Old Tech Is Hurting International Ed—Here’s the Solution

International education has been playing a losing game with technology. Universities have to navigate ever-changing policies around compliance while managing the safety and education success of both study abroad and international students. Enter Via International, an application that brings compliance, communication and connectivity together for international education success. Dave Saben, CEO of Via, talks about this exciting innovation and the “why” behind Via’s work with international ed institutions. Key Insights & Timestamps: [00:00] Podcast begins [01:06] Why AIEA? Technology solutions for the international education world [02:41] Beyond Study Abroad: Via empowers international ed beyond a semester abroad [04:56] Via International: Connectivity in applications & cross-platform communication [13:05] Why International Education? Dave’s personal inspiration for entering the industry [15:38] Rapid Fire Questions: Dave talks history, scholarships, & challenging norms Guest Spotlight Dave Saben: Dave Saben is a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience driving growth and innovation through cutting-edge technology. His passion lies in solving complex challenges with transformative solutions that deliver measurable results, create scalability, and improve customer outcomes. For the past 15 years, Dave has specialized in AI and intelligent automation, focusing on NLP, machine learning, and advanced analytics. His efforts have helped organizations across industries unlock new opportunities, streamline operations, and create exceptional user experiences. As CEO of Via, Dave leads the development of industry-leading platforms that merge emerging technologies with strategic insights. Dave is driven by a mission to empower businesses through AI and technology, ensuring they stay ahead in an ever-changing digital landscape. Key Takeaways: International Education Needs Tech: “At the end of the day, it’s about the kids, it’s about the students we can serve.” As CEO of Via, Dave has seen firsthand the impact of Via’s technology on university faculty and students. Being able to streamline and support international education with usable solutions that meet their unique needs empowers Dave and his team at Via to seek out more opportunities, like with AIEA, to support global learning. Not “Just” Study Abroad: “So much of the technology that exists in the international education space is older than the students we serve.” Although Via’s first focus in international ed was on study abroad, Dave has seen a broader focus to be involved in all aspects of global education. From communication to data optimization, streamlined processes to program evaluation, Via International bridges tech gaps and encourages students to seek global opportunities. Via International Brings Innovation: “AI isn’t going to replace people, but what it is going to do is make us so much more efficient.” Data efficiency and innovation is a major goal for Via, especially with the development of Via International. Dave wants universities to feel empowered to prove their worth and he wants students to feel like their presence in international education is prioritized with cutting edge technology and fast-moving, accurate systems. Resources Mentioned: Via TRM | viaTRM.com Connect with Dave Saben: 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: Support Via Voices by subscribing on YouTube: youtube.com/@viatrm Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t