Conference Agenda 2026

 Keynote | 10:00 - 10:40 am | Room 314AB

Keynote: Return with New Perspectives | Room 314AB

A lecturer in diplomacy at Loyola University, Susan Falatko brings a deeply personal global journey back into the classroom. Before joining the Foreign Service, she taught English in Japan, an experience that reshaped her perspective and helped set her career path. In her keynote, Susan will reflect on the returnee experience and explore how time spent abroad can transform how we see the world, ourselves, and the possibilities ahead and will show how we can always, Return with New Perspectives.

Susan Falatko

A U.S. diplomat for over twenty-six years, Ms. Falatko represented American interests in capitals across Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean - building partnerships, advancing U.S. policy, and navigating complex political, economic, and cultural landscapes. Starting out as an economic officer, she rose to the senior ranks of the Foreign Service serving as Deputy Ambassador to Mauritius and the Seychelles, Deputy Ambassador to Slovenia, and Chargé d’Affaires (Acting Ambassador) to Slovenia, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia. She also served in Mali, Cuba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rwanda, Switzerland, and Washington DC. She retired in 2025 after serving as the Diplomat in Residence for the Midwest, where she sought out and recruited the next generation of global leaders in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Originally from Morton Grove, IL, Ms. Falatko has a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Iowa, an M.A. in International Relations from the George Washington University, and a Master’s Degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University.

Morning Sessions | 11:00 - 11:55 am 

Morning Session: Reverse Culture Shock | Room 314AB

Join this discussion to learn more about what reverse culture shock is and how it can show up after returning back to the U.S. Use this time to reflect on your own experience with returning home, or to prepare yourself for returning after you have studied abroad.

Michael Nance is a graduate of Tufts University, the University of Chicago, and the University of California, Berkeley. Michael has created a career for himself as a non-formal educator and tour guide in the tourism industry in the Middle East and Europe. He also has substantial experience in group facilitation for young adults addressing difficult topics such as conflict, generational trauma, and identity. Michael speaks fluent Hebrew and German, the latter of which he learned during international programs through the University of Vienna's Sommerhochschule and a semester at the University of Tuebingen in Germany. He also speaks some conversational Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic.

Morning Session: Pre-departure Orientation for Study Abroad| Room 312

If you have NOT gone abroad yet, attend this session. This session will help you prepare for an upcoming study abroad program. Learn about differences in academic culture; how to manage finances; understand culture and culture shock; how to stay healthy and safe while abroad; best practices for living with a local Homestay family; packing tips and advice for a positive and meaningful experience abroad!

Cara Miller is a Study Abroad Advisor at DePaul University and has been traveling the world since 2003, encouraging others to study, work and volunteer abroad! Cara earned her Master’s degree from the School for International Training (SIT Graduate Institute) in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management. Cara studied abroad during her junior year in Paris and afterward, garnered professional experience teaching in Chicago Public Schools, leading high school and university-level student groups to France, Spain and Italy; and working at the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C as well as the Australian Consulate in Chicago as a Public Diplomacy Officer.

Afternoon Sessions 1 | 1:00 - 1:55 pm 

afternoon sessions I: Processing Identities after Return | Room 314AB

Join this session to explore the topics of identity, diversity and inclusion. Together, we will discuss concepts of projected identity, social constructs of identity and reflect on how identity can become salient when traveling abroad. In community, we will share stories and examples of how your identities may shift while being abroad and after your return. Using Think-Pair-Share community building and dialogue strategies, you will expand your awareness of identities that you carry and build vocabulary in articulating how those identities can help you to get involved in building more inclusive spaces anywhere you are in your world.

Tendai Kachingwe serves in the role of Study Abroad Advisor with DePaul University Study Abroad. His career in international education started with studying abroad through an exchange program with DePaul and Sciences Po in France. After studying abroad, Tendai took a position with DePaul Study Abroad as a student worker before taking on the full-time role of Program Assistant. After serving in that position for 2 years, Tendai was promoted to Study Abroad Advisor. Included in his portfolio of 9 programs across 7 countries is the exchange program with Sciences Po that he participated in. He is motivated by his goal of increasing participation in education abroad programs by students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds. Tendai serves on his office’s Diversity Committee, focusing with his colleagues on increasing access to study abroad opportunities. Tendai enjoys helping to guide students to resources and education abroad experiences that they may not have known about or believed to be available to them, as was his personal experience.

afternoon sessions I: How to Lead a Globally Focused Life | Room 312

The study abroad experience often results in a new awareness and discovery of global realities. When your study abroad program ends, learning and caring about the world and social issues does not end when you return home. Global learning and commitment to issues around the world are life-long commitments that complement and enrich the study abroad experience. This session will examine how study abroad often awakens interest in global concerns. We will explore the meaning of the concept of “Global Citizenship.” We will also discuss how study abroad returnees can implement “Global Citizenship” on a practical level and develop a blueprint for living a globally focused life.

Alyssa Schmirler is a Program Advising Manager at IES Abroad, where she guides students through every step of their study abroad journey—from the moment they begin an application to the day they land in their host country. Having lived and learned across multiple continents, her own global experiences shape her work: she studied abroad in Varanasi, India; earned a master’s degree in Amsterdam, Netherlands; taught English in Talas, Kyrgyzstan; and conducted research in Nairobi, Kenya. Alyssa is passionate about empowering students as they embark on their own transformative adventures abroad, knowing firsthand how profoundly these experiences can expand their perspectives and reshape the way they see the world.

Afternoon Sessions 2 | 2:10 - 3:05 pm 

afternoon sessions II: Networking for Introverts by Extroverts | Room 312

Does the thought of trying to 'network' send butterflies into your tummy? Or maybe you feel confident but are just looking to learn more about what 'networking' really means? Join this session to address those fears that come up, learn the basics of networking, hone your skills, lean into any discomfort and practice firsthand with support and feedback.

Lily Andrules is a Chicago based professional with over 10 years of international higher education experience. She currently works as an Assistant Director of Institutional Engagement for Arcadia Abroad. Lily held previous roles as a regional director and program manager for students traveling to programs in Asia and Oceania through The Education Abroad Network and Arava Institute. Much of her personal focus in international higher education has been on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice including building out informational resources for both educators and students. In her free time, she enjoys trying new recipes in her kitchen, reading voraciously, tending to her many plants, and exploring all Chicago has to offer.

afternoon sessions II: International Careers Panel | Room 314AB

Find out how your abroad experience can help influence your career path. Our panelists will share how they got started in their careers, what role a global mindset plays in their current jobs and ways you too can think about starting an internationally focused career.

Hannah DeMilta studied abroad in Australia as a student, an experience that inspired her to move to Sydney after graduation and launch her career in marketing. While living abroad, she worked both agency-side and with early-stage startups before returning to the U.S. four years later. She has since spent more than a decade in the international education industry.

Hannah is currently Head of Community at Sage Corps, where she helps students intern with global startups. She has been involved with Lessons from Abroad Chicago since 2014 and currently volunteers as a member of the board and organizing team.

Meaghan Roche, MBA, is the Assistant Director for International Affairs at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, just outside Chicago. Although RSNA carries a North American designation, its mission is global—sending staff and members around the world to engage in diplomacy, outreach, and educational initiatives aimed at improving patient care through expanded access to radiology education.

Before joining RSNA, Meaghan worked in Boston designing and implementing educational programs in Cuba for lifelong learners. Her passion for international work began during a study-abroad program in Spain, which inspired her to return to teach English at the elementary level. Meaghan holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska and an MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Chris Swanson is the Director of Study Abroad at Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. After receiving his BA from the University of Iowa in History and Asian Studies, Swanson taught English at a university in Chongqing, China before returning to the US for his MA from Iowa State University in Applied Linguistics/TESL. Swanson has over 20 years of experience in international education. As director, he coordinates all of Lewis University’s summer, semester, and faculty-led short-term programs. He is also the Gilman Scholarship and Fulbright Program Advisor, as well as the executive director of the faculty-led spring semester program to Rome, Italy. Swanson is actively involved in other aspects of internationalization and cross-cultural understanding at Lewis University, including serving as chair of the Study Abroad Coordinating Committee and as a member of the Interfaith Cooperation Committee.

Patrick Nunes Patrick was born and raised in Brazil, and an opportunity to live abroad shaped his life in a way he'd never imagined. He is currently the Director of Global Communications & Design at Rotary International, and through his role and the work of his teams, Patrick is able to foster inclusivity and offer content that is both inspiring and relevant to Rotary's diverse global community. He believes the status quo is there to be challenged and that one of the best ways to do it is with a global mindset.

Closing | 3:05 - 3:25pm | Room 314AB

Closing Remarks: Show & Share: Lessons from Abroad | Room 314AB

In this interactive session, you’ll share your favorite takeaways from the breakout sessions, swap stories, and hear what stood out for your fellow participants. From reverse culture shock to building a globally minded career, this is your chance to reflect and celebrate the lessons you’re taking home from your “Lessons from Abroad” adventure.

Acknowledgments & Winner Announcements | 3:25 - 3:30pm | Room 314AB

Please complete the conference evaluation form to share feedback on your experience at the LFA 2026 conference. Stay until the end of LFA to hear winners of the raffle and photo contest announced!

Thank you to all the Sponsors, Exhibitors and LFA Conference Planning Committee for making LFA 2026 happen! BIG THANKS TO ALL!