AANT at the NAFSA 2025 Conference in San Diego: Internationalization in Focus

AANT took part in the Annual NAFSA 2025 Conference, held from May 27 to 30 in San Diego, California. Gianna Angelini, AANT’s Head of Internationalization, represented the Academy at what is recognized as the world’s largest and most dynamic international event in the field of higher education. Approximately 8,000 professionals from over 100 countries attended the conference, which offered a unique opportunity to forge global contacts, exchange ideas, and initiate new academic collaboration agreements.

During the conference, Gianna Angelini participated in numerous networking sessions and strategic meetings with representatives of academic institutions and international educational organizations. These targeted encounters laid the groundwork for future exchange agreements and joint projects, further strengthening AANT’s global network of contacts. The face-to-face meetings with peers from around the world allowed AANT to explore collaborative opportunities and broaden its reach in international academia.

The conference featured over 250 sessions, workshops, presentations, and networking activities, providing participants with a comprehensive overview of current trends, strategies, and best practices in international education. The overarching theme “Purpose, Place, and Partnership” ran through every moment of the event, underscoring the importance of creating sustainable opportunities for students worldwide through meaningful partnerships. It also emphasized sharing diverse perspectives and innovative educational approaches to enrich global learning experiences.

Key topics addressed at NAFSA 2025 included:

  • Inclusive internationalization – ensuring that international education opportunities are accessible and equitable for all students.
  • Development of global academic collaborations – building partnerships between institutions across countries to foster academic exchange and joint programs.
  • The role of international education in fostering intercultural understanding and cooperation among peoples – highlighting how studying abroad and cross-border educational initiatives can promote cultural awareness and global cooperation.

In this context, AANT’s participation allowed the Academy to align with the latest global trends and to share its own educational expertise in the field of arts and new technologies on a high-profile international stage. By engaging with these themes firsthand, AANT demonstrated that it remains at the forefront of international education initiatives and is committed to incorporating these best practices into its programs.

“Participation in NAFSA 2025 has been an extremely enriching experience,” commented Gianna Angelini at the end of the conference. “Meeting colleagues from all over the world and sharing visions and ideas allowed us to imagine new prospects for collaboration. I return to Rome with concrete contacts and innovative projects to develop, ready to further strengthen AANT’s international footprint.”

The international dimension has always been a pillar for AANT, and attending NAFSA 2025 reaffirms the Academy’s commitment to positioning itself in a global educational landscape. The insights gathered in San Diego and the relationships initiated there will help enrich the academic experience of both students and faculty, while also boosting AANT’s growth in line with its educational mission. Events like NAFSA serve as strategic platforms for the Academy to reinforce partnerships and demonstrate AANT’s dedication to academic cooperation at the international level, solidifying its role as a globally engaged institution.

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AANT at the 4th International Week of IPCA

AANT took part in the International Week 2025 organized by the Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave (IPCA) in Braga, Portugal. Representing AANT were General Director Rossana Quarta and Head of the International Office Gianna Angelini, who participated in the 4th edition of the event held in Braga as part of the Braga Economy Week. Simultaneously, AANT lecturers Francesca Cattaneo and Angela Bruni (Design Department) contributed as visiting professors at IPCA’s Barcelos campus, bringing the Academy’s teaching experience into an international context.
The International Week 2025 in Braga took place from May 19 to 23, 2025, alongside other high-profile international events focused on innovation, applied research, and interinstitutional cooperation. The central theme of the week – “Innovation meets Regions” – reflected the goal of linking academic innovation to regional development, fostering dialogue among universities, local communities, and businesses. The event was part of the European project IWONDER and supported by the Erasmus+ programme, which facilitated broad international participation. Dozens of delegates from universities across Europe (and beyond) gathered in Braga, creating a vibrant multicultural environment for building new collaborations and exchanging best practices.
In parallel with the economic forum, IPCA launched the 4th edition of its International Week (InWeek), an international training programme aimed at lecturers and researchers in the thematic areas covered by the event. The InWeek was conducted entirely in English and featured a rich schedule of workshops, interactive group sessions, and networking activities, all designed to promote the exchange of good practices, skills development, and strengthened international cooperation.
Specifically, the International Week offered a wide range of engaging activities for all participants:
– Interactive workshops and group sessions to exchange educational best practices and develop new skills;
– Round tables and thematic conferences on innovation ecosystems and collaboration among universities, institutions, and businesses;
– Presentations of European research projects (RUN-EU consortium) and a dedicated technology showcase (RUN-EU Technology Showcase) integrated within the Braga Economy Week, highlighting innovative projects developed by partner universities;
– Company visits and B2B matchmaking meetings to encourage knowledge transfer and the formation of industrial partnerships;
– Participation in the ICARUS International Conference (Annual International Conference on Applied Research with Business and Society), hosted in hybrid format at Fórum Braga, to explore the connection between academic research and the business world.
Throughout the week, there were also informal social moments and team-building activities, which helped foster a climate of trust and collaboration among attendees. The event served as a strategic platform to strengthen the RUN-EU network (a European university alliance of which IPCA is a member), promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge sharing on both a regional and international level.
AANT’s presence in Braga highlighted the Academy’s active role in international academic networks, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and cross-border cooperation. Rossana Quarta and Gianna Angelini, along with the participating faculty members, shared AANT’s perspective during debates and workshops, built new connections with international colleagues, and gathered valuable insights for future collaboration.

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Valerio Di Paola and Emanuele Tarducci Take Part in Professional Development Courses in Ireland

In June 2025, two lecturers from the Accademia delle Arti e Nuove Tecnologie (AANT) took part in an international training programme under the Erasmus+ Staff Training Mobility initiative. Valerio Di Paola, coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree in Videomaking, and Emanuele Tarducci, coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree in UX/UI and Interaction Design, attended two intensive courses held at the Atlantic Language School in Galway, Ireland. Di Paola took part in the course “English Language & Irish Culture”, while Tarducci participated in “Lecturing Effectively in English”, both delivered at the Irish campus of Atlantic Language.

The course “English Language & Irish Culture”, attended by Valerio Di Paola, focused on enhancing English language skills through full immersion in Irish culture. The training activities emphasised the discovery of Ireland’s cultural heritage, with a particular focus on traditional storytelling, local music, and regional traditions, offering participants a meaningful experience of intercultural exchange. Throughout the training week, lecturers from various European countries explored key aspects of Irish life and society through presentations, educational projects, traditional music sessions, and interactions with the local community.

The “Lecturing Effectively in English” course attended by Emanuele Tarducci was designed to refine the teaching methodologies of lecturers and trainers working in international contexts. Key topics included the application of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) principles to teaching in English, and strategies for effectively structuring a lecture—from the introduction to the development of core ideas and conclusion—while selecting the most appropriate language register for the audience. Special attention was also given to the ability to clearly “signpost” key concepts during lessons, as well as to the use of visual aids and non-verbal communication to make lectures more engaging and accessible. The course also included hands-on exercises and peer-to-peer interaction, allowing participants to apply what they had learned and exchange feedback and ideas to enhance teaching effectiveness.

Atlantic Language Galway, the host institution, is an accredited language school under the Erasmus+ Programme, offering a wide range of courses specifically designed for professionals in the education sector, including teachers, academics, researchers, and administrative staff. As a recognised Erasmus+ provider, Atlantic Language boasts over thirty years of experience and delivers high-level professional development opportunities for educators and academic staff from across Europe.

This international training experience is part of AANT’s ongoing commitment to professional development for its faculty. Initiatives like the Erasmus+ Staff Training Mobility contribute to enriching the expertise of AANT’s teaching staff and further strengthening the Academy’s international outlook.

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AANT a Valencia all’International Week “Internationalization at Home – Internationalization for All”

Dal 16 al 20 giugno 2025 Gianna Angelini, Head of International Office di AANT, ha partecipato presso l’Università CEU Cardenal Herrera di Valencia alla International Week dal titolo “Internationalization at Home – Internationalization for All”. In questa settimana internazionale, organizzata dal gruppo universitario spagnolo CEU Educational Group, Gianna ha rappresentato la nostra Accademia confrontandosi con colleghi provenienti da tutta Europa e oltre.

Oltre 35 professionisti provenienti da tutto il mondo si sono riuniti durante l’International Week nel campus CEU di Valencia. L’incontro è stata un’occasione unica per condividere esperienze, discutere di internazionalizzazione e sviluppare nuove idee in un contesto multiculturale e stimolante. La presenza dei quattro atenei del gruppo CEU ha arricchito ulteriormente il dibattito, offrendo prospettive diverse ma complementari sul tema dell’internazionalizzazione.

Questa edizione è stata la prima International Week organizzata a livello di Gruppo CEU, che riunisce quattro università in Spagna (CEU San Pablo a Madrid, Universitat Abat Oliba CEU a Barcellona, CEU Cardenal Herrera a Valencia e CEU Fernando III a Siviglia).

La settimana di lavoro ha previsto seminari, workshop e attività interattive, fornendo ai partecipanti strumenti e strategie per sviluppare collaborazioni internazionali innovativeinternational.knu.ua. Il programma ha toccato numerosi argomenti chiave per l’istruzione universitaria internazionale, tra cui: Global learning (apprendimento globale); Virtual exchange (scambi virtuali tra atenei); Sviluppo professionale per lo staff non accademico; COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning, progetti di collaborazione didattica online); Tecnologia e AI (intelligenza artificiale) applicate alla formazione; Futuro dell’istruzione superiore e nuove prospettive educative

Esperti internazionali di alto livello hanno guidato le sessioni su questi temi, condividendo best practice e casi di studio dal mondo. I partecipanti hanno potuto così riflettere insieme su come rendere l’internazionalizzazione un processo inclusivo – “at home” e davvero for all, per tutti. Da sottolineare che l’iniziativa aveva anche un importante risvolto solidale: l’International Week ha infatti sostenuto le attività della Fondazione Internazionale Josep Carreras (impegnata nella lotta alla leucemia) e della Fondazione Aladina (dedicata al supporto dei bambini malati di cancro). Questo obiettivo benefico ha aggiunto ulteriore significato e orgoglio per tutti i partecipanti.

Tra i momenti più originali della settimana c’è stata la visita al campus gastronomico GASMA di Castellón, il polo dell’Università CEU dedicato alla formazione in gastronomia. Qui il tema dell’internazionalità si è intrecciato con la cultura locale in modo del tutto particolare: i partecipanti, sotto la guida dello staff di GASMA, si sono cimentati in laboratori culinari pratici, imparando a preparare alcuni piatti tipici della tradizione spagnola. In un’atmosfera conviviale e collaborativa, ogni squadra ha dovuto mettersi ai fornelli – un esercizio di team building davvero “delizioso”! Tra padelle fumanti e profumo di zafferano, i nostri rappresentanti hanno appreso i segreti della paella valenciana e di altre specialità, scoprendo come la cucina possa diventare un linguaggio universale capace di unire le persone. Questa tappa gastronomica, oltre ad essere divertente, ha evidenziato ancora una volta il valore aggiunto dello scambio culturale nell’ambito dell’educazione internazionale.

A conclusione dell’International Week, Gianna Angelini ha voluto condividere il proprio entusiasmo per l’esperienza vissuta e ribadire l’importanza della collaborazione senza confini: «È stata un’esperienza molto formativa», ha commentato Gianna Angelini al termine della settimana. «Confrontarmi con colleghi da ogni parte del mondo su sfide e progetti comuni ci ha aperto la mente a nuove prospettive. Torno a casa arricchiti di idee innovative e con la conferma che la collaborazione internazionale è la chiave per crescere e innovare nell’istruzione superiore.»

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