Rewiring Resilience in International Education by Cultivating Joy Professionally

In a shifting higher education climate, cultivating joy is increasingly crucial—not only for personal happiness, but to build resilience, strengthen creativity, combat burnout, and enhance collaboration. This evidence-based session explores why joy (clinically) matters and offers practical, replicable strategies to foster joy beyond the conference. First presented at NAFSA 2026, presenters will take time illustrating both science and activities that can be utilized in your own teams and offices.

Presented by: Leanne Elliott, mindhamok, Kelly Holland, AIFS Abroad, and Shelley Jewell, University of Wyoming

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how joy supports neurological wellbeing and aids recovery across diverse mental health challenges
2. Collaborate ways in which joy can help our field move through current challenges
3. Engage in facilitated strategies to cultivate joy for productivity, including real-time, tactile activities