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From 2 Participants to 22,000 over the past 20 years, AustraLearn, AsiaLearn and EuroLearn Programs Look Forward to Bright Future

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad and its staff are celebrating 20 years in 2010.

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, founded in 1990 in Colorado as a provider of education abroad programs, is marking its 20th anniversary of vision and impact in international education with special acknowledgments at upcoming conferences and the creation of a 2011 calendar with reflections on the power of the international education experience.

“We’ve made amazing strides since 1990, when study abroad was more concept than practice in higher education,” said Cynthia Banks, founder and executive director of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad. “Today, most college and university students place study abroad high on their goal list because they see how it positively shapes education and life experiences. And while more needs to be done to make international education available to all students regardless of background, we’ve seen great progress over the past 20 years in programming, access, safety and affordability.”

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad marks Feb. 28, 1990, as its official founding date. At that time, the organization began a pilot research project to establish whether Australia could be a suitable study abroad destination for U.S. students. The effort proved successful, and in 1991, the first two AustraLearn participants, who were students from Colorado State University, left to study abroad at the University of Queensland and Central Queensland University in Australia.

Today, GlobaLinks Learning Abroad is a leading provider of educational programs in Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Asia and Europe, and has sent more than 22,000 North American students on semester abroad, year abroad, short-term and full-degree programs in these countries.

“We are constantly reminded by our program participants of the power of study abroad,” Banks said. “Our students tell us how their coursework, travel and cultural experiences refine their goals, interests and career plans, and in many cases, transform them into true global citizens who become more involved in their communities when they return home.”

“Our organization of 55 employees is not just celebrating its past, but also its commitment to the future of international education,” Banks added. “In marking this important milestone, we also recognize the many students, advisors, and current and previous staff members who’ve walked with us on this rewarding journey.”
To learn more, visit the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad history page.