
NAFSA
NAFSA is the world’s largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. NAFSA’s 10,000 members are located at more than 3,500 institutions worldwide, in over 150 countries.
https://www.nafsa.org/about/about-nafsa
NAFSA is the world’s largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. NAFSA’s 10,000 members are located at more than 3,500 institutions worldwide, in over 150 countries.
https://www.nafsa.org/about/about-nafsa
NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo|Orlando , FL|2026.5.26~5.29

Global by Design
In an era defined by unprecedented globalization, international education stands at the forefront of shaping a more collaborative, creative, and inclusive world. The theme "Global by Design" invites us to move with intention—to recognize that global engagement doesn’t happen by chance, but through thoughtful planning, bold innovation, and sustained action.
Through this conference theme, we explore how to design the future of our field with purpose and imagination. Together, we’ll examine how forward-thinking strategies, cutting-edge approaches, and creative partnerships can amplify our impact and expand access to meaningful global experiences. This way, we can build a global education landscape that is not only responsive, but visionary— in other words, built by design.
Topics:
Global By Design
Sub-Topics:
- What is happening around us? What are we seeing? How are we responding creatively?
- Where does our collective power lie? How can we effectively advocate? How can we be intentional in the creation of the field we want to see?
- How can we tell our story to support the advancement of the field?
- Where do the most exciting opportunities in international education lie? Where do we see the most potential?
- What are the needs and interests of current and future students and scholars? How does the field meet those needs?
- What are new strategies to support international educators in managing the unexpected?
The annual conference content priorities provide a framework to facilitate the development of a dynamic, cohesive, and compelling program. As you consider submitting a proposal, the Annual Conference Committee invites reflection on the following topics:
- Communication strategies for using data to tell a powerful story and advocate for the importance of the field and our work
- Shifting student interests and needs, and innovative responses
- The importance of the role of global experiences and designing creative programs and structures that support that role
- Innovative applications of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in international education, as well as ethical considerations and potential disruptions
- Paths for progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- International perspectives on approaches and practices in student, faculty, and staff support
- Global outlooks on trends in the field
- Emerging research that bridges knowledge gaps and presents new insights
- The importance of international education in fostering intercultural understanding and belonging
- Best practices in student and scholar advising focus areas, including immigration, academic learning, and career development
- Solution-focused topics related to NAFSA’s knowledge communities and NAFSA’s International Education Professional Competencies
Posters: November 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
Senior ManagerShin-Herng Wu
E-mail:herng@fichet.org.tw