How This University Achieves 94% Study Abroad Participation

What does it take for a university to become synonymous with global learning? To not only encourage study abroad, but to make it an expectation—woven into the fabric of every student’s experience? For nearly two decades, one institution has consistently led the nation in sending students around the world, cultivating a deeply international ethos on campus and beyond. In this episode of Via Voices, we sit down with Nick Gozik—Dean of Global Education and Assistant Professor at Elon University—to unpack the bold vision, enduring commitment, and personal stories behind the U.S.'s top-ranked study abroad program Key Insights & Timestamps: [00:00] Podcast begins [01:03] Early Worldly Experiences: Why Nick chose the international education field [03:44] Understanding Elon University: Meet the top study abroad college [09:36] What About Tech? How AI & advancing technology is changing international ed [12:42] Data Defies Enrollment Expectations: Going beyond study abroad myths [16:09] Rapid Fire Questions: Nick talks humanities, culture, politics & industry Guest Spotlight Nick Gozik: Nick J. Gozik is Dean of Global Education and Assistant Professor at Elon University. Previously, he held positions in international education at Boston College, Duke University, New York University, and the University of Richmond. He has taught at New York University, Boston College, Lesley University, and the School for International Training. Among his publications, he has co-edited Promoting Inclusion in Education Abroad: A Handbook of Research and Practice (Routledge, 2018) and A House Where All Belong: Redesigning Education Abroad for Inclusive Excellence (The Forum on Education Abroad, 2022). Key Takeaways: Around the World to Find Yourself: “I think a lot of people that enter the [international education] field do so because they had a transformative experience,” Nick says, evaluating his own reasons for focusing on international education. Between early childhood experiences abroad to later educational journeys in Europe, Nick feels like he found himself through working with individuals around the world and wanting to elevate their work to the next level. Study Abroad at Elon: “[Elon University] is known for study abroad, but it’s far beyond that, it’s every aspect of our campus and faculty are passionate about this work.” At Elon University, one of the top schools for studying abroad in the US, Nick is proud to say that the culture of Elon is global. Not only do students study abroad, faculty also teach internationally and embrace a global strategic plan. Data Changes Everything: “I think enrollment data becomes so important because it helps us bust some of those myths around where our students are going or who our students are.” When it comes to data from students, Elon University focuses a lot of energy in understanding that their student body is more than meets the eye. When tackling challenges to access or participation in international education, Nick has discovered that enrollment data can not only dispel harmful myths, but can also drive new initiatives for outreach and enrollment. Resources Mentioned: Elon University | Elon.edu Connect with Nick Gozik: LinkedIn For More Information: Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources. Stay Connected: Connect with Host Brooke Roberts on LinkedIn