AASCU’s International Education Team Participates at NAFSA’s Annual Conference & Expo

AASCU’s international education team had the privilege of attending the 2023 NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo in Washington, D.C., May 30–June 2. This year’s conference marked a significant milestone as NAFSA celebrated its 75th anniversary of dedicated work in the field of international education. The event brought together scholars and campus leaders from across the globe, offering a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and fostering partnerships.

The five-day conference provided a valuable opportunity for the AASCU team to reconnect with presidents, provosts, senior international officers, and other campus leaders from AASCU member institutions. These interactions allowed the team to gain insights into the various international programs, issues, and initiatives being implemented across different campuses. By engaging with attendees, the team reinforced their commitment to supporting AASCU members and helping them navigate the evolving landscape of international education.

Despite being the second NAFSA conference since the pandemic, the event saw a remarkable turnout, with over 9,000 attendees converging in Washington, D.C. This resurgence of in-person participation was particularly special for the AASCU team, as the city also houses their headquarters. Being actively involved in the conference became an extension of their commitment to fostering strong relationships and collaborations within the international education community.

The conference provided an array of activities for the AASCU team to engage with attendees. Through one-on-one meetings, connections were made with key stakeholders and potential international partners. Additionally, they facilitated activities such as embassy visits, enabling campus members to explore diplomatic ties, and forge relationships that could benefit their institutions. The event proved to be a prime networking opportunity, fostering meaningful connections, and expanding AASCU’s influence in the realm of international education. One of the highlights of the conference was the chance to connect with new campus leaders who had recently joined AASCU member institutions. The team seized this opportunity to introduce these leaders to the advantages of their AASCU membership.

Participating in the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo was an immensely rewarding experience for AASCU’s international education team. It allowed them to strengthen existing relationships, foster new connections, and provide invaluable support to AASCU member institutions.