Why you should attend a NAFSA national conference

I just returned from a jam-packed week in Boston and another NAFSA national conference is in the books. Equal parts networking, continuing education, and socializing (yes, parties), this international education conference has ballooned in size. This past week over 11,000 international educators convened from around the world. 

You definitely can't do it all, so it's important to know what to expect. 

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Investing in attendance at a national conference can help you:

• Find a job:  Many job interviews take place at NAFSA. Telling a prospective employer you'll be there increases your chances of snagging an interview since there is no cost to fly you in. Plus, at NAFSA, any simple conversation can lead to a new opportunity. 
  
• Expand your knowledge:  Workshops, sessions, and speakers all provide an insider view of the field. Learn how to "talk-the-talk" so you are prepared during job interviews.
  
• Test the waters:  You might find international education isn't for you. And that is okay. Before investing time and resources on a continued job search or graduate school, it is good know be sure. Chances are, you'll just know if it is the right fit.

Some of these can be achieved at the less expensive regional conferences, but nothing matches the size an scope of NAFSA national.

When you attend your first NAFSA you find your tribe. You connect with other like-minded people who are just as passionate about educational travel and exchange. It's confirmation you're in the right place.

My first NAFSA national conference was in Baltimore (2004). It was intimidating at first. No one knew me. There was a sea of thousands who looked like they knew what they were doing. Although NAFSA holds a newcomers reception, my 2-day pre-conference workshop on study abroad advising turned out to be the perfect venue for meeting others in the field. By the end of the week I'd collected dozens of business cards, learned about best practices, and heard about all of the hot topics. I felt energized about my new study abroad career. 

Now when I attend NAFSA it is so much more... reconnecting with old friends, pushing myself to explore new areas, going outside of my comfort zone socially, and trying to score hard-to-get reception invites (Ireland, anyone?).