NAFSA and Explore Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance International Education

NAFSA and Explore, a part of Manifest Global, owners of Cialfo and BridgeU, have agreed to a collaborative three-year partnership. The partnership aims to bring institutions closer to the global education ecosystems that will drive future student engagement and focus on advancing professional development whilst fostering global connections within the international education community.

NAFSA and Explore will launch this partnership with a co-hosted K-12 Summit on Monday, May 25, 2026, in advance of the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference.

This invite only, half-day event will bring together a select group of selected international K-12 school leaders and global university leaders, government officials and key industry opinion leaders to deepen relationships and to address a pressing global challenge: the growing disconnects between student expectations, advising capacity, university enrollment processes, and workforce demand in destination countries.

In addition to the K-12 Summit, Manifest Global experts will serve as insight partners and featured speakers at high-profile events during the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference, providing attendees with valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of international education.

Ahead of the NAFSA Conference in May, NAFSA and Explore will co-host a number of webinars that will share the latest research and bring insights into the international K12 sector.

“This partnership with Explore and Manifest represents an exciting opportunity to enhance our programming and provide our members with the insight and connections they need to succeed,” said Fanta Aw, executive director and CEO of NAFSA. “Their expertise in technology and international education will be invaluable as we continue to support our community in an evolving global landscape.”

“We are honoured to partner with NAFSA, the world’s largest and most respected association dedicated to international education,” said Rohan Pasari, Manifest’s founder and CEO. “This year’s summit marks the beginning of an ambitious programme of work to shift the conversation beyond visa policies and destination trends, and toward the critical role education should play in rebalancing global talent to meet the labor market needs of the future.”

This strategic partnership underscores a shared vision to foster a more interconnected and accessible global education and talent system. Both organizations are committed to supporting professionals as they navigate the complexities of international student recruitment, admissions, and talent mobility.