In a unanimous decision, the International Association for College Admission Counseling (International ACAC), selected The University of New Mexico to host the International ACAC conference in July 2020—an event that draws participants from over 90 different countries.

This conference is the premier annual gathering for approximately 1,400 international recruiters and high school college counselors from secondary schools across the world. Previous International ACAC conference host institutions have reported significant enrollment increases as a direct result of hosting this event.

“We are honored to host this outstanding group of professionals on our beautiful campus,” said UNM President Garnett S. Stokes. “Our belief is that everyone is welcome here, and that is something I hope the conference participants experience as they get to know our University, the richness of our academic programs and the depth of what it means to be a Lobo.” 

This is an unprecedented opportunity for UNM to showcase its campus, academic programs and New Mexico’s culture to international professionals from all over the world. This will be the first time the International ACAC conference is held at a campus in the Southwest.

"This conference will give UNM a good opportunity to connect with potential students from all over the world." — International Student Ambassador Mengna Zhang

“International business, including international conferences like this one, is a priority of the Keller administration and we look forward to supporting UNM to make sure we put our best foot forward,” said City of Albuquerque Economic Development Director Synthia Jaramillo. “Congratulations to the Global Education Office at UNM for identifying this ambitious opportunity, putting together a team of local stakeholders, and winning the bid to bring the International-ACAC to Albuquerque.”

International Students bring unique perspectives and make important cultural contributions to our campus community. UNM students and faculty benefit from having global diversity in the classroom. From a fiscal perspective, according to the NAFSA International Educators Association, international students studying at universities in the United States contribute $36.9 billion to the U.S. economy. 

In New Mexico there are 3,595 international students at various institutions who contribute $93 million to our state’s economy.  

“We are excited by the news. This conference will give UNM a good opportunity to connect with potential students from all over the world and allow them to experience the unique cultures in New Mexico,” says, Mengna Zhang, one of UNM’s international student ambassadors.

The Global Education Office is looking forward to the campus event, which will include collaborations with Central New Mexico College and the City of Albuquerque to promote Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico. 

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