NAFSA 2025 to Welcome 8,000 Attendees Despite Policy and Travel Concerns

By Advay May 1, 2025
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The 2025 NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo, set to take place in San Diego, is anticipated to draw around 8,000 participants from over 100 countries, reaffirming its global significance amid ongoing political tensions and immigration concerns in the United States.

The event will host education ministers and nearly 50 country consortia representing more than 1,000 institutions worldwide. Despite some high-profile withdrawals, including Australia-based Jeffrey Smart, NAFSA leadership remains confident.

“NAFSA’s annual conference is more than just an event — it’s a vital space for professionals to share strategies, build leadership, and find community,” said CEO Fanta Aw. She highlighted that over 40% of current registrants are from outside the US, underscoring sustained international interest.

While visa restrictions and immigration enforcement under the previous administration have led some educators to exercise caution, many continue to value US education for its world-class institutions and networking opportunities. Christopher Connor of the University at Buffalo emphasised, “This is not the time to retreat. The opportunity to learn, connect, and innovate through global education remains very real.”

Though budget constraints and travel freezes may affect some attendance, it was stressed that such fluctuations are common and that the conference remains crucial for addressing global shifts in international education.

NAFSA 2025 promises to be a moment of resilience, dialogue, and continued global partnership as the international education landscape evolves.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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