About NAFSA

NAFSA’s 10,000 members are located at more than 3,500 institutions worldwide, representing over 150 countries. NAFSA is the world’s largest nonprofit professional association dedicated to international education.  NAFSA and its members believe that international education advances learning and scholarship, builds understanding and respect among different peoples, and enhances constructive leadership in the global community, and that international education by its nature is fundamental to fostering peace, security, and well-being.

A core part of NAFSA's mission is to support public policies that promote and enhance international education and exchange between the United States and other nations. International educational exchanges contribute immeasurably to building the skills of Americans to work effectively in today’s global environment, developing close ties with the leadership of other nations, supporting economic growth in less developed nations, and providing a foundation for addressing global problems. International education is a critical tool in supporting effective U.S. global leadership, competitiveness, and security.

Committed to building the skills, knowledge, and competencies of its members, NAFSA strengthens international education’s biggest asset – the dedicated professionals worldwide who make educational mobility possible.

NAFSA provides:

• A voice in Washington, DC, advocating support of international education and exchange programs and the elimination of barriers to international education
• Professional training for its members worldwide and expertise in a wide range of issues that affect international student mobility
• An annual conference that is the world's premiere event in the field of international education, attracting more than 9,000 professionals from more than 100 countries and featuring an Expo Hall with more than 500 exhibitors
• Eleven regional conferences each year that build networks among universities, agencies, and individuals
• An electronic communications system and award-winning Web site through which members, policy makers, and the public can obtain information and share ideas and expertise about international exchange issues
• Grants to campuses and communities for programs designed to enrich the exchange experience of foreign students and scholars and U.S. students abroad
• Professional publications, including an electronic newsletter, the flagship bimonthly magazine International Educator, an employment registry, and more than 50 books and videos on international educational exchange issues

NAFSA’s support comes from membership dues, conference fees, publication sales, U.S. government grants for special projects, and an annual fund drive.

A note about NAFSA's name: The name of the association has changed since its inception in 1948 to reflect the expanding roles of NAFSA members into all aspects of international education and exchange. The original name of the association was National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA). Learn more about NAFSA's 60-year history.