The International Education Fund (IEF) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that creates international learning opportunities and study abroad scholarships for motivated, first-generation college students who face economic barriers to studying abroad. IEF aims to diversify US Study Abroad programming by making it inclusive of these students who are typically under-represented in US study abroa
d programs. By offering opportunities to experience global learning, IEF hopes to ease the critical personal and career challenges of life in the global 21st century for this increasingly diverse US population of students. Invest in enhancing a student’s education and future! Turn a student of need’s dream to study abroad into a reality! The study abroad experience has been known to promote student success, increase academic performance and retention, boost self-esteem and success, and inspire community involvement. Unfortunately, many first generation students of low income miss out on these benefits. Your contribution to IEF directly supports our study abroad scholarship programs to help these students achieve their dream of studying abroad. Your donation will help to create a truly life enhancing experience by providing international learning opportunities to students who may not otherwise have the means to study abroad. By making a gift now, you can help to ensure that IEF can continue to provide first generation students of low income with the life-transforming experience of overseas travel and study abroad. Examples of the possible impact of your contribution can have:
$1000 may cover the cost of round-trip airfare for one student.
$500 may cover housing and meal costs for one month in a destination like the Dominican Republic.
$300 may assist with passport and/or visa fees.
$125 may cover a student’s housing and meal costs for one week in a destination like Costa Rica.
$100 may cover a student’s health and accident insurance for a study abroad.
$50 may cover a students cost for two guided cultural excursions.
$25 may cover a month of public transportation.
$10 may cover an across town taxi-ride.
$5 may cover a delicious and authentic local treat! Please visit our website to make a donation: https://internationaleducationfund.org/support-ief/
Other ways you can empower IEF students:
IEF relies upon the community to actualize the life-transforming potential of overseas learning and intercultural experience for the students IEF serves .Join others like yourself who understand the value of empowering our young people by helping them to attain an international education and engage in a life of world service. Your investment will enable deserving students to transform their lives and make the world a better place through intercultural exchange and learning.
• Recurring Gifts: A recurring, monthly gift to IEF can go a long way. As little as $5 or $10 dollars each month can help a student achieve their dream of studying abroad. Please contact IEF to set up a recurring gift today!
• Matching Gifts: Many employers match employee gifts, or have programs to make grants to support nonprofit organizations designated by employees. Inquire with your employer to determine if they have a matching gift or grant program. If so, please note that fact with your donation.
• Corporate Sponsorship: If you wish to learn more about how your organization can make a lasting contribution to the international education and training of the next generation of global citizens, please contact IEF directly at [email protected] or (512) 480-8522 ext. 194.
• Participate in a Donor Trip: IEF is excited to announce our new donor trip initiative, to connect our funders directly with IEF’s mission, to see the exiting programming donations make possible for IEF scholarship recipients. Please visit our website to learn more about IEF’s Donor Trips!
• Internships for IEF Students: If your organization can offer internship or volunteer placements for returning students anxious to apply their newly acquired international skills in the local community, please contact IEF.
• IEF Board Service: IEF is seeking talented professionals who see board service as a means to help our students, while also networking with fellow community leaders. Please email info@internationaleducationfund for additional information.
• IEF Advocacy Network: Join us and become an advocate to promote the value of education abroad and the mission and goals of IEF! Join our mailing list to receive more information on advocating for IEF in your community!
• Volunteer: IEF consistently has new and exciting ways to enhance our community involvement and expand our network. Please contact IEF for more information about our unique and exciting volunteer opportunities to participate in.
• Spread the word: Share this information with your family, friends, colleagues, community, and network! IEF student testimonials:
• Ever since birth, I have been surrounded by both American and Bulgarian culture. I speak both English and Bulgarian fluently. From a very young age, my father has encouraged me to learn new things and broaden my horizons. I joined this program because I want to be able to converse in Chinese and be able to learn about the culture. As China is on the brink of becoming an economic superpower, I feel that the ability to speak Chinese will help me greatly in the future.
-Tatiana Houston
• My Chinese name is Ke jié luó, and I joined this program to look at the world in a different way. I wanted to see China and compare it to the U.S. This program will also help me get out of my comfort zone. It will help me learn a different language, a different way of life—and experience a completely different culture.
-Jeronmio Carillo
• I am participating in this program because I want to be more globally aware. And I love traveling in general. The world is an amazing place, and if I can travel, I will take advantage of it. Other cultures fascinate me, and I’m interested in meeting different people from various countries. Building new relationships is key to eliminating stereotypes and keeping peace in this world.
-Solyenithzin Perez
• The overnight excursion to Hangzhou was amazing. I took so many pictures of the park and museum because I really want to remember this once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are so many places that I never thought I would see.
-Jayme Hughes
• I’m glad that I was chosen to participate in this program. I am really looking forward to experiencing something different than what I’m used to. I’m afraid because this is my first time leaving home and taking responsibility for myself. I am going to try my best to adapt to my new host country. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I want to take advantage of, so I’m going to put in a lot of effort and do my BEST!!
-Marilyn Zapata
• It’s been a week, and I have been having the best time of my life. I’ve learned a lot. My mistakes have made me stronger, and my weaknesses are no longer bothering me.
-Nancy Alvarado
• I wanted to participate in this program because it will be very useful for me in the future. Learning Mandarin will help me get a better job and will help me with getting into college, and I will also get college credit for the Mandarin class we are taking here.
-Selina Segura
• This trip has shown me that being responsible is not easy, and that we have to make good choices if we want to have a good future. I learned to be responsible for myself, and it has been a good experience.
-Crystal Rangel
IEF thanks those who have supported our programming in creating a culturally aware, humane and peaceful global community.
