IIE’s Generation Study Abroad brings leaders in education, business and governments together to increase the number and diversity of U.S. college students who study abroad. In its first year, more than 600 partner campuses and organizations committed to take specific, measureable actions to ensure that more American students graduate with the international experience necessary for success in a globalized world. The latest Open Doors data showed 5% growth in study abroad, but much more is needed to achieve the ambitious goal of doubling study abroad by the end of the decade.

Building on last year’s popular interactive sessions and networking opportunities, the 2016 IIE Summit on October 23-25, 2016 in Washington, DC aims to go beyond the traditional panel format – to engage participants in hands-on learning and outside of the box thinking – by exploring innovative action plans, exchanging effective tools and experimenting with new approaches to further advance our mutual goal.

The Institute of International Education (IIE) welcomes proposals for one of the following interactive formats:

• Think Tanks: Interactive brainstorming sessions, where participants will engage in big-picture thinking to identify creative solutions to specific challenges. A Think Tank should include 1 facilitator and 1-2 short kick-off presentations to frame the discussion followed by directed roundtable conversation. Proposals should address the questions posed, as well as desired outcomes or takeaways for participants. 
• LearningLabs: Workshops/Master Classes on specific topics that will help participants to advance their commitments. They focus on the nuts and bolts of key issues and deepen participant knowledge of a specific topic. A LearningLab should include 1-2 workshop leaders who will give a comprehensive overview on the topic of focus and offer a hands-on learning experience. Attendees should come away with a deeper understanding of the topic proposed and how it applies or can be adapted to their commitments.
• SummitTalks: Short, high-impact individual presentations on hot topics, new ideas and specific solutions relevant to the theme of doubling study abroad by 2020.
• Panel Sessions: Panel discussions of up to 3 individuals (incl. moderator/chair). Preference will be given to proposals that incorporate diverse stakeholders and perspectives, and panels that include interaction among presenters and the audience. You may also submit individual presentations to be included on a panel. IIE will create sessions that bring presenters together based on theme and content.

Proposals should reflect the spirit of innovation across the following themes:

 

Theme 1: New Study Abroad Models and Marketing Directions

 

The IIE Summit will result in the sharing of ideas, research and practices that encourage new ways of approaching study abroad. Participants will walk away with a strong network of partners and with specific resources to help them reach their commitments.