The International Forestry Students’ Association is a joint organization of forest students around the world, run by students on a voluntary basis. IFSA is headquartered in Freiburg, Germany, but is run by an annually elected president, vice president and other trustees. All forest student organizations can apply for membership in IFSA. Joensuun Metsäylioppilaat ry is a member of IFSA.
IFSA's activities include organizing various events around the world. The events are organized by local committees, one of which is Joensuu. Annual events affecting the people of Joensuu are the IFSS World Conference, which elects trustees for the following year. In addition, European events include the NERM in Northern Europe and the Winter Meeting in Slovenia. The events have a specific theme that introduces the area to forestry. In addition, participants will give presentations on forest-related issues in their area. At the events, the area's forests and forest industry will be explored through presentations and visits. In addition, local committees may organize and invite IFSA members to seminars or other events.
IFSA also has an exchange program that offers internships around the world. In addition, IFSA publishes its own magazine. More detailed information on IFSA's activities is available at www.ifsa.net.