M.S.Ed. in International and Comparative Education Student Testimonials

I chose the International Comparative Education (ICE) online program primarily for its flexible asynchronous learning format. As a full-time Special Education teacher, a wife, and a mother of two active children, this flexibility allows me to complete my assignments at times that best fit into my family’s busy schedule. This program has empowered me to balance my professional and personal commitments while pursuing my educational goals.

I have gained valuable insights into the complex world of education policies. The courses in this program have opened my eyes to the deep-rooted challenges that educational systems face. I've learned how education policy connects with various fields, such as economics, sociology, and psychology. Additionally, I've seen the significant impact of global education policies on different countries, influencing them culturally and economically.

When considering graduate programs, I knew that I wanted to find something that recognized my passion for education with a global perspective. Upon learning about IU’s ICE program, I knew that it was a perfect fit. The program provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how education systems are shaped by economic, political, and historical factors within different countries. I gained a deeper curiosity into the forces that influence education worldwide. What truly set the program apart was the unwavering support from my professors. They encouraged me to explore topics that interested me within each course. Their mentorship and guidance helped me grow both academically and personally, pushing me to think critically about education’s role on a global scale. I am incredibly grateful for everything that I have learned throughout my studies, and I am proud to be a 2024 graduate of the ICE program.

Throughout my coursework, I've been living and teaching at an international primary school in China. I was drawn to IU's program for its flexibility, with 100% online asynchronous instruction needed by my work and location, but also for the opportunity to pursue a more research focused master's program. The emphasis on interdisciplinary study was one key feature that has kept me excited for this program and motivated to challenge myself and previously held concepts. While IU does also offer graduate programs in curriculum and instruction, I wanted a program that I could tailor more to my own interests.

I have focused much of my research on Latin America, where I hope to eventually spend some time living and working in the future. This program has equipped me with the toolset to examine education along multiple levels and how it is shaped by a multitude of societal forces. It has helped shape my view of how communally situated education is and how to engage with different stakeholders in the education process.

My professors have provided multiple opportunities to showcase my studies, and this past Fall semester I presented my research on bilingual intercultural education in Peru at the 2024 Midwest Comparative Education Society Virtual Conference. This experience allowed me to engage with peers focused in similar areas of study and participate in a more formal and organized academic community than I had previously been a part of.

Prospective students for the ICE program will have an interest in how outside forces influence and impact education. They will be curious to learn more about different cultures, economic systems, and political policy and how these factors shape the educational services provided. In addition to challenging and quality instruction, students will be able to fit instruction around their professional work life.

As a first-year M.S.Ed. student in the ICE program, I’m gaining valuable skills in policy analysis and research, particularly in understanding how education policy impacts equity and student outcomes. The program has expanded my perspective on education as a global, interconnected field shaped by cultural, political, and socioeconomic factors. It has allowed me to explore my research interests helping them evolve into the role of teachers in shaping educational policies.

I chose the ICE program at Indiana University because of its strong focus on the critical perspectives and comparative analysis of educational policy, which align with my career goals. For anyone passionate about making a difference in education and educational policy, ICE at IU provides a flexible but phenomenal program.