CEA CAPA actively contributed to the 2026 NAFSA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, engaging with global education leaders to advance international education, innovation, and student success. The team delivered expert-led sessions on career readiness, the impact of study abroad programs, and AI-driven risk management, while also fostering discussions on equity, access, and institutional values. Through sponsored networking events and the collaborative Access Amplified session with the Fund for Education Abroad, CEA CAPA highlighted strategies to expand access, support first-generation students, and enhance inclusive program design. The conference reinforced CEA CAPA’s commitment to equitable global education and its leadership in shaping the future of study abroad.

Emerging best practices in First‑Year Experience (FYE) programming through insights gathered at two major higher education conferences, highlighting the growing importance of ecosystem‑based design and student belonging. Drawing on national research and real‑world case studies, it positions First‑Year Experience Abroad as a strategic, high‑impact practice that supports student success, retention, and academic momentum from day one. The piece underscores how intentional, data‑informed, and student‑centric FYE Abroad programs can help institutions foster connection, confidence, and long‑term engagement in an evolving global education landscape.