Aubree Compton, senior study abroad advisor and program coordinator at the University of Iowa, recently received her professional certification in education abroad. She is the first in Iowa and the Big Ten conference to complete the program and 19th overall.

“I was elated,” Compton said. “I’ve worked on the certification for over two years and it took a lot of time and effort, but it was absolutely worth it.”

The Professional Certification in Education Abroad program is intended for any and all colleagues in the field who want to certify their knowledge and expertise in the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad.

To receive the certificate, participants must first apply to the program and be accepted. They then complete six modules based on the nine Standards of Good Practice and a Culminating Project. Assignments are designed to be challenging and have practical application in participants’ current and future positions. Highly-qualified and trained Forum Certification Assessors, with expertise in each of the standards, review and provide valuable feedback.

To receive certification means that the recipient is specially and professionally trained to adhere to both national and international Standards of Good Practice for International Education.

“This is the biggest accomplishment I have had in my career in international education,” she said.

After studying abroad herself during her junior year at the University of Iowa, Compton realized that she wanted to be an advisor and help others have a transformative experience like she had. She’s spent the last three years doing just that, and has also spent 11 years volunteering and working as a study abroad program assistant.

The best part of the job? Working with students, Compton said.

“It’s a great feeling to encourage, embolden, and show students that international exchange is a life-changer in so many ways,” she said.

“At UI International Programs, we’re committed to making sure our education abroad programming is top-notch in terms of health, safety, ethics, academic integrity, and student resources.  This new professional certification gives me added confidence that I’m contributing positively to our overall goals.”