“Having been an international student myself, I understand how challenging the experience can be. I love seeing the mutual growth—how our New Yorker students learn from international students, and how international students, in turn, learn from them.”
– Susan Appe
Associate Professor and MPA Director
Department of Public Administration & Policy
International Affairs
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy
University at Albany, SUNY
Having once been an international student herself, Susan knows firsthand the hurdles and cultural shocks a student can have when it comes to this next chapter of their lives. Susan understands the importance of empathy and how to help students thrive while they are away from home chasing their dreams.
Susan is an associate professor and MPA director at the University of Albany; her main focus is research of government-nonprofit relations and the evolution of the nonprofit sector. She has also published articles related to the topic, as well as having extensive experience in qualitative and interpretive research methods. She has received extensive awards in her research and teaching, such as the Fulbright Scholar Awards in Ecuador, Colombia, India, Mexico, and Egypt. Her knowledge and experience as an international student has led to her being on and serving on the Board of Directors for RISE, also known as Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, Inc., which aims to provide welcoming and supportive spaces for immigrants and people new to the area.
Susan Appe got her bachelor’s from Saint Michael’s College and a master’s in arts management from the University of Oregon. She is an alum from U Albany Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, having received an MPA and PhD in public policy from the college.
Susan recently tried iCEP Academy to deepen her understanding of how to provide the best guidance to international students and how to advocate for them. Having once been an international student herself, Susan understands how hard it can be for international students.
What inspired you to join the iCEP Academy, and how do you hope it will shape your work with international students?
“It has been a tough year for our international students, and I want to be the best support I can for them (and all our students).
How has the iCEP experience so far inspired you or reinforced your passion for supporting international students?
“It has given me the space to think about how I am supporting international students and thinking about the challenges they have with networking and some of the professional norms here.
What advice would you give to others thinking about joining the iCEP Academy?
“I think all graduate program directors should take it!”
Her experience as an international student herself encouraged her to become more empathetic and encouraging as one impact can make a huge difference in a students life.
About the Author
Marely Esperanza Pina
Marely is an English Literature major at Lake Forest College and the 2025 Fall Intern at ICAway. She brings a passion for storytelling and analysis to her writing. Marely has also played the flute for more than 12 years, a pursuit that fuels her creativity.
