From 1-4 June 2021 Study in Greece represented Greek Higher Education at NAFSA 2021 Annual Conference & Expo. NAFSA 2021 was a unique experience for SiG as well as for the Greek Universities, since it was the first time that Greece was represented at the world’s largest education fair.
SiG’s virtual booth –consisting of promotional videos and information material from all Greek Universities– offered attendees from all over the world the opportunity to discover the Greek academic landscape by showcasing the wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, summer schools, study abroad and other international programs offered by the universities of our country. It’s worth mentioning that SiG’s booth attracted more than 2.200 views and more than 200 bookmarks. Furthermore, and that’s the most important, we had 63 meetings, with U.S. universities, agents, study abroad officers and other kind of educational organizations.
Joining together with the global international education community from more than 100 countries, we –SiG’s agents– also had the great opportunity to discuss research collaborations and synergies with international education institutes and organizations as well as to share insights on the current trends emerging from the changing and evolving environment of international education, connect with fellow attendees and build a network essential to our project’s success. Within this framework we had the chance to meet NAFSA’s board of directors, and present Greek HE’s internationalization plan.
The main finding of our participation was the surprise of the participating parties that Greece is on board for internationalization, as this was expressed by the phrase “We didn’t know you were on the map!!”
This year’s exposition, even if it was held on-line, provided us with the unique opportunity to engage with colleagues and make new connections from around the world so as to build bridges between the Greek academic world and the international academic universe.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the NAFSA experience enabled us –Greece– to finally find our place on the map of international education.
Looking forward to participating in next year’s NAFSA 2022, which will take place in Denver, Colorado!!
See you in Denver!
