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San Diego State University – Signature Sponsor of NAFSA 2025 Conference

San Diego State University is a proud signature sponsor of the
NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference and Expo
in San Diego, California, May 27-30, 2025.

About NAFSA

NAFSA is the world’s premier association devoted to international education and exchange with more than 10,000 members from 100+ countries. The annual conference is the premiere event to connect with international educators from all corners of the world to discover new strategies, innovative programs, and best practices. The conference theme of Purpose, Place, and Partnership sets the stage for opportunities to learn from and network with peers and changemakers across the globe. More information about the conference, the program schedule, and hotel information is available on the NAFSA website. 

San Diego State University Global Strategy

At SDSU we believe education is a uniting force that transcends borders and connects communities and people. The role of education as a tool to foster understanding, connection, and inclusion is critical in our modern society. Together, we can address some of the world’s greatest challenges – disease, climate change, supply chain, and more – and a global perspective is foundational to those solutions. With campuses in San Diego, Imperial Valley, and Tblisi, Georgia, and through our connection with students online through Global Campus, SDSU is committed to inspiring globally conscious citizens and transforming the lives of our students. 

We are pleased to welcome international visitors to San Diego! Our proximity to the international border, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Diego weather will delight and captivate you. 

San Diego State University at NAFSA

We look forward to connecting with you at one of the many events, workshops, or at our booths at NAFSA. Below, explore the many ways we are involved. Visit San Diego State University Global Campus at NAFSA, Booth No. 2523.

DayTimeEvent TitleLocationEvent Description
Monday, May 269am – 5pmEnglishUSA Board MeetingBoard members of EnglishUSA will have their annual meeting sponsored by Global Campus.
Monday, May 2612 – 2pmUCIEP Directors’ visitGateway Center Building, Welcome CenterMembers of UCIEP (University and College Intensive English Programs) event and campus tour.
Monday, May 263 – 5pmSDSU Welcome ReceptionSan Diego State University Conrad Prebys Student Union 5500 Campanile Drive San Diego CA 92182Enjoy a casual afternoon on the campus of San Diego State University. Network with colleagues, learn more about the campus programs for international students, take a campus tour, and prepare for week in sunny San Diego.
Tuesday, May 278 – 11amFrench + HACU Delegation Visit Invitation Only EventConrad Prebys Aztec Student Union: Templo Mayor
6075 Aztec Circle Dr, San Diego, CA 92182		International Affairs welcomes Campus France and HACU Spanish delegations to SDSU campus for a morning of networking, collaboration, and a campus tour.
Tuesday, May 274 – 4:50 pmPresentation: IMPact ProjectsSan Diego Convention Center Expo Hall, Learning Lab / Booth #2418Join NAFSA CEO & Executive Director Fanta Aw, Coursera Chief Content Officer Marni Baker Stein, and SDSU Global Campus Dean Ian Gibson as they unveil Global IMPact — a bold new initiative redefining how students and faculty engage with the world.

This six-week, online, action-based experience empowers participants to become global changemakers by tackling real UN Sustainable Development Goals. What sets Global IMPact apart?
        •        Borderless collaboration across institutions and countries
        •        In-demand, career-ready skills built into every step
        •        Immediate action, with student-led teams driving solutions to today’s most urgent global challenges

Discover how learning meets purpose — and why this might just be the most important initiative your campus joins this year.
Tuesday, May 277 – 9pmOpening Celebration: Sailing into San DiegoSan Diego Convention CenterExperience the diverse neighborhoods of San Diego, the beautiful views of the bay, and the unique Sails Pavilion venue at the San Diego Convention Center. The Opening Celebration welcomes guests with a sensory experience, waterfront views, ocean breezes and more! Local cuisine, music, and a few surprises await! (Included in registration fee for attendees; attendees can purchase up to 10 additional guest tickets.)
Wednesday, May 288:15 – 9:05amPresentation – Empowering Global Changemakers: Uniting Students, Faculty, and Universities for IMPact!San Diego Convention CenterDiscover the IMPact (Inspire, Mobilize, Prepare, Act) Project empowering global universities to tackle UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative online collaboration, hands-on projects, faculty training, and student engagement.

Learning Objectives:
Understand the goals, structure, and global impact of the IMPact Project.
Identify pathways for faculty training and student involvement.
Leverage innovative digital platforms and project-based learning to address global challenges.
Initiate institutional collaboration with an international community of changemakers.
Wednesday, May 288:15 – 9:05amSession Presentation: Connecting Purpose, Place, and Partnerships to Advance the SDGs through Education AbroadSan Diego Convention CenterDiscover how purpose-driven, place-based education abroad programs, rooted in strategic stakeholder partnerships, can advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This session will introduce innovative approaches to experiential and holistic program design, connecting classroom learning with real-world sustainability challenges to deepen student engagement with local communities. Participants will also explore strategies for effectively communicating the impact of SDG-focused programs to university leadership, faculty, students, and external partners, strengthening the value of purpose-driven global initiatives.
Wednesday, May 28President Roundtable on Workforce and Economic Development- Universities as CatalystsSan Diego Convention Center
Thursday, May 299:30 – 10:20amSession Presentation: Developing a Comprehensive Internationalization Strategy: A Network, not a HierarchySan Diego Convention CenterThe session adopts a network approach to craft a strategic framework for comprehensive internationalization as an effective way to integrate initiatives to make institutions globally oriented and connected. Learn to navigate ambiguities that arise in leading these efforts and develop strategies that promote internationalization priorities.

Learning Objectives:
Define a ‘network model approach’ in reimagining a comprehensive Internationalization model that supports overall campus internationalization.
Analyze how top down vs. the bottom-up approaches influence a strategic internationalization plan.
Develop a strategic plan through a network approach lens that encourages campus wide involvement in global efforts.
Implement a framework that supports transformational leadership that champions global education.
Thursday, May 2911:30 – 11:50amSession Presentation – Creating Affordable International Experiences for Learners and Faculty Through Design Thinking and AISan Diego Convention CenterProviding international experiences for students and faculty is crucial for fostering global perspectives and competencies. However, the rising costs of such programs often create barriers to participation. This presentation explores the integration of design thinking and artificial intelligence (AI) to craft innovative, affordable international experiences.

Learning Objectives:
Articulate the key principles of Design Thinking and how they can be applied to developing innovative and cost-effective international experiences.
Describe how AI technologies can be leveraged to optimize and scale international experiences, making them more accessible and impactful.
Analyze real-world examples and best practices of institutions that have successfully innovated their international education programs.
Identify practical strategies for creating affordable international experiences, including virtual exchanges, blended learning models, and cost-effective in-person programs.
Friday, May 309amNAFSA Masterclass: Learning Excursion with Dr. Sean HauzeSan Diego State University Physical Science Building 130Join us for an enlightening learning excursion at San Diego State University, featuring a campus tour and a masterclass on leveraging Generative AI in International Education. Learn how AI tools can support international educators in creating inclusive and effective communication, such as real-time translated captions and culturally relevant summaries. Participants will engage with AI-driven tools to address the needs of a diverse audience in alignment with the conference theme, “Purpose, Place, and Partnership.”