Global Engagement at NACAC

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) serves 28,000+ professionals across 65+ countries. Our members support international students living outside the US as they apply to universities around the globe, international students residing in the US, as well as US students exploring universities in various global destinations. We offer a range of resources and experiences to support this critical work.

NACAC is proud to serve college admission counseling professionals across the globe with NACAC memberships. A NACAC membership unlocks best in class opportunities and resources for community engagement and professional development. Joining this professional association demonstrates a commitment to advocacy, ethics, and best practices in the field of college admission counseling. A NACAC membership also adds value through a host of member-only savings on conferences, professional development opportunities, publications, recruitment events, and networking opportunities. You can learn more about international membership here.

In an increasingly globalized society, international education plays an ever-important role in developing engaged and enlightened students and citizens. Policies that support global student mobility – opportunities for American students to study in foreign countries and for international students to study in the United States – are consistent with NACAC’s support of equitable access to educational opportunity.

NACAC supports the following efforts to promote global student mobility:

• Ensuring ethical practice and fair treatment of all students, including international students

• Increased international education funding as an investment in our shared, global future

• Other policy issues relevant to the international student community, such as immigration and visa operations 

We advocate continuously for these policy positions and encourage members to take action via our advocacy site. 

NACAC works closely with peer organizations to understand global student mobility, including the Institute of International Education, which provides annual reporting, helpful insights, and support to international educators and professionals.   

NACAC recognizes that international students make meaningful academic and cultural contributions to our campuses and communities. Furthermore, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, international students contribute significantly to the US economy. 

NACAC’s Guide to International University Admission responds to the growing desire among high school counselors to broaden undergraduate college options for students, specifically students who have expressed an interest in studying internationally. It features country profiles and admission how-tos for 18 top and emerging destination countries; as well as supplementary chapters covering other international study alternatives and the applicability of US federal financial aid. 

NACAC’s College Counseling for International Students resource provides foundational information for international applicants and the counselors who support them. Here, you’ll find quick answers to common questions in an easily digestible format.  

NACAC’s Professional Certificate: International University Advocate Badge is one of the first international counseling certificate programs of its kind. Participants will gain the expertise and skills necessary to support students who are interested in applying to colleges outside of their home country. 

NACAC’s annual conference is a fantastic place to hone your professional skills in the international space and expand your global network. Each education block has at least one internationally oriented session and the expo hall floor features exhibitors from around the globe. In addition, the conference also hosts an internationally focused preconference seminar. This year’s preconference seminar is called “The Long View: Understanding (& Reacting to) Shifts Impacting International Student Mobility & Enrollment.”  

NACAC hosts dozens of universities fairs each year, including our signature Global Universities Fairs, which take place in cities across the world. In the past, NACAC has hosted events in London and Shanghai, with more events being planned. These programs allow students and families to connect with quality universities from across the globe and attend informative panel programs. There is also programming specifically for university advisors where they can hone their skills and network with their peers.