Pitt hosted 1,500 international admissions and high school counselors for three days of connection and education

The University of Pittsburgh and co-host Carnegie Mellon University welcomed more than 1,500 counselors from universities and high schools in 90 countries to the 2026 International Association for College Admission Counseling (ACAC) Conference, July 14-16. Over three days of networking events, education sessions and exhibition fairs, participants strengthened connections with colleagues and learned about best practices in international education recruitment.

University admissions counselors and high school guidance counselors alike traveled from near and far for the annual in-person event because of the community it builds, said Kaitlyn Livingstone (A&S ’15, EDUC ’21G), a conference organizer and associate director of international recruitment in Pitt’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid

Staff on Pitt’s international admissions team typically travel six to 12 weeks per year, she said. “Some of my best friends are people who I’ve met on the road. In-person connection is so important, and as much as this conference is about professional development, it’s also about human connection and building networks.”

The international admissions community is vast but small, and attending the International ACAC conference is a way to build support networks far away from home, said Ivy Chou (EDUC ’19, ’22G), a fellow organizer and Pitt international enrollment services manager

“Sometimes mishaps happen when you are on the road,” she said. “We have learned to rely on each other, even if we don’t work for the same institution.”

Hosting the conference is also an opportunity to showcase Pittsburgh and the University to people coming from as far as Singapore and Australia, said Livingstone

“For many attendees, it’s their first time in Pittsburgh and even the United States. They can see what a hidden gem Pitt and Pittsburgh is

Melinda Swisher, a conference participant representing the Pan American Christian Academy in São Paulo, enjoyed seeing the University firsthand

“I have a better understanding of what Pitt has to offer, from updated facilities to its majors,” she said. “It’s been great to visit and now I’ll say to my students, this is a great university.”

For Livingstone, the International ACAC conference was ultimately about sharing her home

“My biggest hope is attendees fell in love with the city, and felt the Pittsburgh spirit, how welcoming and friendly everyone is here.”

Expanding access, near and far

No matter where you’re from, Pitt wants to help you reach your next stop

Within the commonwealth, the University is offering free regional tuition for eligible Pennsylvanians and not only helping rural students decide if Pitt is their perfect fit but also giving them the support they need to succeed after they arrive on campus

One-of-a-kind affordability initiatives like Panthers Forward and the Pitt Finish Line Grant ensure students don’t delay their education due to debt and financial hurdles

And Pitt Online offers more than 50 flexible and career-driven programs, so you can access an affordable University of Pittsburgh education wherever you are

Photography by Aimee Obidzinski

Source: www.pittwire.pitt.edu