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DIAC participated in the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA) 2011 annual conference and expo organized by NAFSA, the world's largest non-profit professional association dedicated to international education. The event was held in Vancouver, BC Canada from May 29 – June 3, 2011
NAFSA and its members believe that international education and exchange — connecting students, scholars, educators, and citizens across borders - is fundamental to building mutual understanding among nations; preparing the next generation with vital cross-cultural and global skills; while creating the conditions for a more peaceful world.
During its participation at NAFSA, DIAC attended the "Middle East Member Interest Group" meeting held on June 1 with a focus on, sharing ideas and raising awareness on higher education in the Middle East.
Leigh Ann Jones-Khosla, Director, Business Development – TECOM Investments Education Cluster, was elected as chairperson for Middle East Interest Group - NAFSA 2012.
“Our goal through participating in NAFSA, and specifically the Middle East Interest Group, is to ensure higher education initiatives in this region are discussed in an international forum. Given DIAC’s commitment to higher education, we will continue to take an active role in ensuring best practices are shared at NAFSA’s annual conference as well as well as at a regional level.”
Sessions of potential interest to members of the Middle East Member Interest Group from the NAFSA 2011 conference included:
- The latest news on Middle East and North Africa (MENA) scholarship countries
- Best practices in international enrollment management
- New emerging sponsored student partnerships: Challenges and opportunities
- Update on the Middle East and North Africa
- The Gulf Cooperation Council scholarship programs: Challenges, opportunities, and expected future trends
- Best Practices for success with Saudi Arabian students on U.S. campuses
DIAC’s association with NAFSA represents the group’s commitment to furthering the quality of higher education in the Middle East. With events such as the Education Forum and through initiatives such as bringing the first QS Maple event to Dubai, DIAC is committed to fostering best practice and ensuring the emirate’s move into a knowledge-based economy.
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