In January, Oswego State received a high-ranking national level recognition, The Institute Of International Education’s Heiskell Honorable Award for their new study abroad initiative titled “I, Too, Am Study Abroad.” Some students might consider studying abroad one of the most valuable and celebrated parts of the college. According to the Institute of International Education, approximately 64 percent of employers find studying abroad an important resume aspect and around 90 percent are looking for skills that can be gained by spending time in a foreign country.

With these statistics and more much like it on the rise, Oswego State encourages every student to take advantage of these.

Recently, Oswego has revised it’s programs and tailored them towards minorities with the hopes of making studying abroad attainable for all students. According to the office of International Education and Programs, during the 2010-2011 school year, 13 percent of students studying abroad were minorities. During the 2014-2015, year this number has jumped to over 25 percent.

By offering high-level scholarships and financial opportunities for students of minority backgrounds, this percentage was able to increase and is continually on the rise. In addition, the Office of International Education and Programs has created a panel of study-abroad mentors, a team of students who have previously spent time in other countries, to offer their assistance, experience and support.

In addition to creating economic opportunities, targeted scholarships and grants, Oswego State has introduced new, relevant international programs and threaded out those which have since become outdated. These new international curriculums focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs, and sending students to countries consistently in the news allowing students to be on the forefront of today’s society. Programs include STEM work in Brazil, and new options in countries such as China, Turkey, Cuba, and more.

With Oswego State’s new advancements to it’s repertoire for study abroad programs, students will have even more life changing experiences abroad.

According to Joshua McKowen, director of International Education and Programs, few programs are even considered for the Institute of International Education’s Andrew Heiskell award.

To be recognized for this award, an institution must be doing something incredibly substantial, McKowen said, this shows how impressive Oswego’s “I Too, Am Study Abroad” campaign is.

In addition to giving awards, the Institute helps colleges and universities nationwide become more international. For instance, the institute, a partner with the United States government, helps schools to create international programming, bring international students to the United States and fill up the halls of Hart Hall.

McKowen said he personally has put a lot of emphasis on expanding study abroad opportunities to students of varying backgrounds. He wants students to know that the study abroad department is there to help them overcome obstacles to have the opportunities to mature into more culturally mature adults. In his book, The First Time Effect, McKowen explains the benefits to studying abroad and how it has helped students both academically and intellectually.

Education Abroad specialist, Caitlin Pollard said she that the biggest benefit of studying abroad lies in experiencing something different. To experience being a citizen and not a tourist, and to be a member of a society that offers new opportunities is an experience that every student should divulge himself or herself into.