Got an Impactful Story About a Former International Student in Canada?

Chances are you know someone who came from abroad to study in Canada. Someone who excelled in their studies, reached new heights, and achieved incredible things after graduating.?

That student earned every milestone; they worked hard for their success. Maybe they were a friend or classmate of yours. Maybe you taught them.?

Maybe that student was you!

Hundreds of thousands of international students pursue their studies in Canada each year. By choosing to study abroad, they upend their lives, leap outside of their comfort zones, and challenge themselves. These students are defined by their bravery and independence.?

After graduating, they go on to improve Canada, their home countries, and the entire world in a myriad of ways.

They are leaders. Innovators. Environmentalists. Researchers. Entrepreneurs. Philanthropists. Global citizens who enact positive change in the world.?

So many international alumni of Canada’s higher education institutions have incredible stories to tell. What role did their education play in the next chapter in their life? How did their time as an international student set them up for success? How did they improve their communities, workplaces, and the lives of those around them??

We want to share the incredible journeys of former international students. We want to advocate for them and celebrate their successes.

That is what ApplyBoard’s new International Alumni of Impact program will accomplish. The program creates a space for international alumni to share their stories and be recognized for their tremendous impact.

We intend to honour these inspiring individuals, shining a light on their successful journeys.

International Alumni of Impact celebrates the extraordinary successes of outstanding former international students:

• Any international graduate of a Canadian higher education institution from within the last 20 years may be nominated or may self-nominate.?
• Nominees do not need to live or work in Canada today.?
• ApplyBoard does not need to have played any part in their study abroad journey.?

The International Alumni of Impact will be selected by a judging committee based on how well nominees have demonstrated one or more of the following pillars: resilience, innovation, leadership, and generosity.?

In addition to recognizing their achievements, ApplyBoard will create one-time scholarships in each of the winner’s names to support incoming international students. While we spotlight deserving alumni of the past, we will also support the next generation of leaders as they pursue their studies abroad.?

This is the inaugural year of the program; we plan to launch it on an annual basis, celebrating new nominees each time.?

Recognition is so important. Young people take important cues from role models they can relate to. Seeing the success of others who look like you sends a powerful message: you can do this.?

These stories will showcase the power of international education and how our international student population in Canada is hosting incredible minds, inspiring the leaders, entrepreneurs, and pioneers of tomorrow.

We need your help!

If you have an inspiring story about a former international student who graduated from a Canadian higher education institution, we want to hear it. Share your own story of impact, or nominate someone else. Don’t wait—nominations close on April 7, 2023.

Learn more and submit your nomination online at https://www.applyboard.com/info/IAOI.?