WHAT WE DO
Where international school leaders belong
From the very beginning, and even more necessary and true today, AAIE is the worldwide organization that connects school leaders to a vast array of resources, new ideas, and opportunities serving as a disruptive influence and change agent to ensure the viability, integrity, and future of overseas international schools.
Through weekly programming, annual gatherings, and ongoing outreach, we connect together ideas, perspectives, success stories, member expertise, and thought leaders from around the globe. AAIE promotes and communicates current educational research, teaching and learning practices, best-in-class trends, and change leadership to promote continuously improving and future-ready schools.
"AAIE brings people, ideas, cultural understanding, and values together where everyone learns, benefits, and belongs."
Leadership Conversations
Throughout the year, AAIE creates spaces for connection, growth, and shared leadership learning. From meaningful conversations and collaborative partnerships, there’s something for every international school leader. Our conferences and weekly conversations are especially important as these offer leaders a trusted space to reflect, exchange ideas, and gain fresh perspectives on the complex challenges they face, helping them lead with greater clarity, confidence, and connection.
Online Conversations
During the school year, we come together not just to learn, but to lean on each other. Our conversations offer something essential: community, perspective, and the reminder that we don’t have to lead alone.
Annual Conference
The AAIE Annual Conference is a vital gathering for international school leaders, offering a unique opportunity to connect, reflect, and grow alongside peers from around the world.
How our conversations began
These conversations began in the wake of the 2020 AAIE Global Leadership CONVERSATION, born from an urgent need to support one another during an unprecedented moment in international education. At a time when school leaders around the world were navigating crisis, complexity, and isolation, AAIE created a space for connection—a place to talk, listen, reflect, and lead forward together.
What started as a response quickly became a rhythm. Week after week, these Thursday gatherings grew into a lifeline—a steady heartbeat during some of the most difficult chapters in many leaders’ careers. Today, the tradition continues. Every Thursday at 8:00 AM ET, we come together.
Honoring Our Members
AAIE presents awards each year to recognize and celebrate the outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact of individuals within our international education community. By honoring these contributions, we highlight the talent and commitment that drive our schools forward. This tradition reinforces our shared values and inspires all of us to lead with excellence and purpose.
Member Awards
These awards seek to recognize member achievements in exemplary leadership, innovation, longevity of membership in the organization, and those who have made significant contributions to international education.
International Student Scholarships
AAIE supports two international High School and University Scholarship Programs to encourage participation and investigation of topics related to internationalism, leadership and international education.
Discover What We Do
For over 60 years, AAIE has been a place where leaders come together to learn, reflect, and grow—both professionally and personally. We invite you to join us. Whether you’re a current or aspiring leader, AAIE offers the trusted space, network, and resources you need to navigate today’s challenges and lead with clarity, courage, and connection.
A Look at Last Year's Programs
