International education is essential to U.S. success in today’s global economy and geopolitical climate. The United States must increase its efforts to attract and retain the world’s best and brightest and ensure domestic students have access to opportunities that keep them competitive and equipped to collaborate across borders. The effect will be of vital importance to American foreign policy, diplomacy, innovation, national security, economic growth, and global competitiveness. 

A coordinated federal commitment to international education will ensure the United States has the talent pool necessary to innovate and engage with the world.

NAFSA urges the White House to lead the development of a detailed international education strategy. Building off the Joint Statement of Principles issued on July 26, 2021 by the U.S. Departments of State and Education, and working in close partnership with key international education stakeholders, the strategy should set targets, support policies, promote effective administrative structures, and fund programs to:

  • increase the number and diversity of international students at U.S. higher education institutions; 
  • increase the number and diversity of American students participating in study abroad programs; and
  • encourage global higher education institutional partnerships that will facilitate internationalized curricula, foreign language instruction, collaborative research, and faculty mobility. 

View NAFSA's detailed recommendations on creating and implementing a national strategy for international education, The United States Needs a Coordinated National Strategy for International Education.

Additional Resources 

NAFSA Resources:

Government Resources: