IEAA Learning Abroad Forum 2026

Johan is the Senior Manager, Global Sponsorship and Mobility at The University of Queensland. This portfolio for instance includes sponsored students, Australia Awards, NCP and a range of international scholarships. Johan brings a wealth of knowledge having previously worked at The Australian National University in the international portfolio for over 10 years, for the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Swedish Department of Defence and as Director, Study Canberra for the ACT Government. Johan has studied at Lund University, University of Queensland, Harvard University, Griffith University and most recently at The Australian National University. He has received several industry accolades for his contribution to the international education sector and Johan is an IEAA Associate Fellow.

Jeanette Cheah is the founder and CEO of HEX, an award-winning edtech company delivering internationally recognised innovation and entrepreneurship programs to university students and the next generation of talent. A globally in-demand corporate keynote speaker on education and innovation trends at events including SXSW for G’day USA and the Women's Economic Forum in London. Jeanette is an advocate for the grassroots nurturing of young leadership talent, start-up mindset, and tech inclusion and diversity in business. A true global citizen, Jeanette was born in Honolulu to Chinese-Malaysian parents. Her family then emigrated to Australia when she was a preschooler. Jeanette’s world expanded even further when an academic job opportunity saw the family do a stint in Japan. Further international travel throughout her youth has allowed her to bring a truly global mindset to her role as visionary and mentor. Before founding HEX, Jeanette spent 14 years building innovative marketing and product solutions for ANZ, AXA, AMP, and Origin Energy. She holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology and French) from Monash University, a Graduate Certificate in Integrated Marketing Communications from Queensland University of Technology, and industry credentials in UX design, Product Management, and Venture Capital. Jeanette is a regular guest lecturer and mentor at universities around Australia and currently sits on the Entrepreneurship Advisory Panel for Monash University’s Business School. She has represented Australia at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance in Argentina, was a Telstra Business Women’s Awards finalist, and in 2021 was named a [40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian](https://www.asianaustralianleadership.com.au/40-under-40-awards-2021-winners) and category winner for Entrepreneurship.

I have been working in International Education for over 15 years. Growing up in Germany, my passion to support others in learning abroad grew exponentially after my own study abroad in Sydney. After graduating from university and working for a German Education Agent, I returned to Australia in 2011 for a final Aussie experience. Today I am looking after the International Student Experience and Global Learning Team at UWA.

Kirrilee is an international education consultant and IEAA's Research Manager. She has 15 years of experience in the higher education and schools sectors and held leadership and strategy roles for global education organisations as well as sessional teaching and research positions at four leading Australian universities. Kirrilee is an IEAA Senior Fellow and has special expertise in Indonesia and broader Southeast Asia.

Nina Joyce is an International Relations and Programs Officer at Murdoch University, working across inbound and outbound mobility programs with a focus on embedding sustainability into student experiences. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Aid and Development and Sustainable Development, and has worked and volunteered with sustainability organisations for the past three years, primarily in communication and engagement roles. Nina’s semester abroad at the University of Zagreb highlighted the significant carbon impact of student mobility and strengthened her commitment to integrating sustainability principles into study abroad programs.

Ailsa Lamont is a Co-Founder and CEO of IESG, the International Education Sustainability Group which provides comparative data, insights and emissions tracking for the international education sector. She has been at the forefront of promoting climate action in the field of international education for a decade. Prior to that, Ailsa had a long career in international leadership roles at Australian universities and in capacity building work in eastern Europe. She has served as a NAFSA Senior Fellow for Sustainability, and her work was recognised in 2023 with the International Education Association of Australia’s Award for Distinguished Contribution to International Education.

Jack founded International Internships nearly 20 years ago, realising an opportunity to combine his experience as an academic at Deakin University with his strong personal connection to Indonesia—formed during his own international work-integrated learning experience in 2004. Jack currently spends most of his time in Australia, collaborating with universities to develop exciting experiential learning programs across a wide range of disciplines.

Belinda Price is the Team Leader for Global Learning Inbound Programs at the University of Melbourne. Over the last 13 years, she has worked in all areas of mobility including in outbound semester and short-term programs and the full-degree international recruitment space. She currently leads the delivery of Melbourne’s study abroad and exchange program and is passionate about student diversification, creating pathways for under represented global students and building partnerships with overseas institutions.

Julia is the Education specialist for International SOS Australasia. Over the last 12 years Julia has partnered with Universities, Independent Education Institutions and private schools in travel risk mitigation and sharing best practice. In her current position at International SOS Julia manages a large portfolio of education institutions including many of Australia’s top universities and schools. She has a deep understanding of the university market and her clients’ international strategic objectives, consulting with them on how to keep their staff and students safe whilst overseas. Julia regularly attends and has spoken at university forums such as the Higher Education Conference, IEAA , and AIEC. Julia has a background in communications, media and risk mitigation. Julia’s previous experience has assisted her to navigate the complex university environment and help embed a holistic travel risk mitigation program for several universities.

With over 20 years’ experience in international education, in recruitment, sponsor relations, business development, and learning abroad, Simon is currently the Senior Manager of Global Mobility Programs at University of Technology Sydney. He leads a dedicated team supporting UTS’s ambitious goal of 50% participation in learning abroad and oversees the successful study abroad program. He is passionate about innovation, community, equity and access, and the value of global mobility for all graduates. Simon is an IEAA Associate Fellow.