What Our Learners Are Saying About iCEP Academy

  • Taylor Karnilaw, Career Services

    “A great overview with practical tips to support students!”

  • Kayla O’Donnell, International Student and Scholar Services

    “Our international students are always doing double the work: balancing academics while adjusting to U.S. culture. iCEP has given me the tools to empower their confidence and become a better advisor.”

  • Bashiyra Reed, Counseling and Psychological Services

    “iCEP Academy is an effective training tool for those looking to get a strong foundation of knowledge and those already familiar with working with international students.”

  • Nicholas Gallagher, Office of Health Promotion

    “Excellent start to reviewing cultural sensitivity and awareness within an institutional setting. Great for all positions – as we know many touchpoints can be beneficial.”

  • Megan Sanzo, College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity

    “Very informative and helped me think about the challenges international students face, in a new way.”

  • Jaclyn Napoleon, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy

    “It's a simple straightforward resource that gives real strategies for advising students.”

  • Michael Ramella, Auxiliary Services

    “A well worthwhile program to help you understand our international students better.”

  • Jennifer Ho, Counseling & Psychological Services

    “Very valuable and practical tools that all advisors and faculty should take.”

  • Patrizia Caiazza, Registrar Office

    iCEP Academy has increased my knowledge about the experiences international students have. It gives great recommendations on how to become an advisor or ally to international students. I found it very enjoyable to hear the stories from students. It helped me gain a better understanding of how to better help them.”

  • Rita Biswas, Massery School of Business

    “Very helpful for students.”

Take the 3-hour, self-paced iCEP training to gain cultural insights, practical strategies, and earn your Certificate of Completion

How was the iCEP Academy developed?

The iCEP Academy was created by ICAway, a career coaching company dedicated to helping international students successfully transition into the U.S. workforce. Founded by Kwan Segal, a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) with extensive experience in human capital consulting, the program is grounded in her eight years of hands-on coaching international students. Through ICAway, Kwan has helped students transform from having zero professional connections to building meaningful networks and gaining visibility in their target industries—equipping them with the cultural fluency and career strategies needed to thrive in a global job market.

Kwan’s path as an international education advocate and international student ally—shaped by active involvement in organizations such as NAFSA (Association of International Educators), NCDA (National Career Development Association), and Ascend (a premier organization for global leaders), and strengthened through partnerships with over 50 universities across the U.S.—has been instrumental in shaping the iCEP Academy’s approach. With deep personal and professional ties to international education, she brings a unique “outside-in” perspective—one that blends empathy, global experience, and cross-cultural expertise.

Kwan’s passion for this work stems from her own journey as an international professional and first-generation immigrant. She understands firsthand the struggles of networking as someone who grew up in Thailand, with a family that spoke little English, and was the first to attend an international university, move abroad, and enter the corporate world.

"Networking isn't just about tips and tricks—it's about belonging, battling self-doubt, and navigating the invisible weight of feeling like you have to prove your worth every time you enter a room," Kwan shares. Having experienced these challenges herself, she is deeply committed to helping students break through these barriers, shifting their mindset and building the skills necessary for authentic and empowering networking.

The program was further refined through a 6-month pilot at the University at Albany (UAlbany) with 79 faculty and staff members. This pilot provided valuable feedback to gauge learning outcomes and ensured the content met the needs of professionals across various campus departments, such as academic advising, counseling, and student services.

The iCEP Academy is the result of curated content that has evolved through careful development, grounded in cross-cultural research and best practices for supporting international students.



Transforming Advisor Impact for International Student Success

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • 1. What is the iCEP Academy?

    The Cross-Cultural Advisor Academy (iCEP) is a self-paced online training program designed to equip university professionals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to better support international students. The program focuses on cross-cultural understanding, effective communication, and supporting the transition to the workforce.

  • 2. Who is the iCEP Academy for?

    The iCEP Academy is ideal for professionals across campus who interact with international students in any capacity, including:

    Academic advisors

    Career services staff

    International student & scholar services (ISSS)

    Student affairs professionals

    Faculty and instructors

    Administrative staff in offices such as financial aid, registrar, or housing


    You do not need a background in international student advising—just a willingness to deepen your understanding and enhance your support for this student population.

  • 3. What topics does the iCEP Academy cover?

    The training is divided into three modules, each with practical objectives and real-world applications:

    Module 1: Bridging Cultural Gaps Understand core cultural values, U.S. communication styles, and the unspoken challenges international students face.

    Module 2: Redefining Networking Learn to coach students through fears and cultural barriers related to networking in the U.S.

    Module 3: Supporting the Transition to the Workforce Explore key deadlines, emotional pressures, and challenges related to work authorization and job searching—valuable even if you’re not in career services or visa advising.

    Each module includes real-life scenarios, Q&A sessions, and actionable tools.

  • 4. How long does it take to complete the program?

    The core content—including video, audio, and reading materials—takes approximately 3 hours to complete across all three modules.

    Additional activities, such as quizzes, reflections, and surveys, take about 30 minutes, for a total estimated time of 3.5 hours.

    The program is fully self-paced, and you can progress at your own speed.

    The courses follow a dripping schedule:

    Module 1: Available immediately upon enrollment

    Module 2: Unlocks 30 days later

    Module 3: Unlocks 30 days after that

    This approach allows time to absorb and apply each module’s learning.

  • 5. Is the training live or asynchronous?

    The iCEP Academy is 100% asynchronous and fully online. There are no live sessions, and you can start any time and revisit materials as needed.

    Accessing via Thinkific App:

    You can also access the program through the Thinkific App on your mobile device, allowing you to learn on the go.

  • 6. Do I need to complete the courses in order?

    Yes. The courses are designed to be completed in sequence, as each module builds on the knowledge and context from the previous one.

    You will access the modules on a scheduled basis:

    Module 1: Immediately

    Module 2: 30 days later

    Module 3: Another 30 days after that

    This structure ensures you apply and reflect on each module before progressing.

  • 7. Will I receive a certificate of completion?

    Yes. Upon completing all modules and required activities, you will receive a Certificate of Completion issued by ICAway and the iCEP Academy.

  • 8. Why is this training important even if I don’t work in career services or immigration advising?

    International students face unique emotional, cultural, and systemic pressures—especially during transitions like graduation or job searches.

    Even if you don’t directly advise on CPT, OPT, or employment, you may still support students navigating these challenges.

    iCEP prepares all campus partners to respond with cultural empathy and foster student trust and success.

  • 9. How long do I have access to the training?

    You will have 6 months of access from the date of enrollment. During this time, you can revisit the content as often as you'd like. The self-paced format allows you to learn on your schedule and return to materials when needed.

Transforming Advisor Impact for International Student Success