Forward through resilience
International education is at a crossroads. Evolving policies, shifting student needs, and growing global competition demand a more unified, strategic approach. Yet many institutions still operate in silos—leaving international students to navigate fragmented support systems.
The Interstride Symposium is your opportunity to change that.
Join a dynamic community of international education leaders to share insights, spark innovation, and build holistic solutions that strengthen the student journey—from admission through graduation and beyond. Together, we’ll chart a resilient path forward for international student success.
Collaborating across campus to strengthen student support
Championing international student enrollment and belonging
Empowering career journeys beyond graduation
Building resilience through innovation and community
Welcome and keynote speakers
Dr. Fanta Aw
Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA, Association of International Educators
Dr. Fanta Aw currently serves as the executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, a global organization with over 10,000 members focused on advancing international education. With a past presidency of NAFSA from 2013-2016, Dr. Aw is known for her expertise on internationalization, educational exchange, and leadership, and frequently speaks on diversity, equity, inclusion, and the role of educators in preparing future empathetic leaders.
Manny Contomanolis
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, Academic Engagement
Manny Contomanolis, PhD has more than 40 years of higher education experience and currently serves as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education at Harvard University. His areas of experience and expertise include career services, experiential learning, global education, research and fellowships, enrollment management, financial aid, business development, and fundraising. He is active as a speaker, consultant, and author.
Full speakers list
Welcome and keynote speakers
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, Academic Engagement
Manny Contomanolis, PhD has more than 40 years of higher education experience and currently serves as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education at Harvard University. His areas of experience and expertise include career services, experiential learning, global education, research and fellowships, enrollment management, financial aid, business development, and fundraising. He is active as a speaker, consultant, and author.
What past participants say
“I wanted to thank you for putting on the Interstride Symposium. Cornell staff who attended, a few people I spoke with from other institutions, and I enjoyed the sessions. My two favorites were the panel of students and the session focused on self-advocacy and educating employers on hiring international students. I gained many takeaways and plan to implement some ideas learned at the event. I'm looking forward to the fall Symposium!”
[This was] a hugely successful inaugural Interstride Symposium! I was blown away by the attendance as well as the breadth and depth of the sessions led by international education leaders from across the country (and globe!).
Kudos on an amazing inaugural Symposium! I have chatted with several colleagues (both within and outside Duke) and they were energized by the sessions you curated.
The symposium is a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues in international education to exchange ideas and best practices. The breadth of knowledge shared at this event is useful for anyone who is looking to better support international students and improve student outcomes
The first of anything is a challenge and can lay the foundation for future innovation and success. What a wonderfully successful symposium to build upon! I valued hearing the ideas and perspectives of the panelists. It was wonderful to be in a community with others who are driven to facilitate international student success while also cultivating belonging through caring conversations.
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for orchestrating such a fantastic symposium. As a young professional attending my first-ever symposium, I felt immensely valued and welcomed by the Interstride Symposium. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!
Join our one-day virtual event
Partners
Partner universities have free access, always
Early bird
$150
25% off
Ends September 15
Regular
$200
September 16 through November 15
Join our one-day virtual event
Partners
Partner universities have free access, always
Early bird
$150
25% off
Ends September 15
Regular
$200
September 16 through November 15
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Interstride is the #1 place for international students
Our mission is to close the opportunity gap for international students. We empower students – and their institutions to help – build a career and life they love wherever in the world.
