About NAFSA

NAFSA's nearly 10,000 members are located at more than 3,500 institutions in 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.

A large number of NAFSA's members can be found on college and university campuses working as foreign student advisers and admissions officers, study abroad advisers, directors of international programs, teachers of English as a second language, administrators of intensive English programs, overseas educational advisers, community volunteers, and administrators of sponsored exchange programs. NAFSA also draws members from associations and foundations, international and national corporations, research centers, community organizations and cultural groups. The embassies and consulates of more than 160 countries participate in NAFSA activities as international affiliates.

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 professional training, expertise in a wide range of international education issues, professional conferences, an electronic communications system and Web site, and professional publications, including more than 50 books and videos on issues related to international educational exchange and the award-winning bimonthly magazine International Educator.

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

NAFSA’s executive director is Marlene M. Johnson, a former lieutenant governor of Minnesota.

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.