About NAFSA

NAFSA: Association of International Educators promotes the exchange of students and scholars to and from the United States. The Association sets and upholds standards of good practice and provides professional education and training that strengthen institutional programs and services related to international educational exchange. NAFSA provides a forum for discussion of issues and a network for sharing information as it seeks to increase awareness of and support for international education in higher education, in government, and in the community. 

NAFSA's members--numbering nearly 8,900 individuals from all 50 states and 84 countries--share a belief that international educational exchange advances learning and scholarship, builds respect among different peoples, and encourages constructive leadership in a global community. 

A majority 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. 

Health services personnel, financial aid officers, and campus career services staff are joining NAFSA in growing numbers as campuses internationalize and integrate their international services into campus life. 

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. 

Helping students and scholars from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds to make the most of a stay outside their home country requires special knowledge and competencies. NAFSA members foster optimal exchange experiences by anticipating and responding to the needs of students engaged in the unique and challenging experience of crossing borders to study.