FEA Abassador Toolkit 2015

2015

FUND FOR EDUCATION abroad / .........................................................................................

Ambassador Program Regional Events & Dedicated Scholarships

The Ambassadors:

collaborative leaders / networked to a group / capable communictors / skilled with social media / fundraisers in training

Access to study abroad programs allow me to give back to the world...�

AMBASSADORS PROGRAM

Regional Events & Dedicated Scholarships

FEA Ambassadors are chosen leadership volunteers for the Fund for Education Abroad who represent their state or region, and host an annual event to raise awareness and scholarship monies for undergraduate students to study abroad. Not only are Ambassadors able to help finance life-changing study abroad experiences for students who otherwise could not afford them, they are also leading a movement to increase the number and diversity of students from their own state or region studying abroad.

Each regional event

FEA Ambassadors are:

raises a minimum of a semester scholarship of

$5,000 in addition to event costs,

»» collaborative leaders »» networked to a group (or groups) »» capable communicators »» skilled with social media

and is themed around

»» fundraisers in training

the identity of the state

»» passionate about helping to increase access to study abroad

or region in which it is hosted,

for underrepresented students

such as a Kentucky Derby Party or a Minnesota Curl-A-Thon.

FEA Staff works with Ambassadors to create events that are well conceived and designed to be successful, and offers further support in marketing, administration, and securing sponsorship monies to achieve the event’s financial goal.

The benefits of serving as an FEA Ambassador are many — distinguishing organizers in the field, enabling them to make a mark, while imparting valuable, transferrable fundraising skills.

CONTACT fea To learn more about the FEA Ambassador Program contact FEA at (202) 349-7340 or fea@fundforeducationabroad.org.

fea mission & Background

What is FEA?

States by allowing creative, hard-working students to

The Fund for Education Abroad is committed to

explore their academic subjects from a completely

increasing the opportunities for dedicated American

different perspective.

students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through

FEA also supports students typically underrepresented

the provision of grants and scholarships. The Fund for

in study abroad programs, including:

Education Abroad (FEA) is a non-profit dedicated to

»» Minorities

increasing both the number and diversity of students who

»» First-generation college students

study abroad.

»» Students studying in non-traditional destinations (outside of western Europe and Australia)

Why Study Abroad?

»» LGBTQI students

»» See the world from a completely new perspective

»» Students with disabilities

»» Discover cultures, ideas, people

»» Community College Students

»» Learn a new language

»» Non-traditional students such as returning learners,

»» Develop independence and self-confidence, skills

veterans, athletes, etc.

relevant to the work environment »» Redefine a students’ expectations of themselves and their future

Study Abroad Fast Facts »» The top 4 study abroad destinations are in Western Europe.

Why Support us?

FEA provides opportunities to students with financial need, who otherwise could not afford to study abroad.

Help us foster a worldly understanding here in the United

»» The majority of study abroad students study abroad for 8 weeks or less. »» Community college students make up less than 3% of the study abroad population.

“ fund for education abroad provides OPPORTUNITES to students with financial need, who otherwise COULD NOT AFFORD TO STUDY abroad.”

fea AMBASSADOR It’s been a rewarding experience to turn small social gatherings into networking events that ultimately benefit students hoping to study abroad. The sense of community that forms around these events is a perfect reminder of why we choose to work in the field of international education.”

FEA Ambassador, Michael Lucerto Co-Chair of Boston-Area Study Abroad Association

BASAA Scholarship / FEA Ambassador: Michael Lucerto, BASAA Co-Chair

Event: »» Annual BASAA Bowl-A-Thon »» Inaugural Year 2012 »» Raised $7,500+ in 2014

Minnesota Scholarship / FEA Ambassador: Mike Nelson

Event: »» Annual Minnesota Curl-A-Thon »» Inaugural Year 2014 »» Raised $6,200 in 2014

Creating international opportunities for underrepresented students in MN is one of my future goals. This elementary school [I will volunteer with upon return] is mainly made up of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Many of them don’t know very much about other countries besides the countries their parents are from. In terms of thinking globally, the school doesn’t do very much educating in this area. I would serve as a role model to the students so that they learn to appreciate the culture of others. I am very excited about creating international opportunities for students in MN because this is the state that first welcomed me and my family to the US and shaped me to be the individual I am today.”

Sowda Ahmed, University of MN – Twin Cities 2015-2016 Minnesota Scholar; Sharjah, UAE

fea SCHOLAR

fea AMBASSADOR Collaborating with FEA for our Rainbow Scholarship and Silver Lining Fund is what took our efforts to the next level. FEA guided us to ‘bigger picture thinking’ by building our confidence enough to pursue more substantial sums through strategies we could never have executed on our own.

We’re on an exciting upward trajectory, offering twice as many scholarships this year as last year, which significantly impact the bottom lines of our study abroad recipients. We look forward to a long, prosperous relationship with the Fund for Education Abroad!

FEA Ambassador, George Kacenga Co-Chair of the Rainbow SIG

Rainbow Scholarship / FEA Ambassador: George Kacenga, Rainbow SIG Co-Chair

Event: »» Rainbow SIG Reception NAFSA & Giving Day »» Inaugural Year 2011 »» Raised $15,780+ in 2014

pdx abroad scholarship / FEA Ambassador: Samantha Cooper

Event: »» Online Giving Day Campaign »» Inaugural Year 2014 »» Raised $8,300+ in 2014

I want to work to change the mentality that you have to be rich to study abroad. When I found out that aid was available I was ecstatic. Growing up in poverty with my mother and two sisters, I never saw myself as the type to go to college, let alone study abroad. I thought those experiences were for other people, but with a little help, I learned that they could be mine, too.”​ Rocks Zayda, Portland Community College 2015-2016 PDX Abroad Scholar; Santiago, Chile

fea SCHOLAR

Join FEA to increase access to study abroad in your state or region.

For more information, contact fea@fundforeducationabroad.org or 202.349.7340.

2015

FUND FOR EDUCATION abroad / .........................................................................................

Ambassador Program Regional Events & Dedicated Scholarships

The Ambassadors:

collaborative leaders / networked to a group / capable communictors / skilled with social media / fundraisers in training