For its extensive global engagement and cultural exchange initiatives, the University of Arizona has earned the Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization from NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Named for the late Illinois Sen. Paul Simon – a longtime advocate for international education – the award honors colleges and universities that implement innovative strategies and partnerships fostering global learning opportunities.

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These efforts reflect the core mission of Arizona International, said Jenny Lee, vice president of Arizona International, dean of international education and professor of higher education in the College of Education.

"The Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization is a tremendous honor for the University of Arizona and Arizona International," Lee said. "It affirms our long-standing commitment to making global education accessible, innovative and impactful. This award is not just recognition of individual programs but of a deeply integrated institutional strategy that embeds internationalization into every aspect of the university's mission."

As the U of A's dedicated gateway to global engagement, Arizona International recruits, welcomes and supports international students and faculty on campus, facilitates study abroad and exchange programs, operates microcampuses around the world, and manages global partnerships. All of these efforts are intended to foster collaborative research, deepen cross-cultural collaboration and promote international education, Lee said. 

This academic year, International Admissions recruited the most diverse incoming class in the institution's history, with students representing over 130 countries. The university currently has over 3,600 international students in the U.S.

Beyond main campus international student enrollment, the university's microcampus model offers students outside the U.S. the chance to earn a dual degree from the U of A and a partner institution in their home country. Over nearly a decade, the university has launched 18 microcampuses across 14 countries, with 29 degree programs, enrolling more than 5,000 students to date.

"The microcampus model is an innovative approach to global education that allows students worldwide to earn a University of Arizona degree while remaining in their home countries," Lee said. "But the impact goes beyond expanding the U of A's global presence – it fundamentally enhances educational experiences for all students. U of A faculty co-teach with professors abroad, exposing students to diverse perspectives and real-world international teamwork. More than 224 microcampus students have participated in the Study Arizona program, studying for a semester alongside Tucson-based students, and over 30 microcampus graduates have transitioned into graduate programs at U of A."

As part of the U of A's main campus internationalization efforts, the Global Center serves as a welcoming hub for both international and domestic students, providing services like immigration support, an international food court and cultural events. Arizona International also oversees the Study Abroad office, which allows students to incorporate international experiences into their degree programs, and the International Student Services office, which provides specialized orientation, counseling and cultural programming tailored to students from around the world.

Beyond classroom learning, Arizona International fosters collaborative research between faculty in Tucson and their counterparts at microcampuses and partner institutions worldwide.

Arizona International also produces "Culture Shocked," a publicly accessible podcast through which students, staff and faculty share personal stories and tips on adjusting to U.S. university life – covering everything from making friends to overcoming culture shock.

Lee said all of the U of A's international efforts not only aim to expand the university's global footprint, but also to create transformative experiences for students and faculty.

"This award is recognition of an institutional vision that prioritizes internationalization at every level," Lee said. "It's about preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world – whether they are studying in Tucson or any of our partner locations, such as Phnom Penh, Petropavl or Lima. It is also a testament to the collaboration and dedication of our academic and administrative partners across campus, whose efforts made this recognition possible."