American University
AU Abroad and Abroad at AU
2005 Heiskell Award Honorable Mention: Internationalizing the Campus
Nomination submitted by: Robert A. Pastor, Vice President of International Affairs
Program Overview
In his 2002 strategic plan for American University, President Benjamin Ladner announced his intention to transform American University into the "premier global university". Study abroad figures testify to the success of AU's new initiatives. Applications for the dramatically expanded study abroad program "AU Abroad" increased by nearly 50% between Fall 2003 and Fall 2004. As part of the new plan, AU faculty members are encouraged to help students align international experiences with their overall education, including senior theses. In Fall 2005, the new "Abroad at AU" program will officially begin to take advantage of AU's Washington, D.C. location to teach international students about America and how Washington works, while they pursue their coursework of choice.