Internationalization is the conscious effort to integrate and infuse international, intercultural, and global dimensions into the philosophy of postsecondary education.
Successful internationalization efforts involve active and responsible engagement of the academic community in partnerships and global networks. NAFSA encourages and facilitates the discussion of issues concerning internationalization among international higher education associations, organizations, and NAFSA members. The organization equips international educators who have a role in internationalization with skills in leadership, collaboration, and change management.
Recognize Success
Simon Award
The Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization (Simon Award) was named for the late Senator Paul Simon of Illinois, a strong advocate throughout his career for international education. Since 2003, NAFSA has recognized U.S. colleges and universities that are making significant, well-planned, well-executed, and well-documented progress toward comprehensive internationalization—especially those using innovative and creative approaches.
Hudzik Prize
The John and Anne Hudzik Prize for Sustained Leadership in Higher Education Internationalization (Hudzik Prize) was established by former NAFSA president and chair of the NAFSA Board of Directors, John K. Hudzik and his wife, Anne. The Hudzik Prize is awarded to individuals who have made sustained contributions to internationalization in areas including administrative leadership, community engagement, education, and scholarship.
Explore Resources
Profiles of Success
Explore Simon Award institutions’ exemplary internationalization practices in the annual report, Internationalizing the Campus: Profiles of Success at Colleges and Universities.
Publications
Explore the NAFSA Bookstore and its wide variety of practice-related and thought-provoking publications on comprehensive internationalization written by leading experts in international education.
Trends & Insights
Authored by respected leaders in the field, these short columns highlight social, economic, political, and higher education system trends affecting international higher education.
Expand your Knowledge
NAFSA Executive Internationalization Leadership e-Institute
The e-Institute provides executive-level internationalization leadership training for international education professionals responsible for implementing internationalization at their institutions. The year-long, hybrid program is designed for leaders with more than three years of experience who are currently in an internationalization leadership role at institutions of higher education around the world.
Leadership Essentials for Comprehensive Internationalization
Ready to take the next step in your IE career to lead an international office? Or have you recently been assigned to oversee your institution’s internationalization enterprise and need to get up to speed fast? This on-demand e-Learning program addresses the essential leadership capabilities any international education professional needs to lead successful comprehensive internationalization in higher education.
International Education Professional Certificate
The International Education Professional Certificate (IEPC), created in partnership with NAFSA, Times Higher Education, and Common Purpose, is designed to empower you at different stages in your career. Whether you are a recent graduate entering the field or a mid-career manager, the IEPC gives you the tools and guidance you need to take control over your professional development and advancement.
International Education Leadership Knowledge Community (IEL KC)
The International Education Leadership Knowledge Community (IEL KC) supports senior international officers and internationalization leaders who provide the vision and build commitment for comprehensive internationalization. To that end, the IEL KC coordinates the delivery of a comprehensive set of sessions, workshops, networking opportunities, and resources for senior leaders.