After more than 20 years of teaching and advising international students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Monica Cantwell is preparing to retire from her role as Program Manager II and Instructor with INTO UAB/English Language Programs in the Office of Global Engagement. Throughout her career, Cantwell has helped students navigate life in a new country, pursue their educational goals and build connections across cultures.
Her interest in international education began with her father, who served as a language specialist in the Army and lived in Korea and Japan. Inspired by his stories and photographs, Cantwell studied in Scotland during her junior year of college, an experience that sparked her passion for intercultural exchange. She later spent approximately four months working and traveling in Japan.
“After that, I was hooked on working with internationals and learning about cultures outside the U.S.,” Cantwell said.
Before joining UAB, Cantwell taught in Japan, Boston and Virginia. These experiences shaped her approach to working with students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, giving her firsthand insight into the challenges of adjusting to an unfamiliar environment.
“Living and studying outside your own country gives you a particular understanding of what it's like to be an ‘outsider’ — misunderstood, scared, confused, and excited by all the newness of your surroundings,” she said.
At UAB, Cantwell drew on those experiences to help students recognize their resilience, ask for help and remain open to new perspectives. For her, supporting international students has always been a two-way exchange, offering opportunities to learn from their cultures and experiences while helping them grow academically and socially.
Some of Cantwell’s most meaningful memories involve students who spent several years in her program, overcoming personal hardships while continuing their education. Watching them mature, build families and reach graduation reinforced the importance of providing encouragement throughout their journeys.
“I'm in awe of their bravery and determination,” she said. “It's humbling to be a part of their journey, and you just hope that you helped them through it.”
Amy Snow, director of academic programs for INTO UAB/English Language Programs, praised Cantwell’s dedication to teaching, curriculum design and student support.
“Monica has made a tremendous positive difference in the lives of so many students because of her dedication to excellent teaching and curriculum design as well as her compassion for all students, regardless of their background,” Snow said. She added that Cantwell’s kindness has helped students navigate difficult times while studying far from home.
Cantwell also found a strong sense of belonging among her UAB colleagues, particularly the English Language Programs team, whose shared commitment to intercultural exchange has made her work especially meaningful.
As she enters retirement, Cantwell looks forward to spending more time with family and friends, traveling, exploring her creative interests and potentially volunteering with an organization making a difference locally or globally.