilitates academic exchanges for engineering students between participating universities. Global E3 now includes nearly 70 top engineering schools across 69 countries. 

IIE also delivers experiential learning programs that connect mobility to careers. Through initiatives like the Korea‑U.S. Special Exchange Program for STEM (KORUS), students gain direct exposure to research hubs, technology firms, and innovation ecosystems, strengthening long‑term talent and bilateral industry and research links. 

Data-Driven Insights 

IIE’s Research, Evaluation and Learning Unit offers a suite of services and products, including survey design, administration, and analysis; custom data; white papers and policy briefs; reports; and program evaluations. These evidence‑based insights enable governments to develop strategic engagement with U.S. institutions and strengthen national talent pipelines. 

At IIE, we leverage our deep relationships with U.S. and global universities, expertise, and our international network of offices to design and deliver in-demand programming, resources, and services. Through the IIENetwork, for example, IIE convenes nearly 10,000 professionals from U.S. and international higher education institutions and organizations worldwide. We share best practices, host webinars and interactive discussions, and provide benefits such as first access to new data and student aid. Through this highly active, global network, IIENetwork members can stay on the cutting edge of higher education thought leadership and build relationships for fruitful collaboration. 

In addition, IIE’s Generation Study Abroad resource hub is a collection of study abroad resources for students, families, and international education professionals. In our ongoing commitment to increasing the number of students participating in study abroad, we centralize the key study abroad research and publications to equip stakeholders. This includes Making the Case for Study Abroad, a quick reference for key data and talking points demonstrating the high-impact and value of study abroad for students and institutions linking IIE research and other source information to reinforce important outcomes such as gaining global knowledge and skills, improving academic degree outcomes, and preparing for the workforce. 

Drive Impact with a Trusted Partner 

The future of educational exchange will not be shaped by student interest alone. Targeted investment, evidence‑based strategy, and international partnerships are what will expand access and align mobility with national workforce and diplomatic goals. 

For embassies and governments seeking to: 

• Attract U.S. STEM talent, 
• Deepen bilateral academic and research ties, 
• Support regional development, or 
• Build long‑term global talent pipelines, 

IIE offers the scale, expertise, and trusted infrastructure to move from policy vision to measurable results—often within a single academic cycle. With the right partners, student mobility can become a cornerstone of national talent strategy and international engagement. 

The Course is Part of a Suite of Capacity Building Programs that IIE Supports in Partnership with the Heritage Commission  

The Institute of International Education (IIE) partnered with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to conduct a transformative Underwater Cultural Heritage training course in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This initiative supports the Kingdom’s efforts to preserve submerged archaeological sites and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to promote heritage tourism, diversify the economy, and strengthen cultural identity. 

Training the Next Generation of Marine Archaeologists 

The two-week program trained Saudi heritage professionals in the identification, documentation, and conservation of underwater cultural heritage, including submerged artifacts, shipwrecks, and ancient coastal structures. Participants emerged as activated marine archaeologists, equipped to lead small-scale marine surveys and contribute to larger archaeological expeditions. 

• Week One: Led by Dr. Emad Khalil, UNESCO Chair for Underwater Archaeology, participants explored the historical relationship between humans and the sea, international protections for submerged heritage, and the unique challenges of underwater archaeology in the Red Sea and the Gulf. 

• Week Two: Practical sessions led by Francis Mallon at KAUST focused on archaeological scanning techniques, underwater photography, GIS applications in archaeology, and artifact conservation, providing hands-on experience in marine survey methodologies. 

Advancing Vision 2030 Through Heritage Education 

IIE’s Middle East Programs & Outreach Department worked closely with the Heritage Commission and KAUST to provide implementation and administrative services in preparing program materials, designing the application, and supporting the participants. This training course is part of a broader suite of cultural heritage capacity-building programs supported by IIE and the Heritage Commission, including the  

• Heritage Horizon Program – advanced research writing for heritage professionals; 

• Heritage Site Management Bootcamp – training for archaeological site managers; and 

• Heritage Pioneers Program – skill development in heritage identification and preservation. 

These initiatives are designed to support Saudi archaeologists, historians, anthropologists, and architects in the protection and promotion of the Kingdom’s rich cultural legacy. 

Partnering for Sustainable Heritage Development 

IIE is privileged to work with governments to implement professional development and training programs that promote economic development, advance scholarship, and improve lives. Contact Jonah Kokodyniak at development@iie.org or Jamal Alsayyed at jalsayyed@iie.org to learn more.

Welcoming Quad Fellows in Japan opens new opportunities for innovation and collaboration in STEM across the Indo-Pacific region

Cornerstone Event: The Quad Fellowship Summit 

The annual Quad Fellowship Summit convened virtually in October under the theme, “Amplifying Collaboration for Innovation Across the Indo-Pacific.” This three-day event brought together Fellows from Japan and the U.S. for dialogues with Quad country leaders from government, academia, and industry. Participants noted the closing keynote delivered by Glen S. Fukushima, Visiting Fellow, Stanford University, reporting that his insights set an inspiring tone for their continued engagement and  deeper collaborations across the Indo-Pacific.  Summit discussions focused on shared priorities and the broader goals of the Quad Diplomatic Network—including maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity, and emerging technologies—underscoring the Fellowship’s role in shaping solutions for the most pressing challenges in the region.  

Looking Ahead: Expanding to Other Quad Nations 

By supporting emerging STEM leaders, the Fellowship strengthens the knowledge economy of the Quad nations, fosters breakthroughs in STEM, and creates pathways for collaboration that reinforce stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The recent expansion to Japanese universities marks a pivotal step toward building a fully interconnected Quad network. In the coming years, the Fellowship aims to broaden its reach by hosting Fellows in Australia and India, further strengthening its mandate to serve as a bridge between academia, industry, and governments within the Quad framework. 

IIE extends its gratitude to the Government of Japan and corporate partners, Google, the Pratt Foundation, and Western Digital, for their invaluable support and contributions to helping expand opportunities for emerging STEM leaders across the Indo-Pacific. 

To learn more about the Quad Fellowship and meet the Fellows, please visit our website and follow on social media: Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

IIE’s Program Continues to Foster Collaboration Among Higher Education, Business, and Government   

As global economies grow increasingly digital, higher education partnerships are emerging as powerful drivers of innovation, collaboration and opportunity. This year’s International Academic Partnership Program (IAPP) Thailand—led by IIE with support from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok and in partnership with Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI)—brought together leading universities from the United States and Thailand to explore new frontiers in STEM and the digital economy. 

Why STEM and the Digital Economy? 

This year’s theme reflects shared priorities between the United States and Thailand: preparing graduates for the future of work and building digital capacity across sectors. “Thailand’s investments in its digital economy strategy and the U.S.’s strength in applied research made this a natural focus,” said Sylvia Jons, Director of IIE’s Center for International Partnerships. 

The focus also aligns with IIE’s broader mission to help institutions forge partnerships that advance national development goals and respond to evolving industry needs. Throughout the week, delegates engaged with private-sector leaders—including AMCHAM Thailand, Western Digital, Ford Motor Company Thailand, Gulf Development Public Company Limited, and Mitr Phol Research and Innovation—whose insights underscored the critical role of public–private collaboration in higher education and workforce development. 

Selecting Institutions for Impact 
This year’s participating institutions—11 from the U.S. and 16 from Thailand—were chosen through a competitive process emphasizing readiness for collaboration, strength in STEM disciplines, and interest in innovation-driven partnerships. The resulting mix included large research universities, regional public institutions, and specialized technical universities, creating fertile ground for meaningful exchanges. 

Progress and Continuing Collaboration 
The 10-month IAPP Thailand program included a U.S.-to-Thailand delegation in October 2025 and an upcoming reciprocal Thai-to-U.S. visit in February 2026. Early partnership discussions are already underway and will continue as Thai higher education institutions travel to the United States this February. During their visit, Thai delegates will participate in the AIEA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., and visit U.S. colleges and universities in the region to further develop their partnership strategies and explore new areas for collaboration. 

“These engagements represent a continuation of the momentum sparked in Bangkok,” noted Jonathan Lembright, Director of IIE’s Southeast Asia office, emphasizing the importance of sustained dialogue and connection between institutional leaders. 

What’s Next 
Participating institutions will continue to refine their partnership strategies with guidance from IIE’s Center for International Partnerships and IIE’s Southeast Asia office. Post-delegation workshops and webinars will focus on sustaining engagement, mapping joint projects, and connecting with industry and government stakeholders who can help translate ideas into lasting impact. 

Looking ahead, IAPP Thailand will continue to foster collaboration among higher education, industry, and government partners as institutions put their plans into action. The connections established this year will carry forward into upcoming exchanges and joint initiatives, including the Thai delegation’s visit to the United States in February 2026. These ongoing engagements aim to strengthen long-term partnerships and advance shared goals in STEM education and the digital economy. 

IIE extends its sincere appreciation to the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand (MFA) for their partnership and support in making IAPP Thailand possible. Their collaboration has been invaluable in advancing dialogue between Thai and U.S. institutions and in promoting innovation and capacity building across the higher education and digital sectors.

Thai Institutions  

• Bangkok University 
• Burapha University 
• Chiang Mai University 
• CMKL University 
• Khon Kaen University 
• King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) 
• Mahasarakham University 
• Mahidol University 
• Naresuan University 
• North Chiang Mai University 
• Payap University 
• Prince of Songkla University 
• Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna 
• Siam University 
• Sripatum University 
• Thammasat University 
  
  

The Fall 2025 Snapshot on International Student Enrollment offers a critical look at international student enrollment trends in U.S. higher education, providing numbers as recent as the current fall semester. This report provides insights into where international education stands today and where it could be headed. Here are four things to know.

1. More Than 825 Institutions Participated

This year’s Fall Snapshot saw 828 institutions respond, one of the highest participation rates to date. These institutions represent 63% of all international students reported in Open Doors, making this dataset a robust reflection of current trends in U.S. international education.

2. Overall, Total International Student Numbers Hold Steady

As of Fall 2025, U.S. colleges and universities reported a 1% overall decline in international students, including both enrolled students and those on optional practical training (OPT). Trends varied by academic level, with undergraduate and OPT enrollments up by 2% and 14%, respectively. The numbers of graduate and non-degree student enrollments are down by 12% and 17%, respectively.

3. New International Student Numbers Declined

New enrollments of international students, those studying at their college or university for the first time, fell by 17% compared to last year. Approximately 29% of institutions report an increase in new international enrollment, 14% indicate stable numbers, and 57% note a decrease. Institutions also indicate providing flexibility to international students admitted to their programs, but who have not arrived in the United States for their academic studies. Nearly three-quarters (72%) offered admitted international students deferrals to spring 2026, and more than half (56%) provided deferrals to fall 2026.

4. Colleges & Universities Show Strong Support for Internationalization

The vast majority – 84% – of institutions rank international student recruitment as a priority. U.S. institutions cite prioritizing international student outreach and recruitment due to the value of international student perspectives on campus, the financial contributions of international students, and alignment with institutional strategy. Financial support for outreach and recruitment is holding steady or increasing at 78% of institutions, signaling resilience and long-term commitment to global engagement.

As international education continues to evolve, staying informed on these trends is key to shaping strategies that attract top global talent and strengthen competitiveness.