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NAFSA 2026 NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo Main banner

50-Minute Sessions

Education Abroad (EA)

Upholding Dignity and Fostering Resilience in Onsite Student Withdrawals

Friday, May 29, 2026
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM EDT
Location: OCCC, W110A
Students contemplating withdrawal feel overwhelmed and stigmatized, with mental health, family crisis, or pressure to succeed compounding the decision. Presenters equip education abroad professionals with strategies to foster student success through a compassionate process, upholding dignity and resilience while balancing institutional requirements.

Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize common challenges students face onsite during education abroad that impact well-being and resilience and destabilize the student's commitment to study abroad, and develop strategies to foster student success and reduce withdrawals.
  • Analyze institutional withdrawal procedures and identify strategies for supporting student dignity while navigating institutional, legal, and health/safety requirements.
  • Develop or refine protocols that provide compassionate, structured, and culturally sensitive withdrawal support. Strengthen collaboration between onsite staff, home campuses, and families during a student’s withdrawal.