Still Accepting Applications
Shelby Leach
Comparative and International Education Policy and Practice Track
Started the program Fall '25; Expected to graduate Spring '27
Why did you choose the NYU International Education MA Program?
I have always loved learning and knew that I felt at home in the classroom, working alongside teachers. During my service in the Peace Corps, I had the opportunity to collaborate with passionate advocates for accessible education. I found great joy in supporting educators and dreaming of new possibilities with them, and I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to this work. There is something so profound about witnessing students learn and grow, and it is an incredible privilege to be part of that process.
What are some of the highlights from your academic career here at NYU?
One of the highlights of my academic experience at NYU has been the opportunity to learn from our dedicated professors. They design courses intentionally and facilitate meaningful discussions that both challenge and inspire their students. I always leave class feeling grateful not only for their expertise but also for the perspectives shared by my classmates. A favorite class of mine has been Politics in Education: Conflict and Peacebuilding taught by Dr. Burde!
How has the "Comparative and International Education Policy and Practice" Track complement your academic interests and/or professional goals?
This track has really complemented my interest in supporting teachers in low-resource and emergency contexts. It has helped me better understand how current systems can either support or exacerbate the challenges communities are facing. Being in this program has also helped me secure internships with the International Rescue Committee and the Journal on Education in Emergencies, where I am able to build on what I am learning in class. Overall, this track makes my learning feel meaningful and is preparing me for a career in the international education field.
Mars Jiang
Cross-Cultural Exchange and Study Abroad Track
Started the program Fall '25; Expected to graduate Fall '26
Why did you choose the NYU International Education MA Program?
I chose the NYU International Education program primarily because of the university's outstanding academic reputation and its rigorous, well-respected curriculum. Beyond the classroom, New York City itself was a massive draw for me due to its incredibly diverse and vibrant cultural environment. Living and studying in such a multicultural hub allows me to experience global interactions firsthand every single day.
What are some of the highlights from your academic career here at NYU?
One of the most significant highlights of my time here has been learning from professors who guide us to examine international education from a wide variety of analytical perspectives. More importantly, they consistently support us in taking these diverse theoretical frameworks and applying them to practical, real-world scenarios. This has been a transformative experience for me, as before joining the program, I mistakenly believed that working in international education simply meant being a teacher. The program has completely broadened my horizons, showing me the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the field.
How has the "Cross-Cultural Exchange and Study Abroad" track complemented your academic interests and/or professional goals?
Having earned my undergraduate degree in translation and interpretation, I have always been deeply passionate about breaking down barriers and contributing to effective cross-cultural communication. The "Cross-Cultural Exchange and Study Abroad" track serves as a natural extension of my academic interests, providing me with the specialized knowledge to design and facilitate meaningful global experiences. It has shown me that international education is an incredibly powerful medium for achieving my long-term professional goal of fostering mutual understanding between different communities. This track perfectly aligns my background in language with my dedication to global exchange.
Christian Wong
Cross-Cultural Exchange and Study Abroad Track
Started the program Fall '25; Expected to graduate Fall '26
Why did you choose the NYU International Education MA Program?
I chose the NYU International Education program because of my history as a New York City public school educator. I have experience working with students from various backgrounds, and I believe learning skills to facilitate cross-cultural exchange is a pathway to empathy building and progress. As local communities diversify and become more global, we need to prepare for the conversations and interactions of an intercultural society.
What are some of the highlights from your academic career here at NYU?
The "Cross-Cultural Exchange and Study Abroad" track has prepared me to move my educational career past the classroom. While teaching holds a dear place in my heart, the skills and connections I have made throughout my coursework have prepared me to take an administrative leap in my professional pathway. I hope with my developing expertise in International Education, I can support students and learning institutions to promote mobility and intercultural teaching practices.
How has the "Cross-Cultural Exchange and Study Abroad" track complemented your academic interests and/or professional goals?
A highlight of my academic career so far at NYU's International Education program has been with NYU Professor Dr. Heddy Lauman and Visiting Senior Scholar Dr. Allan Goodman on our course Inside the Global Network University. In this course, we delved into NYU's rich history of International Education with guest speakers from leadership and staff across nearly all of NYU's global academic centers. This course used NYU's unique position as a leader in International Education to provide opportunities for us to converse and network with key members in the field of IE while also providing rigorous coursework that investigated the logistics of managing such a large network.