San Diego, CA

The NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo brought together thousands (approx. 8000 participants in 2025) of international education professionals in San Diego, California, underscoring the field’s collective commitment to fostering meaningful global engagement. With more than 250 sessions, poster fairs, and networking opportunities, the event encouraged thoughtful exchange around emerging trends, strategic collaboration, and best practices. Notably, this year’s conference was attended by more than 140 university presidents. The conference theme, “Purpose, Place, and Partnership,” highlighted the importance of intentional engagement - recognizing “place” not only as a physical space, but as a context for building inclusive, sustainable global learning environments.

 

UA Ruhr took part at the German Pavilion, hosted by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), further deepening our transatlantic partnerships and institutional connections. We were represented at workshops, sessions, and poster presentations taking place during the conference as well as the annual UA Ruhr reception which was attended by approximately 70 partners and friends of UA Ruhr. 

 

Highlights of the conference included opening remarks by NAFSA Board President Ahmad Ezzeddine (Wayne State University) and NAFSA CEO Dr. Fanta Aw, both of whom emphasized the essential role of international education in advancing access, inclusion, and global cooperation. Besides them, the NAFSA 2025 featured speakers are listed here. 

 

Against the backdrop of evolving U.S. visa policies - particularly the temporary halt on international student visas - the atmosphere at the conference was marked by concern and collective problem-solving, as the community sought adaptive solutions. On May 30^th - NAFSA joined a coalition letter led by ACE (American Council on Education) to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressing concern over a directive to pause new student visa interviews for expanded social media vetting. The letter warns that this could delay international students from arriving for the summer and fall 2025 terms, and raises alarm over potential visa revocations for Chinese students already in the U.S. Citing international students’ $44 billion economic impact in 2023–2024 and the sector’s cooperation on national security, the letter urges the State Department to minimize disruptions, clearly communicate changes, and reduce backlogs to protect the upcoming academic cycle. 

 

Looking ahead, NAFSA 2026 will be held in Orlando, Florida under the theme “Global by Design,” focusing on innovation, equity, and the future of global education.

 

Please find UA Ruhr NAFSA Photos here.