IES Abroad and AIFS Launch $150,000 Grant to Expand Access to International Education Conferences
CHICAGO, IL // STAMFORD, CT – April 14, 2026 – Two leading global education organizations, IES Abroad and American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), have partnered to launch a new professional development initiative expanding access to national conferences across the field of international education.
Expanding Access to Professional Development
Through the Giese Taylor Professional Development Grant, AIFS and IES Abroad will donate $150,000 over the next three years, allowing higher education administrators and faculty to attend annual conferences led by NAFSA: Association for International Educators, Forum on Education Abroad, and DA Global Access Network.
These conferences offer essential educational sessions and government updates, as well as peer-to-peer networking opportunities. They are vital to international educators and advisors and will now be available to participants who would otherwise be unable to attend these sessions due to recent budget cuts and staffing shortages.
“Continuing our momentum from the first round of grants is an important step for professional development in international education and education abroad during this critical time,” says William L. Gertz, Chairman of AIFS. “These grants will enable professionals to connect with colleagues and expand their networks while they learn about latest developments in the field.”
The initial co-funded commitment of $100,000 with AIFS and CIEE supported 50 full-time education abroad professionals from 48 institutions to attend an annual conference in 2022-25. Over 160 applications were received from professionals at 133 institutions, with 73% of applicants identifying as first-time attendees.
“Access to global education opportunities should not stop with students. Just as we prioritize access for students, it is equally important to invest in the professionals who guide and support them,” said Greg Hess, President and CEO of IES Abroad. “This is an important initiative for the field. By helping educators gain knowledge, build networks, and share best practices, we strengthen the entire field of international education. We are grateful to partner with AIFS on an effort that closely aligns with the IES Abroad mission, our values, and hopes for the future. As I often say, study abroad changes lives, and changed lives change the world.”
The program is named to honor the internationalist and founder of AIFS, Sir Cyril Taylor, and co-founders of IES Abroad, Clarence and Alberta Giese. Mr. And Mrs. Giese, along with Sir Cyril, each devoted their professional careers to international education and exchange, with a special focus on developing exceptional young leaders to expand the field and its positive impact on global education and world peace.
“Reinvesting in the field of international education and supporting our partners is important to AIFS, and we are pleased to find a match in values with our colleagues at IES Abroad,” shared Executive Director and Senior Vice President of AIFS Abroad, Dr. Ryan Dye.
This offering is open to all full-time U.S. based education abroad professionals with special emphasis on individuals who are employed at MSIs, HSIs, HBCUs, and two-year institutions. The first application will open in May 2026, with the first cohort awarded funds to attend Global Impact 2026 by DA Global in November 2026.
For program details please contact:
Ruby Esperanza Shields Senior Manager, Access & Strategic Partnerships, IES Abroad
Kelly Holland, Vice President, Strategic Communications & Engagement, AIFS Abroad
kholland@aifs.com
###
AIFS and IES Abroad are two of the most experienced and respected organizations in cultural exchange and international education. Each has forged its own unique path helping hundreds of thousands of students gain a rich global perspective on life and culture through study and interning abroad. Collaborating on this venture together reveals the deep dedication both organizations have to their mission of global understanding and world peace.