American Institute For Foreign Study

Press Release

For Immediate Release
November 18, 2010

Media Contact:
Mike Liberty
American Institute For Foreign Study
River Plaza, 9 West Broad St.
Stamford, CT 06902-3788
(203) 399-5187
mliberty@aifs.com
www.aifs.com

AIFS RELEASES DIVERSITY WORKSHOP FINDINGS

Study Abroad Leader Commemorates International Education Week with Summary, Data

STAMFORD, CT – The American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) (www.aifsabroad.com) has released a summary report from their recent diversity workshop to commemorate International Education Week (Nov. 15-19).

The hands-on educational workshop held in September, entitled "Diversity in International Education," focused on what is currently being done to increase diversity in study abroad and finding new and creative initiatives that could further spark participation by students of all backgrounds.

The report, available online at www.aifsabroad.com/advisors/publications.asp, is a compilation of ideas and recommendations from all workshop participants on how to increase diversity within study abroad. Hard copies of the publication are available upon request.

"We are very pleased with the contributions and efforts by the workshop attendees that helped make this event a great success," states William L. Gertz, President and CEO of AIFS. "Our goal is to double minority participation in study abroad by 2020, and we feel that this workshop and subsequent findings and initiatives can be a springboard to reaching that goal."

The workshop was held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., and attended by more than 100 organizations and individuals in the fields of study abroad, diversity and education. AIFS, a leading study abroad and cultural exchange provider, and Diversity Abroad (www.diversityabroad.com), a leading global education organization, organized the free event.

International Education Week (http://iew.state.gov/) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of their efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.

For more information about the Diversity in International Education workshop summary or to receive a hard copy, please contact David Mauro at (800) 727-2437, ext. 5163.

About the American Institute for Foreign Study
Founded in 1964, the American Institute For Foreign Study is one of the oldest, largest, and most respected cultural exchange organizations in the world. With global offices in 15 countries, AIFS organizes cultural exchange programs for more than 50,000 participants each year. AIFS programs include college study abroad, au pair placement, camp counselors and staff, gifted education, high school study/travel, and insurance services. Since 1964, more than one million students and teachers have participated in AIFS programs worldwide. www.aifs.com

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