Participating in NAFSA regional or national conferences and events provides an opportunity to acquire and exchange information and is also an excellent way to begin building a personal network of contacts in the field of international education. Our region is proud to offer opportunities to those seeking financial support that will allow them to become further involved in our region.

Conference Travel Scholarships

NAFSA Region VIII awards a limited number of scholarship awards to individuals wishing to attend our annual regional conference. Scholarships include free conference registration or lodging at the conference hotel. Scholarships are based on level of need, with preference being given to presenters and first-time attendees. The deadline to apply for the 2022 bi-regional conference is September 16th.

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Advocacy Day

NAFSA Advocacy Day is an annual opportunity to voice your support for international education and exchange while expanding your network and increasing your skillset. Advocacy Day takes place over two days and includes an integrated set of advocacy training and practice activities, anchored by a morning of visits to each member's congressional delegation on Capitol Hill.

NAFSA Advocacy Day
April 20-21, 2021 | Virtual
NAFSA Region VIII supports colleagues who wish to advance their professional development through attendance at the Advocacy Day by offering a grant to help defray the costs of attendance. 

2021 Region VIII Advocacy Day Scholarship Recipients

Mandy Reinig, Director of Study Away, Virginia Wesleyan University
Mandy Reinig is currently the director of the Study Away Program at Virginia Wesleyan University and has been in the field of international education for almost 15 years. During this time she has worked with study abroad students, assisted faculty with study abroad courses, and provided guidance to international students. Mandy has served in several leadership positions with NAFSA at the regional and national level and currently serves on the Trainer Corps Program Preparation Training Team. She is excited to participate in this year's Advocacy Day because of the unique opportunity it presents to have direct access to your elected officials to discuss current international policies, and because of the connections she is making with the Citizenship and Immigration senior seminar class on campus who will be aiding her in providing background stories.