This summer, EducationUSA Senior Adviser Mashal Khan represented Pakistan at NAFSA’s annual conference held in sunny San Diego, California, from May 27 to 30. Centered around purpose, place, and partnership, the event brought together thousands of international education professionals from around the world.
Khan’s reflection captured the spirit of the week: “Every story shared reminded me why this work matters.”
Bolstering ties
NAFSA: Association of International Educators, previously known as the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers, is the world’s largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. Each year, the conference caters to over 10,000 members and international educators from over 150 countries.
As part of the EducationUSA’s 2025 delegation, Khan participated in key activities including booth engagements, office hours, and university receptions. She connected with numerous U.S. university representatives interested in expanding their outreach in Pakistan. Many expressed interest in joining the upcoming South Asia Tour and collaborating on virtual sessions.
“The response was very positive, reinforcing Pakistan’s value as a key recruitment destination,” said Khan. “Truly, the role EducationUSA plays in facilitating these connections cannot be underestimated.”
During her time in San Diego, Khan also joined conference-related campus visits to:
- University of San Diego (USD): A tour of USD’s scenic campus was followed by a session on the politics of the environment, highlighting the liberal arts emphasis on critical thinking and global citizenship.
- University of California, San Diego (UCSD): Known for its innovation-driven design, UCSD stood out for its commitment to interdisciplinary learning. A memorable moment was seeing the Fallen Star, a famous tilted house installation that mirrors the disorienting yet transformative nature of international education.
NYC calling
After the conference, Khan traveled to New York City from June 1 to 4 for a series of campus visits focused on forming institutional connections and exploring student support structures.
At St. John’s University, conversations revolved around admissions, career services, and student engagement. A highlight was reconnecting with former advisee Ali Taimur, now thriving as an international student.
“It’s always fulfilling to see students we’ve guided go on to do so well,” Khan shared.
At Queensborough Community College, she was impressed by the hands-on learning environment, especially in healthcare, and the strong articulation agreements that allow students to transfer confidently to four-year institutions.
Other NYC visits included:
- Columbia University, where conversations centered on flexible study options like the Visiting Students Program and online degree pathways.
- The New School, with its unique vertical campus in Greenwich Village, which showcased a progressive education model that integrates seamlessly with the city itself.
- CUNY Graduate Center, where discussions focused on urban issues, global engagement, and accessibility.
“Each visit was an opportunity to highlight the academic strengths, aspirations, and cultural diversity of Pakistani students,” said Khan. “These conversations opened doors for future collaboration and also reaffirmed the commitment of U.S. institutions to creating inclusive, welcoming environments for our kids.”
