The 2024 Annual Conference and Expo, organized by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, was held in New Orleans, Louisiana in May. NAFSA is the world’s largest association dedicated to international education and exchange. The conference brought together professionals from around the world to learn, network, and connect with peers and experts in global education. It provided a platform for discussions on various topics, including research initiatives, online faculty exchange, and student ability.
Representatives from Bar-Ilan University’s International School, Marketing Director Neta Moallem and Global Engagement Head of North America Shira Gafni, attended the conference. They had the opportunity to meet with representatives from more than 40 leading North American universities to strengthen collaborative relationships between Bar-Ilan University (BIU) and these institutions.
“Attending the NAFSA conference in the US was enlightening, especially given the current challenges Israel is facing in various arenas,” said Moallem. “Despite these concerns, the conference offered a vital platform for international dialogue and collaboration in education.
“Engaging with professionals from diverse backgrounds was inspiring, as we exchanged ideas on building global partnerships and understanding. This experience reinforced our belief in education’s ability to foster mutual respect and bridge cultural divides, even in turbulent times,” she said.
Discussions between BIU and the North American universities focused on research initiatives and the potential for faculty exchange. There was also significant interest in BIU’s advancements in research and how students and faculty could be involved in these initiatives.
During the conference, there was continued interest from various universities in developing collaborative agreements with BIU. These agreements aim to foster partnerships and promote academic cooperation between institutions.
Overall, this conference and expo provided a platform for professionals in the field of international education to come together, share knowledge, and explore opportunities for collaboration and advancement in the field.
