About Us

Dear Students and Partners,

At International Academic Alliance (IAA), our journey is driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of education. We understand that navigating the complexities of international education can be daunting, filled with both excitement and uncertainty. It’s this understanding, born from years of experience and a genuine passion for guiding students and institutions, that fuels our vision.

My own journey in education has shown me that learning transcends borders. It’s about building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating opportunities for individuals to realize their full potential. That’s why IAA exists – to be more than just a service provider, but a compassionate partner in your educational journey.

We recognize that behind every student, every institution, and every professional seeking development, there’s a unique story. There are dreams, aspirations, and a desire to make a meaningful impact. We are here to listen, to understand, and to provide the personalized support you need to succeed.

IAA brings not only expertise and experience, but also a genuine commitment to your success. We believe in creating pathways that are accessible, equitable, and empowering. From helping students find their “best fit” universities to connecting institutions with global talent, we’re dedicated to building a future where international education is a catalyst for positive change.

Beyond the present, we envision a world where education fosters global understanding and collaboration. We are committed to evolving and innovating, ensuring that IAA remains a trusted partner in your educational pursuits for generations to come.

Thank you for entrusting us with your dreams. We are honored to be a part of your story.

Warmly,
Michelle

Michelle Hsu‘s extensive experience in international education began in 1990 when she was commissioned by the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs to develop a fashion design retraining program and subsequently created the first U.S./Taiwan bi-national MBA program. From 1990 to 1996, she organized graduate degree training in special education and curriculum & instruction for 350 Taiwanese teachers at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and Minot State University. She also developed a bachelor’s degree articulation program between SUNY New Paltz and Singapore (1994-1998). From 2008 to 2021, Ms. Hsu developed and operated SUNY New Paltz’s “University in the High School” and Syracuse University’s “Project Advance” programs in 12 Chinese high schools, resulting in over 5,000 students enrolling in U.S. universities.

She has presented at various engagements across Asia, including a keynote address on “The Financial Crisis and the Path Forward” at a national conference organized by the University of Bombay and India Jet Airways, attended by 3,000 professors and doctoral students.

In the U.S., Ms. Hsu has facilitated MBA and MS Computer Science programs for working students in NYC (1994-2003), graduating over 5,000 students, and developed a pre-nursing program for economically disadvantaged Americans (2001-2020), leading to over 3,000 students earning nursing degrees. In 2018, she led the New York School of Design to successful MSA-CESS accreditation.

Driven by a passion for early childhood education, Ms. Hsu founded Wee Lions Early Learning in 2018, where she developed the curriculum, study materials, and authored children’s storybooks under the pseudonym JM Lyons. Her innovative approach integrates storytelling, social-emotional learning, and cognitive development to foster curiosity and critical thinking in young learners.

Her contributions extend beyond education into community engagement and the arts. She was honored by New York’s Queens Theatre in 2007 for her contributions to cultural and educational initiatives and served on the Board of Directors of Queens Theatre, advocating for accessible arts education.

She has also actively participated in mentorship programs for young educators and entrepreneurs, supporting the next generation of leaders in education and business.

With over three decades of experience bridging global education systems, Ms. Hsu remains committed to expanding access to quality education and empowering learners of all ages.