Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad has officially opened applications for Assistant Editor positions, inviting early- and mid-career professionals from around the world to join its Editorial Board and help shape the future of study abroad research.
Researchers, practitioners, and international education professionals now have an opportunity to contribute to one of the leading scholarly journals in global education.
The voluntary leadership opportunity offers successful candidates the chance to contribute to peer review processes, editorial decision-making, and strategic discussions aimed at strengthening the quality, inclusiveness, and impact of research on international education and student mobility.
Applications are open until July 15, 2026.
About Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad
Founded in 1994, Frontiers is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal dedicated to advancing knowledge and scholarship in the field of education abroad.
The journal publishes research and scholarly work examining:
- Study abroad programs
- International student mobility
- Global learning initiatives
- Student exchange programs
- Experiential learning abroad
- International internships
- Service-learning programs
- Virtual and blended international education experiences
As an interdisciplinary publication, Frontiers welcomes contributions from diverse academic disciplines and methodological approaches, helping to advance critical conversations about international education worldwide.
Growing Demand for Study Abroad Scholarship
According to the journal’s leadership, Frontiers has experienced a significant increase in both the number and quality of manuscript submissions in recent years.
To maintain a rigorous and timely review process, the journal has implemented several initiatives, including:
- Enhanced reviewer guidelines
- Structured review rubrics
- Editorial Board restructuring
- New policies regarding artificial intelligence use
- Ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
- Strategic efforts to improve journal quality and accessibility
The Assistant Editor program forms part of the journal’s broader effort to expand editorial capacity while maintaining high publication standards.
About the Assistant Editor Role
Frontiers is seeking additional Assistant Editors to support its growing editorial operations and strengthen its global network of experts.
Selected Assistant Editors will:
- Join the Frontiers Editorial Board
- Participate in annual Editorial Board meetings
- Contribute to peer review processes
- Support editorial decision-making
- Engage in discussions about research quality and inclusiveness
- Help guide initiatives that expand the journal’s impact and reach
The role is voluntary and designed for professionals interested in advancing scholarship and research leadership in international education.
Who Can Apply?
The journal welcomes applications from both early-career researchers and experienced practitioners with demonstrated expertise in study abroad and international education.
Eligible applicants include:
Early-Career Researchers
Candidates who:
- Earned their terminal degree within the last one to seven years
- Have a demonstrated record of scholarly activity related to study abroad
- Have published or contributed to relevant academic research
Mid-Career Practitioners
Professionals who:
- Possess at least eight years of experience in the field
- Demonstrate commitment to research, scholarship, or reflective practice
- Have contributed to policy reports, evaluation studies, research publications, or knowledge products
The journal encourages applications from professionals across different regions and institutional settings.
Term of Service and Responsibilities
Successful applicants will initially serve a three-year term.
Key details include:
- Three-year appointment
- Renewable for up to two additional terms
- Eligibility to advance to Associate Editor roles after the first term
- Review of up to four manuscripts annually
- Flexibility to accept or decline review requests
- Ability to communicate periods of availability or unavailability
The role is structured to balance professional commitments while allowing participants to contribute meaningfully to the academic community.
Priority Areas of Expertise
Frontiers is particularly interested in expanding expertise across several emerging and critical areas of international education research.
Topics of interest include:
- Climate change and climate action
- Decolonization in international education
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
- Intercultural learning
- Host community perspectives and impacts
- Global partnerships and international collaborations
- Community-based and experiential learning
- Undergraduate research abroad
- International academic exchange
- Destination trends and mobility patterns
- Political dimensions of study abroad
- Program design and effectiveness
Special Expertise Areas Sought
The journal is especially interested in hearing from applicants with expertise in:
- Artificial intelligence and international education
- Research-to-practice applications
- Quantitative research methods
- Big data studies
- Research philosophy and methodology
- Interdisciplinary approaches to study abroad
- Business student mobility programs
- STEM-focused study abroad initiatives
- Medical and health sciences education abroad
- Less common destinations, including Oceania, Southwest Asia, and North Africa
Applicants are encouraged to highlight how their experience aligns with one or more of these priority areas.
Commitment to Diversity and Global Representation
Frontiers emphasizes its commitment to building an inclusive Editorial Board that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences across the international education sector.
The journal particularly encourages applications from professionals affiliated with:
- Community colleges
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
- International academic institutions
- Research organizations outside North America
- Underrepresented regions and communities
This commitment reflects the journal’s broader goal of supporting diverse voices and perspectives in global education scholarship.
Benefits of Serving as an Assistant Editor
Serving on the Frontiers Editorial Board provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of international education research while expanding professional networks.
Benefits include:
- Editorial leadership experience
- Exposure to emerging research trends
- Professional networking opportunities
- Contribution to global scholarship
- Enhanced academic and professional visibility
- Opportunities for advancement within the journal
The role is particularly valuable for professionals seeking experience in scholarly publishing, peer review, and academic leadership.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
- A complete Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A cover letter of no more than 500 words
The cover letter should outline:
- Professional interests
- Relevant expertise
- Experience in study abroad and international education
- Potential contributions to Frontiers as an Assistant Editor
Applicants should use the subject line:
“Assistant Editor Application”
Application Deadline
Key dates include:
- Application Deadline: July 15, 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Notification of Results: Late September to Early October 2026
An Opportunity to Shape the Future of International Education Research
As international education continues to evolve through technological innovation, changing mobility patterns, and growing demands for inclusive and impactful programming, Frontiers remains at the forefront of scholarly dialogue in the field.
The Assistant Editor opportunity offers researchers and practitioners a chance to contribute directly to shaping the future of study abroad scholarship while supporting high-quality, globally relevant research that informs policy, practice, and student experiences worldwide.
