The NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo is being held from May 26 to 29 in Orlando, Florida, USA. Organized by the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET), the Taiwan delegation is led by Chairperson Tsai-Yen Li and includes representatives from 20 Taiwanese higher education institutions (HEIs), totaling 43 participants. On the opening day, Minister of Education Ying-Yao Cheng and Managing Director of American Institute in Taiwan/Washington Office Ingrid D. Larson, together with distinguished guests, officiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Taiwan Pavilion, “Study in Taiwan,” marking a new chapter in deeper Taiwan-U.S. higher education collaboration.

Under the theme “Global by Design,” this year’s NAFSA Annual Conference emphasizes shaping the future of international education through intentional planning and bold innovation. The event has attracted nearly 10,000 educators from over 100 countries. The Taiwan delegation actively participated in the conference, engaging in in-depth exchanges with international counterparts to explore how purpose-driven strategies and creativity can advance global education. This year, the Taiwan Pavilion adopts “Technology Hub” as its main visual concept, highlighting the close integration between Taiwan’s higher education system and advanced industries, with a particular focus on the country’s leading semiconductor sector. By showcasing Taiwan’s educational environment as a “technology island,” the pavilion aims to strengthen Taiwan’s appeal to international talent and demonstrate its pivotal role in cultivating the workforce needed for future industries.

Taiwan and the United States have long been committed to promoting free and open educational exchange. Currently, there are 4,282 U.S. students studying in Taiwan. Supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Language and Education Exchange Programs, 6,513 American students studied Mandarin in Taiwan during the 2024–2025 academic year, setting a new historical record. In addition, the Huayu BEST Program has connected 19 Taiwanese universities with 62 U.S. institutions, further demonstrating the tangible benefits of mutually beneficial and long-term educational collaboration.

The Taiwan Night Reception, held on the evening of May 27, welcomed Minister of Education Ying-Yao Cheng, Taiwan’s Representative to the United States Amb. Alexander Tah-Ray Yui, Managing Director of American Institute in Taiwan/Washington Office Ingrid D. Larson, Branch Chief, Robin Lathrop from EducationUSA, the Ministry of Education delegation, representatives from the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, and participating Taiwanese institutions. The event also brought together representatives from 50 international partner institutions worldwide, with nearly 150 attendees in total. The reception not only strengthened existing partnerships but also laid the foundation for future international academic collaborations.

Through participation in NAFSA 2026, Taiwan will continue to showcase its strengths in higher education and global outlook to the international community while expanding new horizons for global educational and cultural exchange.