AIEA PROGRAMS
Leadership Academy
Where rising international education leaders build the network, strategy, and confidence to drive internationalization forward.
AIEA Leadership Academy 2026
May 4–8, 2026 • Oaxaca, Mexico
Application deadline: Monday, March 16, 2026
The AIEA Leadership Academy is an intimate and transformative program designed for leaders in international higher education who are new to their roles, navigating institutional transitions, or seeking to accelerate their professional trajectory. Participants build a powerful network of peers and develop strategic action plans to advance internationalization at their institutions.
May 4–8, 2026 • Oaxaca, Mexico
Application deadline: Monday, March 16, 2026
The AIEA Leadership Academy is an intimate and transformative program designed for leaders in international higher education who are new to their roles, navigating institutional transitions, or seeking to accelerate their professional trajectory. Participants build a powerful network of peers and develop strategic action plans to advance internationalization at their institutions.
Deep Learning
Global Networking
Expert-Guided Training
Deep Learning
Global Networking
Expert-Guided Training
Who Should Attend the AIEA Leadership Academy?
You should consider attending if you are:
- In a new institutional leadership role with several areas of strategic responsibility and oversight
- A campus leader responsible for implementing comprehensive internationalization
- In a role that helps drive your campus’ overall global engagement strategy
The focus is not on title – it is on responsibility. If you are leading, influencing, or executing international education strategy at your institution, the Leadership Academy is for you.
The Academy is intentionally intimate and cohort-based, designed for those navigating the complexity, ambiguity, and responsibility of institutional internationalization leadership.
Program Acceptance
The program will accept a limited number of professionals with fewer than five years in their current leadership role in international education. Each applicant will be asked to identify a specific leadership challenge or area of focus and submit a brief one-page essay (maximum 300 words) as part of the application.
- Early application deadline: December 15, 2025
- Applications are accepted through March 16, 2026
- Early applicants receive priority, as the program has rolling admissions
Space is limited – early application is strongly encouraged.
Faculty
Led by a distinguished faculty of seasoned international education leaders, the Academy offers unparalleled expertise and guidance grounded in decades of experience across institutions, sectors, and global contexts. Our faculty bring deep, real-world expertise from across the international education landscape, providing mentorship and insight that enrich every session of the Academy.
Jane Gatewood
Emory University, AIEA President
Paulo Zagalo-Melo
Virginia Commonwealth University, AIEA Immediate Past President
Amir Reza
Babson College, AIEA Past President
Cristina Alfaro
San Diego State University
Location & Schedule
The 2026 Academy is scheduled to take place May 4-8, 2026 in Oaxaca, Mexico, providing a culturally rich setting that enhances strategic thinking, reflection, and global leadership development. Participants will be housed at a small hotel, City Centro by Marriott Oaxaca, to promote an immersive cohort experience.
Participants should plan to arrive by Monday afternoon, May 4, 2026 for the opening session.
The week includes working sessions in the morning and afternoon, along with time for networking and reflection. Friday, May 8 will include sessions, participant presentations, reflection, and awarding of certificates. Participants should plan to remain on-site until after 12:00 p.m.
Fees & Payment
Application submitted before December 15, 2025:
- Early Member: $3100
- Early Non-Member: $3850
Application submitted after December 15, 2025:
- Late Member $3,300
- Late Non-Member $4,050
Costs include lodging, most meals and receptions, Academy materials, a cultural excursion, and all scheduled sessions and events. Participants are responsible for travel, a few meals on your own, and airport transfers.
Who Should Attend the AIEA Leadership Academy?
The Academy is designed for leaders who are actively shaping internationalization strategy at their institutions.
You should consider attending if you are:
- In a new institutional leadership role with several areas of strategic responsibility and oversight
- A campus leader responsible for implementing comprehensive internationalization
- In a role that helps drive your campus’ overall global engagement strategy
The focus is not on title – it is on responsibility. If you are leading, influencing, or executing international education strategy at your institution, the Leadership Academy is for you.
The Academy is intentionally intimate and cohort-based, designed for those navigating the complexity, ambiguity, and responsibility of institutional internationalization leadership.
Program Acceptance
The program will accept a limited number of professionals with fewer than five years in their current leadership role in international education. Each applicant will be asked to identify a specific leadership challenge or area of focus and submit a brief one-page essay (maximum 300 words) as part of the application.
- Early application deadline: December 15, 2025
- Applications are accepted through March 16, 2026
- Early applicants receive priority, as the program has rolling admissions
Space is limited – early application is strongly encouraged.
Faculty
Led by a distinguished faculty of seasoned international education leaders, the Academy offers unparalleled expertise and guidance grounded in decades of experience across institutions, sectors, and global contexts. Our faculty bring deep, real-world expertise from across the international education landscape, providing mentorship and insight that enrich every session of the Academy.
Jane Gatewood
Emory University, AIEA President
Paulo Zagalo-Melo
Virginia Commonwealth University, AIEA Immediate Past President
Amir Reza
Babson College, AIEA Past President
Cristina Alfaro
San Diego State University
Location & Schedule
The 2026 Academy is scheduled to take place May 4-8, 2026 in Oaxaca, Mexico, providing a culturally rich setting that enhances strategic thinking, reflection, and global leadership development. Participants will be housed at a small hotel, City Centro by Marriott Oaxaca, to promote an immersive cohort experience.
Participants should plan to arrive by Monday afternoon, May 4, 2026 for the opening session.
The week includes working sessions in the morning and afternoon, along with time for networking and reflection. Friday, May 8 will include sessions, participant presentations, reflection, and awarding of certificates. Participants should plan to remain on-site until after 12:00 p.m.
Fees & Payment
Application submitted before December 15, 2025:
- Early Member: $3100
- Early Non-Member: $3850
Application submitted after December 15, 2025:
- Late Member $3,300
- Late Non-Member $4,050
Costs include lodging, most meals and receptions, Academy materials, a cultural excursion, and all scheduled sessions and events. Participants are responsible for travel, a few meals on your own, and airport transfers.
A Note on Safety and Security
We are closely monitoring the situation in Mexico and have been in regular communication with our local partners. After careful consideration and consultation, AIEA leadership has made the decision to proceed with the Leadership Academy in Oaxaca as planned.
We are confident in the safety of our location and arrangements. We have received a letter of assurance from the Oaxaca Ministry of Tourism outlining the current conditions and reaffirming the safety measures in place. That letter is linked here for your reference.
The well-being of our participants remains our top priority, and we will continue to monitor developments and communicate proactively should anything change.
Cancellation Policy
Refunds are possible if notification is given in writing to info@aieaworld.org by the dates specified below:
- December 30, 2025: Deadline for cancellation with 50% refund
- March 14, 2026: Deadline for cancellation with 25% refund
*Please also note that AIEA is not responsible for any fees that might be subtracted from the refunded amount to cover bank transfer or service charges.
No refund is possible after March 14, 2026
AIEA is not responsible for problems beyond our control such as weather conditions, campus conditions, travel difficulties, visa problems, health issues, etc. No refunds will be given in these situations that may impact participation in the Academy.