The Forum on Education Abroad: Comprehensive Company Profile
Background
The Forum on Education Abroad, established in 2001, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership association dedicated to promoting high-quality education abroad experiences. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission as the Standards Development Organization (SDO) for the field, The Forum's mission is to cultivate educators who champion education abroad experiences that ignite curiosity, impact lives, and contribute to a better world.
Headquartered on the campus of Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, The Forum serves a global community of over 800 institutional members. These members include U.S. colleges and universities, program provider organizations, overseas host institutions, and affiliates that collectively represent 90% of U.S. students studying abroad.
Key Strategic Focus
The Forum's strategic focus centers on establishing and maintaining the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad, conducting research to assess education abroad outcomes, promoting excellence in curriculum design, and advocating for education abroad at all levels. By providing training and resources to education abroad professionals, The Forum ensures that its members are equipped to deliver high-quality programs that meet established standards.
Financials and Funding
As a non-profit organization, The Forum on Education Abroad relies on membership dues, program fees, and grants to fund its operations. Membership categories and annual dues are structured based on the type and size of the institution, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of organizations.
In the fiscal year 2023, The Forum reported total revenue of $2,324,062 and expenses of $2,514,717. The organization's financial health is reflected in its Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, with a score of 96% for Accountability & Finance.
Pipeline Development
The Forum continually develops and updates its programs and resources to address emerging trends and challenges in education abroad. Key initiatives include the Quality Improvement Program (QUIP), which offers a guided self-study and peer review process for member institutions to assess and enhance their education abroad programs. Additionally, The Forum conducts research projects such as the State of The Field Survey and studies on critical incidents and student risk to inform best practices and policy development.
Technological Platform and Innovation
The Forum leverages various technological platforms to deliver its programs and resources effectively. This includes online training modules, virtual conferences, and digital publications. The organization's commitment to innovation is evident in its development of the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad, which serve as a definitive means by which the quality of education abroad programs may be judged.
Leadership Team
The Forum's leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing education abroad. Key members include:
- Melissa Torres, President & CEO
- With two decades of experience in higher education and program development, Melissa previously served as Vice President for Academic Programs at IES Abroad. She has also held leadership roles at Brown University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and The Ohio State University.
- Dr. Marissa Lombardi, Vice President and Chief Learning Officer
- Marissa brings extensive experience in international education, having served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Partnerships at EF Education First and as an Assistant Teaching Professor at Northeastern University. She holds a Doctorate of Education with a specialization in International Education.
- Dr. Elizabeth Frohlich, Senior Director for Learning & Event Engagement
- Elizabeth has been with The Forum since 2012, leading events and overseeing content development for conferences. She holds a Ph.D. in French Language and Literature and has experience teaching French at Boston University.
Leadership Changes
In recent years, The Forum has experienced leadership transitions, including the appointment of Melissa Torres as President & CEO. These changes reflect the organization's commitment to evolving and adapting to the dynamic field of education abroad.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The education abroad sector is characterized by a diverse range of organizations offering study abroad programs, exchange opportunities, and related services. The market has seen significant growth, driven by increasing demand for global education experiences and the recognition of their value in fostering cross-cultural understanding and professional development.
Competitor Analysis
Key competitors in the education abroad sector include:
- AFS Intercultural Programs: An international youth exchange organization with over 50 independent, non-profit organizations worldwide. AFS offers various programs aimed at fostering intercultural learning and understanding.
- Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE): A non-profit organization promoting international education and exchange, offering over 175 study abroad programs in more than 40 countries. CIEE also operates teaching programs and high school exchange programs.
- American Councils for International Education: An international non-profit organization administering various programs designed to foster cross-cultural understanding and facilitate educational opportunities worldwide through international education, academic exchange, and research.
- Nacel Open Door: A nonprofit student exchange organization dedicated to international understanding and language education, offering homestay exchanges and other programs to promote intercultural learning.
- EducationUSA: A U.S. Department of State network of international student advising centers in more than 170 countries, providing information and resources to students seeking to study in the United States.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
The Forum actively engages in strategic collaborations to enhance its offerings and extend its reach. Notably, in October 2022, The Forum partnered with ISEP Study Abroad to expand professional development and networking opportunities for ISEP members and affiliates. This partnership aims to provide increased access to programming tools and resources for international education professionals.
Operational Insights
The Forum's commitment to establishing and maintaining the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad positions it as a leader in the field. Its focus on research, professional development, and advocacy ensures that member institutions are equipped to deliver high-quality education abroad programs. The organization's collaborative approach and strategic partnerships further strengthen its market position and capacity for innovation.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Looking ahead, The Forum aims to continue its leadership in the education abroad sector by:
- Expanding Membership: Broadening its membership base to include a more diverse range of institutions and organizations globally.
- Enhancing Professional Development: Developing new training programs and resources to address emerging trends and challenges in education abroad.
- Advancing Research Initiatives: Conducting and disseminating research to inform best practices and policy development in the field.
- Strengthening Advocacy Efforts: Promoting the value and importance of education abroad experiences to policymakers, educators, and the public.
By leveraging its established strengths and embracing new opportunities, The Forum is well-positioned to continue its mission of advancing education abroad experiences that ignite curiosity, impact lives, and contribute to a better world.
Contact Information
- Website: forumea.org
- Social Media:
For inquiries about membership, consulting, events, training, professional development, and more, please visit the Contact Us page on The Forum's website.
