International education award celebrates Lone Star College System bringing students the world

HOUSTON, TX -- Lone Star College System will celebrate International Education Week Nov. 17-21 with opportunities to build cultural competency skills through student presentations, interactive discussions, trivia events, potlucks and more.

The college system’s Honors and International Education department ensures students are prepared to compete globally through its Global EdVantage program, which received the 2025 Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education in the Widening Access to International Education category.

“Lone Star College System offers high-quality education close to home, but our students also have the opportunity to expand their understanding of the world through international experiences,” said Katharine Caruso, Ph.D., LSCS associate vice chancellor, Honors and International Education. “Earning the Andrew Heiskell Award underscores the important work we are doing through Global EdVantage, providing access to international courses and initiatives aimed at helping students transfer to four-year institutions or secure rewarding careers.”

Named after renowned philanthropist and long-time supporter of international education Andrew Heiskell, the Institute of International Education gives this national award to colleges and universities that develop and expand their international education opportunities. LSCS’s Global EdVantage fits the bill with its study-abroad opportunities, language and culture programs, intercultural co-curricular activities, and faculty-led efforts to expand intercultural engagement.

“International Studies has broadened my regular academic class into a globalized classroom,” said Ayah Oraikat-Bohafa, LSC-Houston North Fairbanks Global Scholar. “It made me realize how little I know about the world and challenged the limited views I used to have. By taking International Studies courses, I have not only globalized my learning; I have globalized my day-to-day view of life.”

LSCS’s Global EdVantage initiative started in 2017. That year, just four students participated in study abroad programs, and about 900 students across the college system were enrolled in International Studies courses. Today, nearly 200 students join study abroad and virtual exchange programs annually, and about 8,000 students are enrolled in International Studies courses. In total, the initiative delivers international education and training to 12,000 students and faculty each year.

Additionally, Global EdVantage has helped boost participation in The Honors College’s Global Scholars language and culture program, built capacity for faculty training and benefited all 50 Jacke Kent Cookie Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship semi-finalists at LSCS from 2021-2023.

“My International Studies classes have been very transformative. On top of learning the material that a regular course offers, I also learn different perspectives from the world, enhancing my cultural competency,” said Ramon Rodriguez, LSC-North Harris Global Scholar. “As an aspiring data analyst or software engineer, this cultural competency will surely help me accomplish my career goals and understand my co-workers.”

Learn more about International Education opportunities at LoneStar.edu/IE.

The IIE Heiskell Awards were created in 2001 to promote and honor outstanding international higher education initiatives conducted by IIENetwork members, encouraging the expansion and creation of initiatives based on successful models and amplifying the important role of international higher education. Each winning initiative receives $1,000 to contribute to its ongoing success. Learn more about the awards and honorees at IIE.org/HeiskellAwards.