The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Association has awarded the 2014 ISIC Award to the Institute of International Education (IIE) for its dedication and efforts to advance access to higher education and boost student mobility worldwide.

"IIE was a distinct winner for the ISIC Association, particularly for their ambitious Generation Study Abroad initiative which aims to see the annual number of students from the United States studying abroad doubled to 600,000 students in the next five years. Generation Study Abroad recognises that international experience, and understanding and appreciating cultural differences is one of the most important components of a 21st century education, a view wholly supported by the ISIC Association," explained Sandra Hummell, Deputy Director of ISIC.

Ms Hummell added "IIE plays a key role in international education, student mobility and exchange at a global level. With programmes spanning fair and transparent scholarship and exchange opportunities, and research and policy development, to emergency funding enabling students facing crises to complete their studies, IIE is a leader in education and admirable winner of the 2014 ISIC Award."

As part of the Award, IIE will receive a €10,000 (US$13,500) financial contribution, sponsored by MasterCard, to support the continuation of the organization’s work to promote education access and foster an inter-connected world. This is the fourth consecutive year MasterCard has supported the monetary component to enhance the prestige and recognition of this award.