Recently, we celebrated sixteen IEDP graduates and all of their hard work (in case you missed it, check out the recording of the ceremony here). We are so proud of them and wish them all the best as they move forward with their careers in the international educational development field!
Angeline Marie Dias
Thinking about my time in the IEDP program, I often reflect on the many things I have learned over the course of two years: research practices and perspectives, statistical significance, policy analysis, requests for proposals, immigrant struggles, refugee experiences, and so much more. I think about the late nights spent working on research, the papers I read and re-read, the log frames I pored over, and the countless sessions I attended.
But most importantly, I think about the people. These are people who have become a home away from home. There are so many moments where I have paused and whispered a quiet thank you to the universe for bringing such wonderful, intentional, kind-hearted, and loving humans into my life.
I am SO grateful for everyone I met here, and for the learnings and love I carry with me wherever I go.
Sara I.M. Jarrar
IEDP pushed me to question many of the assumptions I once held about education and international development. It strengthened my commitment to approaches that center justice, community-centered practice, dignity, and agency, especially in contexts shaped by crisis and inequality. I’m leaving with questions, clarity, and a deep appreciation for the people who made this experience feel like home.
Jiawen Jiang
IEDP has been more than just a program. It truly feels like a family to me.
We studied together, had fun together, and supported each other through everything.
From classes to everyday life, we grew a lot along the way.
I’ll always carry these memories and friendships with me.
Yoan Ida Ringu Paubun
Graduating from IEDP has been a journey of growth, reflection, and transformation. This experience challenged me to see education and development through a more critical and compassionate lens. Through IEDP, I learn to understand that meaningful change begins with listening, context, and community. I’m super grateful for the learning, the people, and the journey that shaped who I am today. Thank you, IEDP!❣️
Ziqiao Zeng
It all feels like it was just yesterday! Even after facing many challenges and obstacles, I still believe that joining the IEDP was the right choice.
Here, I have been able to engage with and deeply reflect on topics I had never considered before studying education, such as white supremacy, inclusive education, and the power dynamics of language. In drafting policy analyses, I’ve come to realize how the world today excludes marginalized groups and evades responsibility through vague language. In conducting research, I’ve realized how easily our will can be swayed by advanced technology and become unstable. And in exploring school life, I’ve realized how we connect with or disconnect from entirely new social relationships.
I am deeply grateful to the professors and advisors at Penn GSE for their dedicated guidance.
Lushen Zhang
I love IEDP more than words can explain. This is truly a home away from home. I feel so lucky to have spent this journey with you all. We’ll see each other around real sooooooon! I love you all!
Rudolph Ampofo
I wondered whether it was the right decision to leave my job to pursue a Master’s in Education. I was asked why I would need a master’s after working in education for as long as I have. IEDP cleared my doubts and answered the questions. I met many wonderful human beings from around the world. I engaged in interesting conversations about educational development, drawing connections between events around the world and their impact on education. I developed the skills in rigorous research methods, something I’ve always wanted to do. I will no longer sit on the outside of educational research design. I will be part of it. To my colleagues, thank you for giving me the room to share my experiences and learn from you. To my lecturers, thank you for the support and guidance. To IEDP, you helped me evolve!
Amane Tsuchimoto
I can confidently say that joining the IEDP at an early stage of my career and life was one of the most meaningful decisions I have ever made. The program not only helped me develop technical skills, but also shaped the values and beliefs I want to pursue throughout my career. The opportunities to discuss what education means and what it should look like with such a diverse cohort have been incredibly inspiring! I am truly grateful to have met such amazing cohort and faculty members, who have become lifelong friends and mentors. Folks, hit me up when you come down to Japan!
Michael Griego
As I began the IEDP program, I was not entirely sure what my trajectory would look like other than I would be going at my own pace. Through this time, I had the privilege of taking classes alongside three different cohorts and it is through the interactions with all those individuals that I was challenged and supported and given an opportunity to explore my own interests and growth in IED. Looking back on my time in the program, I am thankful for the work I have done in the classroom and all that I have learned from my professors and peers.
Linxin Liu
Being part of the IEDP program has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my graduate journey. As an international student, I really appreciated being surrounded by people from different cultural and educational backgrounds, which helped me broaden the way I think about education and the world. Through classes, discussions, and conversations with classmates and professors, I not only learned academically but also grew a lot personally. I am very grateful for the support, kindness, and community I found here, and I will carry these experiences with me into the future!
The International Educational Development Program 