International education is a gift that keeps giving, not only among individuals in their respective careers and personal development, but also in their communities.

Help us to highlight the power of international education by sharing your story!

Story Prompts

Choose one of the following prompts to inspire your story:

1. How did a connection you made through international education shape who you are today?
2. Do you have a tradition that started while you were in college, grad school, or studying abroad? What is it and how did it begin?
3. Tell us about a time when someone’s kindness during your study abroad experience made a difference in your life.
4. Was there a moment when you felt truly connected to another community? Where were you and what happened?
5. Is there someone you met abroad who changed your perspective on something? Who is it, and how did they leave a lasting impact?
6. Share a story about how your international education experience made a meaningful difference in someone else’s life.

What We’re Looking For

• Select one prompt to kick off your story
• Written story: Under 500 words
• Include at least 2 images

Submission Guidelines

• Submit your story via the Share Your Story button below.
  • Images or videos must be submitted one at a time.
  • Each file should be named “EmbracingCampaign2025_LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME” using your name.
  • Images should be at least 1672px wide.
  • No more than 500 words, please.
• Include your name and contact information.

Media Release

By uploading, you agree that:

• I hold the rights/permission to the content (story, photos, video) and affirm that it is not generated nor altered by AI.
• I release and grant permission to the Institute of International Education (IIE) to use the content and assets (photos, video, words) for the purpose of digital and print reproduction to advertise and promote the Institute of International Education (IIE) and/or IIE-managed programs. This includes the IIE.org website, social media, and future printed materials.
• I understand that my story may be shared with the broader IIE community through digital and print media. 
• I affirm that the Institute of International Education (IIE) reserves the right to edit text for brevity and readability, and to post only appropriate content.

Review IIE’s full Publicity Release Form. Please contact communications@iie.org with any questions.

Help showcase how international education creates lasting connections that transform lives and communities.