ICEX Study in Spain Seminar | NAFSA

Participants will engage with higher education leaders across Spain to explore opportunities for:

• Expanding student mobility and exchange programs
• Building or strengthening institutional partnerships
• Understanding the Spanish higher education landscape and regional strengths

The program includes site visits to universities, cultural institutions, and government partners, providing both strategic insights and on-the-ground opportunities to form meaningful connections. For the 2024 seminar, participants visited over 10 institutions across Madrid, Cordoba, Salamanca, Avila, and Alicante.

All seminar participants cover the cost of their airfare to and from Madrid.

ICEX generously covers hotels, breakfasts, lunches, and program-related transportation and many onsite expenses for participants. Hotel accommodation is provided upon arrival October 18 through check-out on October 24 (6 nights total). Breakfasts and lunches are provided during the working days (Mon-Fri) as well as onsite transportation by high-speed train (AVE) and bus for seminar activities (Mon-Fri). Most dinners, if not included in the final program, are the responsibilities of the seminar participants.

The seminar is designed for based professionals who:

• Are current members of NAFSA and
• Are full-time employees of U.S. higher education institutions
• Are based in the United States and
• Hold roles that carry influence and decision-making authority for global learning or study abroad (e.g., Director of Study Abroad, Assistant-Associate Dean, Associate Provost for Global Learning, International Partnerships Manager)
• Are positioned to develop or expand institutional initiatives in Spain

Participants should be prepared to apply what they learn to drive institutional change, enhance programmatic offerings, and strengthen or initiate partnerships.

The seminar cohort is intentionally small to ensure meaningful engagement and personalized opportunities to explore collaboration. NAFSA and ICEX encourage thoughtful application responses that reflect the applicants' institutional vision for global engagement in Spain.

Strong applications will demonstrate:

• Clear alignment between institutional priorities and the seminar's goals
• Evidence of leadership support for partnership development in Spain
• Capacity to effect change on campus
• A commitment to expanding mobility and collaboration with Spanish institutions