In this article, the author describes how she developed an interest in and originally became involved with international adult education. The author first became aware of the international aspects and activities of adult education while matriculating for her master's degree with Malcolm Knowles at Boston University. As early as 1983, the author became equally interested in conceptualizing the phenomenon called "international adult education," and worked and re-worked conceptualizations and gave presentations in both the United States as well as abroad. The author shares lessons learned from her experiences and some practical suggestions for others who want to become an internationalist. (Contains 2 notes.)