Support Refugees and Students Impacted by Crises

IIE’s unique international education programs help motivated young adults to pursue their dreams

You can invest in the educational journey of students, scholars, and artists facing crisis with a donation to the Institute of International Education. IIE invests in the potential of motivated young adults uprooted by displacement to pursue their own unique paths and create thriving futures for themselves and their communities, Your gift can support those like Thar Htoo, who escaped the decades-long conflict in Myanmar and is now pursuing his dream of becoming an educator.

More than 120 million people worldwide have been uprooted from their homes because of war, violence, or persecution. And only 7% of college-aged refugees have access to higher education. Yet countless displaced students still dare to dream.

Thar Htoo experienced the impacts of political instability and poverty from the time he was a young child. Education became his solace and provided a pathway to a more secure future. He received an undergraduate degree in education and psychology from Asia-Pacific International University and then, with support from IIE’s Odyssey Scholarship, enrolled in Assumption University to earn his master’s degree in education administration in leadership.

Thar’s dream is now to pay his experience forward and give back to the community. His vision is to one day create a school for youth and migrants.

“Education is a way to break through challenges and obstacles.”

Thar Htoo, IIE Odyssey Scholar, Myanmar

Annually, IIE celebrates Human Rights Day, which honors the anniversary of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights pledge. This historic document supports refugees and enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being.

Article 26 in particular promotes the universal right to education, and that higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.