About JAFSA

History of JAFSA

JAFSA was established in 1968 as a non-profit, non-governmental, voluntary based organization. In November, 2003, it obtained corporate status from Tokyo Metropolitan Government when it approved its application to become a non-profit organization (NPO). Its main activities involve disseminating and exchanging information, conducting surveys, promoting research and training programs, publication, and making proposals concerning international educational exchanges. Members are mainly comprised of university faculty and administration personnel, as well as Japanese language instructors, various members of private organizations, and volunteers. At present (January 31, 2004), there are 173 organizations and 432 individual full time members as well as 26 students and 8 support group members.

1968
The Japan Association for Foreign Student Affairs (JAFSA) holds its foundation meeting at Tokyo Institute of Technology. The President of Nagoya University becomes the first President of JAFSA and its Administrative Office is established in the Student Affairs Office of the University of Tokyo.

1969
The Chancellor of the University of Tokyo becomes President of JAFSA (designated position until 2000).

1975
Director, Student Exchange Division, Ministry of Education, Science and Culture (Monbusho) and Director of Research Management and International Affairs Department, the University of Tokyo become Vice Presidents of JAFSA (designated position until 2000).

1980
Administrative Offices are moved to Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.

1982
Administrative Offices are moved to the International Liaison Office at Waseda University.

1989
The Japan Foundation awards JAFSA the Japan Foundation Special Prize.

1993
Administrative Offices are moved to the International Center at Keio University.

1999
An international Memorandum of Understanding is signed between JAFSA and its counterparts in China (Chinese Association of Universities and Colleges for Foreign Student Affairs = CAFSA) and Korea (Korean Association of Foreign Student Administrators = KAFSA).

2000
Administrative Offices are moved to the Association for International Education, Japan (AIEJ), and the organization is renamed, JAFSA: Japan Network for International Education. Directors of the Board are elected and the President of Nihon University is elected President.

2001
The Recognition Award to Commemorate the 100th Anniversary in Accepting foreign Students is awarded to JAFSA by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

2003
JAFSA Headquarter moves to Kudan-Minami, Chiyoda-ku, in Tokyo and establishes an independent office.
A Memorandum is signed to promote international cooperation between JAFSA and KAIE (Korean Association of International Educators).
JAFSA is officially registered as an NPO on November 4, 2003.

2007
JAFSA Headquarter moves to Waseda-Tsurumaki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, in Tokyo.

2008
JAFSA celebrates its 40th anniversary of the foundation.