NAFSA: The Association of International Educators is a self-funded, nonprofit, strategically driven association that provides leadership to its diverse constituencies through establishing good practices and providing professional development opportunities. NAFSA encourages networking among professionals, convenes conferences and collaborative dialogues, and promotes research and knowledge creation to strengthen and serve the field. NAFSA leads the way in advocating for a better world through international education and is the largest association of professionals committed exclusively to advancing international higher education.

Founded in 1948 by academics engaged in bringing international students and scholars to the United States following World War II, the organization was named the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers. To reflect the well-established role of NAFSA members in all aspects of international education and exchange, in May 1990, the membership formally renamed the organization NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The acronym was retained to reflect NAFSA's proud past and broad name recognition.

The Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan for 2014–16, which begins with the value statement, “NAFSA believes that international education advances learning and scholarship, fosters understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, is essential for developing globally competent individuals, and builds leadership for the global community. We believe that international education lies at the core of an interconnected world characterized by peace, security, and well-being for all.”

NAFSA offers annual programs such as the Ron Moffatt Seminar for Peace and the Global Civil Society, the Academy for International Education year-long intensive training program, Presidents Day at the annual conference, and colloquia that bring together deans and faculty from public health, legal education, business schools, STEM fields, and teacher education.

NAFSA provides assistance regarding visa requirements to study abroad advisers through liaison activities with foreign consulates in the United States, and to international student advisers through liaison with U.S. government agencies and other educational associations in the United States and abroad. It has produced publications and audiovisual presentations that provide information about all aspects of working with foreign students and scholars and U.S. students going abroad at all educational levels. Notable publications are the NAFSA Newsletter; NAFSA Adviser's Manual of Federal Regulations Affecting Foreign Students and Scholars; Statement of Ethical Principles, to help guide international educators in providing high-quality education and services to participants in international education and exchange; Assessment and Evaluation for International Educators, to assist postsecondary institutions in improving their assessment and evaluation of their international educational exchange programs and services; and the NAFSA Guide to Education Abroad for Advisers and Administrators, an indispensible resource for study abroad offices.

Within NAFSA, knowledge communities provide resources, networking opportunities (virtual and at conferences), and leadership opportunities for professionals working in U.S. Education Abroad; International Students and Scholars Services; International Enrollment Management; Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; and Internationalization.