BU honored for global focus

Boston University is one of five schools receiving an annual award for becoming more global.

The Association of International Educators said this week that BU is one of the recipients of the Senator Paul Simon Award for Exemplary Internationalization Efforts. The other four are Connecticut College, Pacific Lutheran University, Portland State University and the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities.

The announcement doesn't specify what the schools did to make their campuses more international. The organization's annual report, to be issued later in the year, promises more details. The association also says the Berklee College of Music in Boston is one of three schools being "spotlighted" this year for specific programs that increase global reach.

The organization's somewhat awkward full name is NAFSA: Association of International Educators. It was founded in 1948, and encourages international programs such as student exchange and study abroad, and the award "recognizes institutions that are leaders in the growing effort across higher education to better prepare students for a global economy and an interconnected world."

BU boasts an extensive "study abroad" program, and not just for its own students. Its website says Boston University International Programs is "the premier study abroad provider in the country. We have over 75 programs in over 33 cities in over 20 countries with programs in language, liberal arts, fine arts, engineering and science."

In addition, BU helps organize internships worldwide. "This year over 2,100 students from over 200 colleges and universities have chosen to study abroad with Boston University International Programs."