Many universities, colleges, and independent schools face the reality of geographically expanding alumni bases, likely combined with constant or decreasing budgets for alumni activities. Well-intentioned colleagues understand the potential power of a geographically diverse alumni network but do not always grasp the time and complexity associated with planning activities thousands of miles from home. Creating and sustaining an international alumni relations program can be expensive, so it is important to consider which parts of the institution can benefit from the activities and to get colleagues on board early as partners. Staff members from admissions, career services, and the international office can effectively serve as volunteers for alumni programs in the course of their work-related international travel. More critically, these collaborations can ensure that the value of the alumni network is harnessed for the entire institution. If the ultimate goal of the international program is fundraising, then make sure that the cultural context, implications, and practicalities of financial giving in any given country are fully understood before committing to an extensive series of activities there. It is also wise to remember that alumni have long memories. Turning up, asking for money, and then not coming back for a decade is rarely well-received and not quickly forgotten. In this article, the author discusses the things to consider when starting an international alumni program.