FIC won the accolade for its Peer Education Program, a tutorial course including skills workshops and opportunities to gain volunteering and leadership experience.

The annual awards were presented at the BCCIE Summer Seminar in Whistler last month.

“This unexpected recognition of the work that I have been privileged to be a part of is somewhat overwhelming”

The Excellence in International Education Marketing Award went to the marketing team at Bodwell High School, led by assistant director of admissions Boris Remes, for their “persistence, hard work, skillful relationship building, and creative marketing efforts to reach a diverse international audience”.

“Boris and his team have shown what successful international marketing can accomplish when done well and with integrity, honesty and dedication to their students, colleagues, and peers,” a BCCIE spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award went to Margaret Froese, programme coordinator for Simon Fraser University’s Office of International Education, for her work in post-secondary education.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award,” commented Froese, whose career spans over 35 years, and who coordinates more than 100 programmes at SFU.

“This unexpected recognition of the work that I have been privileged to be a part of is somewhat overwhelming.”

Dave Paul, former assistant superintendent at Surrey Schools, was the winner of the International Education Distinguished Leadership Award.

Paul’s work with the school district included helping with initiatives to establish cultural awareness events in district schools; creating a district-wide post-secondary international student fair; and providing free English programmes for the parents of international students.

Jobin Mojtabavi, director of student services at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Vancouver Campus, was recognised as an up-and-coming leader in the sector and received the Award for Rising Star in International Education.

Moajtabavi was lauded for his organisation of a pre-arrival online orientation programme for international students, who make up 90% of FDU’s students .

International education is BC’s fourth largest export sector, generating over 25,500 jobs and CAN$2.3bn for the province in 2012/13.