In a recent conversation with Chrissie Faupel, a passionate international education professional, we explored a question that many of us in the field are grappling with: How can we embrace new technology, like AI, without sacrificing the core human experience that defines our work?

The potential for AI to streamline administrative tasks is undeniable. As I mentioned, I’ve seen demos of “agentic AI” that can handle everything from voice interactions to dropping a class in a computer system. It’s an interesting prospect, and it makes you think about all the “manual tasks that we’re all doing that we don’t need to be doing anymore.” Automating these processes could free up valuable time and resources.

But what do we lose in the process? Chrissie’s insights were particularly powerful here. She expressed a concern that as a field, we might be “missing out on more opportunities to interact with people because it helps us to develop our intercultural competence.” For Chrissie, the heart of the matter is the intercultural work, which for most of us is what “drives us here.”

This isn’t just about a student-advisor relationship; it’s about the very essence of human connection. As Chrissie said, “I can say something and I can see how it lands on your face and that helps me to adjust my message and then to better understand you.” This kind of nuanced, human interaction is what makes international education so transformative.

So, as we navigate the evolving landscape of global education and consider integrating powerful AI tools, we face a critical choice. Do we chase pure efficiency, or do we prioritize the human-centered, intercultural connections that make our work so meaningful?

I believe the answer lies in finding a balance. Technology can be a powerful ally in managing the logistical complexities, but the core of our work must remain rooted in human connectedness. As Chrissie beautifully put it, we need to remember that we’re here for a “larger purpose” and to “keep that education piece first and foremost that we want to see our students succeed.”