Awards and Grants

To help achieve FAIE’s mission and promote our core values, we commit a large portion of our resources to scholarships, travel funding, and conference grants. This support goes to international students and educators around the state and we are dedicated to using this sponsorship to promote current and future IE leaders.

If you would like to donate to FAIE so we can increase our award and grant funding, click the button below. You can also become an award sponsor by contacting our Development Coordinator, Betty Jensen.

Donate to FAIE

What do we award?

FAIE awards a variety of funding to educators and students at all levels. Below you will find descriptions of the various awards and grants, a listing of past winners, and information about how to apply for available awards and grants.

Click the links below to view more details about each award or apply:

NAFSA Region VII Conference Grant
FAIE Annual Conference Grants
“You Made a World of Difference” Award
Dr. Alejandra Parra International Student Scholarship awarded by Study Florida & FAIE

If you have questions, please contact our Awards and Grants Coordinator, Randolph Scott.

NAFSA Region VII Conference Grant

Each fall, we award up to 3 grants for $500 to help cover the travel costs to attend the NAFSA Region VII Conference. The 2024 conference to take place in Jacksonville, FL from November 11-13, 2024.

This grant is open to any international education professional currently working in the state of Florida who has not received an FAIE grant previously. Preference will be given to those attending their first Region VII conference. Applications are due September 15, 2024.

Apply for Grant

Congratulations to our recipients of the grant for the 2023 conference!

Chloe King

University of South Florida

Melissa Webb

University of West Florida

Betania Torres

Tampa Area, Florida

FAIE Annual Conference Grants

Each year, we award up to 3 grants for complimentary registration to the FAIE Annual Conference. Anyone can apply for these grants.

Applications for our 2025 Conference Grants are now open! The deadline to apply is December 16th, 2024.

Apply Now for the 2025 Conference!

Congratulations to our recipients of the grant for the 2023 conference!

Lance Otto

Hillsborough County Public Schools \ Best Kids Solutions

Maria Bulla

Group Action International Education

Annie Parayadipura

Lingua Language Center

“You Made a World of Difference” Award

The You Made a World of Difference award was first established in 2007 to honor an individual who has made a meaningful contribution to the field of international education.

Congratulations to the 2024 Recipient,
Vilma Fuentes
Florida State University

You Made a World of Difference Award Nomination Criteria:
Nominees must be FAIE members who have made an outstanding contribution in any area of international education that has significantly impacted their institution, community, and/or the professional practice. Current FAIE Board members are not eligible to receive the award.

A committee led by the FAIE Awards and Grants Coordinator will select the winner. The committee will look for evidence of the following in selecting the recipient:

Leadership, initiative, and excellence
Scope and impact of contributions
Service to students, college, and/or profession
Encouragement and motivation of others
Originality/creativity
Influence on positive change, innovation, and improvement of practice
Reach of contribution beyond normal job expectations

Nomination Process

Nominations must be in the form of an essay, no longer than 2 pages, single-spaced (12 pt type). Nominations longer than 2 pages will not be considered. Supporting documents may also be included. The winner will be announced at the 2025 FAIE Annual Conference.

Deadline is
Friday, January 3, 2025.

Submit a Nomination

Past Winners

2024
Vilma Fuentes – Florida State University

2023
Angelica Rodriguez Jimenez – Ogletree Deakins

2022
Dr. Alejandra Parra – Florida International University

2021
Dr. Marieta Chemishanova – Valencia College

2020
Paloma Rodriguez – University of Florida

2019
Aaron Blumberg – Fragomen

2018
Aggie Johnson – Flagler College
Dan Rodkin – Santa Fe College

2017
Jenifer Ruby – Rollins College

2016
Pat White – Insurance For Students

2015
Bliss Thompson – Valencia College

2013
Marcia Taylor – University of South Florida

2009
Catherine Seybold – University of South Florida

2008
Dr. Rachid Bendriss – University of Central Florida
Ruth Lopez – University of North Florida
Betty Jensen – Tallahassee Community College
Erika Rigby – University of North Florida

2007
Bliss Thompson – Valencia Community College (now Valencia College)
Sally Moorehead – University of Tampa

Dr. Alejandra Parra International Student Scholarship
Awarded by Study Florida and FAIE

FAIE partners with Study Florida to support three $2,000 scholarships. These scholarships are awarded annually to international students pursuing higher education at a college or university in Florida.

More Info About the Scholarships