“The founding principles of Study Abroad are all about creating understanding and empathy between cultures and nations,” stated Kim Griffin McNeil, the Director of APUNE at the XIII Edition of the Spanish and North American Universities Conference in the University d’Alacant. This vibrant meeting, which took place in early March 2025, brought together myriad interests from Study Abroad programs - from the universities themselves through to mental health experts and student accommodation facilities.
From left: Jane Strei, Amy Olsen and José Luis Oliver at the Conference in Alicante
Connections were made, round-table discussions were had and there was a general feeling of inspiration as topics from neuroscience to intercultural diplomacy were deliberated.
Brian David George spoke about how Study Abroad students need to be versed in the importance of intercultural diplomacy. Leticia Martínez Prado reminded us that our brains are surprisingly flexible and this neuroplasticity helps us with learning and adaptation to new cultures. She also highlighted the importance of creating interpersonal connections during the study abroad period. Meanwhile Antonio Gutiérrez was incredibly inspiring as he urged us to guide our students to become real agents of change in these uncertain times.
The conference also counted on the invaluable support of Vithas, You2Call, HM Hospitales, Smart Insiders, Asisa, López Hermoso Abogados, Lodgerin, Clínica Corachan, Cotown, Livensa Living and Viajes Iverem - for which we are eternally grateful! Special thanks goes out to Bárbara García, APUNE's coordinator, for all her hard work behind the scenes.
We can't wait to welcome you all to 2026's conference at the Universidad de Murcia!
