For more than a decade, Jawee Perla has played a key role in guiding international students toward academic success at American University. Now serving as the senior director of student success for the International Accelerator Program, Jawee leads a student services team dedicated to supporting students during one of the most exciting and transformative chapters of their lives.
From linguistics to leadership, Jawee’s passion for international education runs deep. Read on to learn more about his journey, his work with American University’s International Accelerator Program, and his insights for international students heading to Washington, DC.
From Cognitive Linguistics to Campus Leadership
Jawee’s journey to American University began in 2011, first as a senior international advisor and later as director of student services for the International Accelerator Program. With a background in cognitive linguistics, he brings a unique perspective to his work with students.
“At its core, cognitive linguistics is concerned with how meaning is not only encoded in language but also constructed through it,” said Jawee. “This perspective has given me a profound appreciation for the cognitive and cultural adjustments international students undergo as they navigate new linguistic landscapes.”
It is this depth of understanding that drives Jawee’s commitment to fostering supportive and empowering environments for students adjusting to life in the US. Whether it is through advising, program design, or one-on-one mentorship, Jawee strives to create an environment that helps hundreds of students navigate academics in the US, develop confidence, and discover their purpose.
What to Expect at the American University International Accelerator Program
As the senior director of student success, Jawee oversees a small, highly engaged team that provides extensive support to students beginning the moment they arrive on campus.
To me, this position is about creating ecosystems of support that are responsive to the unique needs of international students, while also fostering their autonomy and growth.” — Jawee Perla, senior director of student success, American University International Accelerator Program
So what’s it like for students working with Jawee and his team? From the moment international students step on campus, Jawee’s team is there to help them settle in, feel welcomed, and stay on track. The International Accelerator Program Student Services team, made up of Jawee and two student services advisors, is small by design, so students can expect a personalized approach, regular contact, and a warm, supportive environment.
“Together, we provide comprehensive support to international students, ensuring that each student has access to a dedicated advisor who is equipped to assist with a wide array of needs, from academic planning and course registration to navigating US health insurance and resolving residential concerns,” Jawee shared.
Students also benefit from a unique first-year course that combines Shorelight’s Live, Learn & Grow series with American University’s AUx curriculum. According to Jawee, this structure helps students build trust and stay engaged.
Located in Washington, DC, American University offers international students a unique blend of academic excellence and global opportunity. Known for its strong emphasis on global citizenship, public affairs, and interdisciplinary learning, the university provides students with direct access to internships, research opportunities, and career pathways at nearby embassies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, and multinational companies.
Through the International Accelerator Program, students gain the academic and cultural support needed to adjust smoothly, thrive in the classroom, and make the most of everything American University and Washington, DC have to offer.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Over the years, Jawee has witnessed countless student transformations. One story that stands out is of a student who arrived feeling unsure and struggled with confidence, but left with American University’s prestigious Carlton Savage Award for global citizenship.
“Watching her evolution and knowing our team played a role in her success was profoundly gratifying,” he shared.
In another case, Jawee’s team helped a student navigate a change in major from finance, initially chosen to meet family expectations, to journalism, where he found his true calling. “Helping him move from obligation to authenticity was a powerful affirmation of the role we play in guiding students toward discovering not just academic success, but genuine purpose,” he said.
Advice for Future Students
Looking ahead, Jawee sees the International Accelerator Program evolving to meet new global challenges. His vision includes expanding cultural representation within the student body, strengthening support services through new Shorelight collaborations, and continuing to align with American University’s strategic enrollment goals.
His advice to incoming students? “Be open. Be curious. And remember that growth often comes from unexpected places. You’re not just here to earn a degree — you’re here to discover who you are.”
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