Through interactive sessions, conversations and networking opportunities, participants gained knowledge and connections that can support their continued involvement in international education and global leadership.

The conference brought together students from the following institutions:

• Appalachian State University
• Central Piedmont Community College
• Davidson College
• East Carolina University
• 麻豆视频
• High Point University
• Meredith College
• Methodist University
• North Carolina State University
• Queens University
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• University of North Carolina at Pembroke
• Wayne Community College
• Wesleyan College

Students participated in “Story Circle” activities, a 鈥淭wo to Tell鈥� presentation, and a photo contest, showcasing images that reflected their global experiences. 鈥淭wo to Tell鈥� is a speech competition in which students deliver a two-minute presentation. The focus of the presentation is the impact of their international experience, including but not limited to study abroad, immigration or international studies.

The conference highlighted the value of collaboration across North Carolina鈥檚 higher education institutions and demonstrated the impact students can have when they come together around shared interests in global learning, cultural exchange and international engagement.

The conference was organized through a collaborative effort involving NCAIE鈥檚 Student Leadership Team, which included students from several North Carolina colleges and universities. 麻豆视频 students Emily Tomczak G鈥�28 and Ariely Vidal 鈥�28 served on the student leadership team. Karen Binger Marshall of Appalachian State University and Rose Malone of East Carolina University served as conference co-planners. 麻豆视频 staff, Carmen Boggs, director of semester and exchange programs, and Denise Teeters, director of international student services assisted in the logistics of hosting the conference on campus.

More information about the NCAIE Global Leadership and International Engagement Student Conference is available on the .

The first session featured a legal discussion examining the potential impact of political shifts in the U.S. as the country looks ahead to 2026. Nathanial Lynch, director of the WFU Center for Immigration Services & Support, and William Crotty, associate attorney at Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm, provided insight into current immigration policies and possible changes. The conversation addressed visa regulations, employment authorization and legal work pathways available to international students. Panelists also discussed how broader policy developments may influence economic priorities, and the global perception of studying and working in the U.S., offering guidance to help students plan proactively for their academic and professional futures.

Following the legal session, Cherie Fu, associate director of the M.S. in Business Analytics and international student support specialist at the聽Wake Forest University School of Business led an interactive workshop titled Turning Anxiety into Energy: A Mindful Toolkit for International Students. The session acknowledged the layered pressures many international students face, including visa uncertainty, academic demands and cultural adjustment. Students engaged in guided reflection and practical exercises designed to help them reframe stress, regulate emotional responses, and transform anxiety into focused action.

The symposium concluded with a networking session that brought together students, faculty, staff and international alumni. Designed as both a creative and professional engagement opportunity, the closing event emphasized relationship-building and community, reinforcing the symposium鈥檚 broader goal of equipping international students with the tools, insight, and connections needed to thrive.

The leadership and collaboration of the Wake Forest University departments and participating institutions made the International Excellence Symposium possible, including their Center for Immigration Services & Support, the Office of Leadership Engagement, the Office of Personal and Career Development, and other campus partners.

Located in the Dudley Building,聽the building鈥檚 front lawn is enriched by the A&T Four Monument, a tribute to the historic 1960 sit-in at Woolworth’s lunch counter by four A&T first-year students. Guiding the tour were Professor Roymieco Carter, who serves as director of the Visual Arts Program, along with Carlos Grooms, research and instruction librarian, and Harvey Long, student success librarian and assistant professor.

Following the insightful tour of the university, students made their way to Downtown Greensboro’s Center City Park for the N.C. Korean Festival. The festival featured a variety of Korean food vendors, traditional Korean dances, and a Kpop contest. Hosted annually by the Korean-American Association of Greater Greensboro, the festival is a celebrated cultural event in the area.聽