Impactful Big Ten Internationalization Staff Development Program Launches 2026 Cohort

The Big Ten Academic Alliance has launched its 2026 Professional Development Program on Internationalization, welcoming 17 staff members from 10 member institutions for a six-month learning opportunity that will culminate in a field experience to a new destination: the Emerald Isle.

Now in its fifth year, the program provides a unique professional development opportunity for entry- to mid-level university staff members. Over the coming months, participants will engage in interactive online webinars and special topic sessions, while examining how internationalization impacts every area of higher education — from academic programs and student services to research collaboration and institutional strategy.

The cohort model creates a learning environment where staff can explore campus internationalization strategies, share ideas across the Big Ten network, and understand how their individual roles contribute to their institution's global reach — all while building lasting professional connections across the Big Ten.

“The program continues to deliver a significant and lasting professional impact year after year," says Laurel Rosch, Program Manager at the Big Ten Academic Alliance, who has been administering the program since its inception. "According to our assessments, 100% of our past participants would recommend the program to their colleagues — and they all credit the program with strengthening their institutional understanding of global engagement and building strong professional relationships across the Big Ten.”

This year, the program will conclude with an international field experience in Ireland, where participants will meet with Irish higher education institutions and organizations to gain hands-on learning about global partnerships and how different higher education systems approach internationalization. 

Ireland marks the program's fourth international destination, following Mexico (2019), Germany (2022/2023), and Spain (2024/2025). Each destination provides the opportunity to meet with Big Ten university partners while offering distinct perspectives on regional approaches to student mobility, research partnerships, and institutional collaboration.

Supported by Senior International Officers through the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the program was established in 2019 and has trained over 110 participants since, reflecting its ongoing commitment to higher education internationalization.