NAFSA
Association of International Educators
About NAFSA
NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world's largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. Founded as the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers, the organization has evolved to become a comprehensive professional association serving the diverse needs of international educators worldwide.
NAFSA serves more than 11,000 members and international educators at over 4,300 institutions across 170+ countries. The association brings together professionals from various sectors of international education, including study abroad advisors, international student advisors, admissions officers, ESL specialists, campus administrators, and educators from specialized fields.
The association's mission centers on the belief that international education advances learning and scholarship, fosters understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and is essential for developing globally competent individuals. NAFSA works to support learning programs, develop resources, and create global partnership opportunities while assisting members in managing complex safety, policy, and immigration issues.
NAFSA serves as a leading voice for international education and exchange, advocating for policies that create a more welcoming and globally engaged United States. The association provides professional development opportunities, resources, and networking platforms for international educators to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Membership Requirements
NAFSA is primarily a professional membership organization for individuals rather than an accrediting body for schools. However, institutions and organizations can participate in NAFSA through their staff members who join as individual or group members. While there are no specific accreditation requirements for schools, NAFSA promotes high standards in international education through its resources, training, and advocacy.
Membership types include:
- Individual Member - Available to all individuals serving international education and exchange at institutions, organizations, and support services within the United States.
- International Member - Available to all individuals serving international education and exchange at institutions, organizations, and support services outside of the United States.
- Group Member - Available to groups of two or more individual members serving international education and exchange who are located at the same location (i.e., the same campus or office). Group memberships are available within the United States.
- LDC International Member - Available to all individuals who are citizens and residents of United Nations-designated Least Developed Countries.
- Retired Professional - Available to retirees engaged and connected to the field of international education and exchange.
- Student Member - Available to full-time students enrolled in a post-secondary institution (proof of student status is required).
While NAFSA does not directly accredit institutions, it does recognize excellence in international education through various awards, including the Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization, which honors U.S. colleges and universities making significant progress toward comprehensive internationalization.
Complaint & Arbitration Procedure
NAFSA does not appear to have a formal complaint or arbitration procedure specifically for disputes between students and educational institutions. As a professional association rather than an accrediting body, NAFSA's primary focus is on supporting international educators through professional development, resources, and advocacy.
However, NAFSA does provide resources that can help institutions develop their own effective policies and procedures, including:
- Best Practices Resources - NAFSA offers guidance on developing effective policies and procedures for international education programs.
- Professional Networks - Members can access networks of peers and experts who can provide advice on handling various issues, including student concerns.
- Regulatory Information - NAFSA provides up-to-date information on regulations affecting international education, which can help institutions ensure compliance and address potential issues.
- IssueNet - NAFSA maintains IssueNet, a system where members can report issues related to international student services and education abroad visa challenges, though this is primarily focused on regulatory and policy issues rather than individual student complaints.
For specific student complaints, individuals would typically need to follow the grievance procedures established by their respective educational institutions or seek assistance from relevant government agencies or accrediting bodies.
General Information
Year of Foundation: NAFSA was founded in 1948 as the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers. The organization has evolved over time, expanding its scope and changing its name while retaining the NAFSA acronym.
Total Number of Members: More than 11,000 members worldwide.
Geographic Focus: Global, with members in 170+ countries, though with a significant focus on the United States.
Organisation Type: Nonprofit professional association.
Contact Information
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
1307 New York Avenue NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20005-4701
USA
Phone: +1.202.737.3699
Website: www.nafsa.org