Portugal took part in NAFSA 2025 with purpose, presence, and global partnerships.

The National Erasmus+ Education and Training Agency, within the scope of the USA Portugal Campus initiative, organized—together with the Fulbright Commission and the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD)—Portugal’s participation in the 77th NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo, held from May 27 to 30, 2025, in San Diego, California.

Under the theme “Purpose, Place, and Partnership”, the event brought together thousands of international education professionals from around the world, reaffirming itself as the largest and most influential global gathering in the field.

Portugal in the spotlight with the “Study & Research in Portugal” pavilion

The Portuguese delegation, coordinated by ANE+EF, FLAD, and Fulbright, stood out through a national pavilion promoting the excellence of Portuguese higher education and research under the Study & Research in Portugal brand. The space featured 18 national institutions and organizations, including:

• National Erasmus+ Education and Training Agency
• CESPU – Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário
• Fulbright Commission
• Luso-American Development Foundation – Study in Portugal Network
• Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave
• Polytechnic Institute of Leiria
• Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre
• Polytechnic Institute of Viseu
• ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon
• Portuguese Catholic University
• University of Aveiro
• University of Coimbra
• University of Lisbon (including ISEG and Instituto Superior Técnico)
• University of Algarve
• University of Minho
• Universidade Europeia | IADE | IPAM

You can find the full booklet with detailed information about the participating institutions here.

Over the four days of the conference, these institutions engaged in networking activities, took part in strategic meetings, and established new partnerships with universities and organizations from several continents.

San Diego—the host city, known as “America’s Finest City”—welcomed participants with its mild climate, stunning beaches, rich multicultural heritage, and innovative spirit. Its informal and inspiring atmosphere fostered productive encounters, collaborative sessions, and meaningful exchanges among key actors in the international education landscape.

Portugal’s presence at NAFSA 2025 further strengthened the country’s international positioning as a leading destination for study, research, and cooperation. Beyond institutional promotion, the Portuguese pavilion served as a hub for global dialogue on mobility, pedagogical innovation, sustainability, and inclusion in higher education.

This year, for the first time, we were able to host an intimate and convivial gathering between Portuguese higher education institutions and strategic partners, held in one of San Diego’s most iconic venues—an event sponsored by FLAD with the support of the remaining organizing partners.

Portugal once again affirmed itself as a strategic partner on the international education stage. We extend our thanks to all who contributed to the success of this mission.