UCalgary wins award for excellence in internationalization

October 17, 2016

The Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE) recently announced its 2016 Excellence Awards showcasing the innovators, leaders, connectors and emerging stars in international education. The University of Calgary won the Board of Directors’ Award for Comprehensive Internationalization.

This prestigious award is given to institutions or school districts that are executing well-planned, creative and purposeful strategies towards comprehensive internationalization.

“The University of Calgary embodies internationalization as an institution, with an aim to become a global intellectual hub” said the CBIE in announcing the award recipients. “Leveraging the four pillars of its international strategy — diversity, cross-cultural competencies, partnerships and international development — the University of Calgary has demonstrated, over a short span of time, tremendous results and outcomes linked to the success of its strategy.”

The CBIE also commended the University of Calgary for launching two Global Research Sites, securing funding for international development, developing collaborative degree models and securing increased funding commitments to enhance the international learning experience.

 “Just like the CBIE, the University of Calgary is celebrating our 50th anniversary this year. We set a bold vision for this milestone, ensuring that our university would not only be a leader through our research and teaching, but also through our ability to make a positive difference in the world,“ says President Elizabeth Cannon.

“To do this, our university needs to build meaningful connections with our global neighbours and attract the world’s best and brightest to our campus. This award from the CBIE is a high honour and it marks the tremendous progress we have achieved together.”

A total of 11 awards were given to CBIE members who demonstrated a commitment to advancing the ideals of international education. Vice-Provost (International) Janaka Ruwanpura will accept the award on behalf of the University of Calgary at the CBIE’s Anniversary Annual Conference in Ottawa, Nov. 13-16.

“We’ve come a long way since we launched our International Strategy in 2013,” says Ruwanpura. “The support, resources and infrastructure provided by university leadership, faculties and service units helped us achieve this success in a relatively short period of time. Thank you to the University of Calgary staff and many others who helped implement the strategy.”

Through its Eyes High strategic direction and the International Strategy, the University of Calgary aims to increase the diversity of students on campus, advance educational and research partnerships, and boost international development efforts.  

Established in 1966, the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) is a national, not-for-profit organization that promotes international education. As the national voice advancing Canadian international education, it works closely with its 150 members, education providers from all over Canada and international strategic partners throughout the world.