37th Annual Conference
Intercultural Exchange as a Catalyst for Sustainable and Resilient Communities
Cuenca, Ecuador — March 4-7, 2026
The conference will address:
- How international students foster cultural exchange, economic vitality, and social cohesion in host towns and cities.
- How study abroad programs can empower students to engage in community-building and sustainability initiatives.
- How academic innovation and sustainable practices can drive urban development.
Cuenca, Ecuador, is the ideal host city for AAPLAC 2026 as a city that balances tradition and modernity. Known for its academic dynamism, cultural richness, and commitment to sustainability, Cuenca provides a privileged context to explore how international programs and intercultural exchange foster community resilience and promote sustainable urban development.
Cuenca, Ecuador
A UNESCO World Heritage city where history, culture, and innovation intertwine.
A model for sustainability with a modern tram system and eco-friendly initiatives.
A thriving international community, making it the perfect setting to explore the role of global education in local development.
The Centers for Interamerican Studies—CEDEI
For over 30 years, CEDEI has specialized in customized study abroad programs in Ecuador, offering immersive Spanish language learning, cultural engagement, and hands-on academic experiences. We collaborate closely with US universities to design flexible, faculty-led programs tailored to diverse academic fields, ensuring a transformative educational journey for every student.
As one of the founding institutions of AAPLAC, CEDEI is deeply committed to fostering international education and promoting cultural exchange in Latin America.
Save the date and be part of the change.
Professor Daniel Orellana, Keynote Speaker at AAPLAC 2026
The keynote speaker for AAPLAC 2026 is Daniel Orellana, Principal Professor at the University of Cuenca. He is a researcher in Geospatial Sciences interested in understanding the interactions among human societies and the environment from a multidisciplinary approach.
AAPLAC 2026 Call for Papers
The conference theme of AAPLAC 2026 is Intercultural Exchange as a Catalyst for Sustainable and Resilient Communities. We are especially interested in proposals that align with this theme as it relates to AAPLAC's long-standing mission of facilitating and...
AAPLAC 2026: Intercultural Exchange as a Catalyst for Sustainable and Resilient Communities
The 2026 AAPLAC Annual Conference will take place March 4-7 in Cuenca, Ecuador.
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Future Conferences
The Executive Board of AAPLAC seeks site proposals to host the Annual Conference in future years. Please contact AAPLAC President Sandy Bravo with any questions.