Education Without Borders: How Rowan Creates Opportunities for Students Worldwide

In this Today is the Day Changemakers episode, Jodi Hope Grinwald sits down with Gokan Alkanat, Associate Provost for International Education and Chief International Officer at Rowan University. Born in Turkey and educated across continents, Gokhan shares the culture shocks that shaped him—from Istanbul to Alabama to New Jersey—and how those experiences fuel his mission to support 1,500+ international students from 53 countries.

Gokhan opens a window into Rowan’s student-first model: clear guidance through U.S. visa processes, extended orientations that teach international students everyday cultural norms and expectations, welcome packages that make day one feel human, and campus-wide town halls that meet fear with facts and care. He also reflects on advocacy moments that matter—like helping women from restrictive environments continue their studies safely—and why “opportunity” is the difference between potential and impact.

This conversation is a testament to leadership grounded in service, belonging, and contribution—living life in the most meaningful way by lifting others.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How culture shock became Gokhan’s leadership training ground
• What Rowan does beyond compliance to ensure safety, belonging, and success
• Real talk on visas, travel uncertainty, and communicating with families abroad
• Why small acts (like a pillow and blanket on arrival) signal big dignity
• Stories of students who turned barriers into breakthroughs
• The call to “live it”: contribute to your community, family, and the people you’ll never meet

About our guest
Gokhan Alkanat leads International Education at Rowan University, overseeing international student & scholar services, education abroad, partnerships, and the English Language Program.

Listen + share
If this episode resonates, pass it on to a student, parent, or educator navigating international education—and remember Jodi’s sign-off: Today is the day. You can’t go back to yesterday, and you don’t yet own tomorrow. So, what step will you take today?

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🖥️ Register now at todayisthedayliveit.com
to be part of this transformative day.

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