UBC strengthens ties with international educators at global conference in New Orleans

June 19, 2024

Pictured here are Matt Stevenson (right) with Lillian Fuata, Manager, International Office at The University of the South Pacific (USP), at the annual NAFSA: Association of International Educators conference and expo. Stevenson, Coordinator of Global Partner Relations at the UBC Office of Global Engagement—along with colleagues Natasha Nobell, James Leeder, Eyobe Melketsadik, Dana Lowton and Matt Harling—met with representatives from 40+ institutions from around the world in May at the gathering of thousands in in New Orleans, Louisiana (USA). Stevenson and Nobell, Assistant Director, Global Partnerships and Faculty Relations, sat down with Fuata to hear more about USP, share information about UBC and opportunities for engagement, and discuss areas of synergies: "notably, Indigenous pathways," Stevenson says.

NAFSA is "the world’s largest association dedicated to international education and exchange," according to the organization. Conference goals are to share perspectives and innovative approaches, explore trends in professional development and career advancement, as well as "underscore the global imperative for social justice and access, and the importance of inclusive internationalization for long-term impact on the campus, and local and global communities."

UBC's Matt Stevenson with Lillian Fuata of USP at the NAFSA conference in New Orleans (photo: Matt Stevenson)