The journey of a NAFSA volunteer is not linear! Volunteers who start with one opportunity may decide to serve in a different role the next cycle. NAFSA welcomes volunteers who are new to international education, seasoned veterans of the field, and everything in between.
Volunteering has many benefits for you:
- Improve transferable skills, including leadership and project management
- Excellent networking opportunity with other international education professionals
- Discover other leadership positions available at regional and national levels
Volunteering has many benefits for your employer:
- Enhance the visibility of your institution or organization
- Build resourceful and supportive relationships with other NAFSA leaders
- Connect to the broader international education conversation
“I now have friends across the country that I would never have had the privilege of meeting were it not for NAFSA. These are relationships that span beyond the professional and are now my personal support network. My journey with NAFSA is one of endless opportunity.”
– Lauren Jacobsen-Bridges, University of North Texas
Open Volunteer Opportunities
See each role below to apply or nominate a colleague.
Annual Conference & Expo
- Global Perspectives Member, Annual Conference Committee
- Content Chair, Annual Conference Committee
- Poster Chair, Annual Conference Committee
- Poster Fair Organizer (PFO)
Lead the Discussion
Education Abroad Knowledge Community (EA KC)
- Member, Consular Affairs Liaison Subcommittee
- Member, Financial Aid Funding for Education Abroad Subcommittee
- Member, Health and Safety in Education Abroad Subcommittee
- Member, Diversity and Inclusion in Education Abroad Subcommittee
- Coordinator for Regional Outreach
International Education Leadership Knowledge Community (IEL KC)
- Member, Programs and Events
- Member, Communications and Engagement (LIZN Network Leader)
- Member, Resources and Networking Subcommittee
International Student and Scholar Services Knowledge Community (KC ISSS)
Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC)
- Member, Internationalizing Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Subcommittee
- Member, Intercultural Communication and Training Subcommittee
- Member, Research and Scholarship Network Subcommittee
- Network Leader, Research & Scholarship Connections
- Coordinator, Content Team, 2026 & 2027 Annual Conference Committees
Regional Leadership
- Chair-Designate/Chair, Regional Affairs Committee (RAC)
- Coach, Regional Conference Planner Cohort
- Coach, Regional Chair Cohort
Engagement and Governance
Leadership Development Committee (LDC)
Member Engagement Committee (MEC)
Member, Current Issues Sessions Working Group
Share Knowledge
Authors and Reviewers
Advance Community
Help make annual and regional events a success.
Share Knowledge
Contribute your content expertise and help others learn about new topics.
Teach and Mentor
Give back to the development and advancement of international educators all over the world.
Lead the Discussion
Advance the field of international education through strategic peer-led committees, projects, and discussions.
Volunteer Testimonials
“NAFSA has provided opportunities for me to update my expertise, solve problems outside of my control, share my expertise with others, build my professional competencies (like budgeting and bookkeeping by serving in a regional treasurer role!), stay engaged with colleagues and best practices from around the world, and, finally, to become an Academy coach and pay it all forward.”
– Ryan Larsen, Western Washington University
“NAFSA reminds of the 'why' of my career—why I do what I do, why we do what we do, and why we need to continue doing what we do. It is a place and community of inspiration and friendship.”
– Dawn Wood, Kirkwood Community College