Whistler, BC — Five international education practitioners were recognized for their work in the sector this afternoon at the 16^th annual BCCIE International Education Awards. Hosted by the BC Council for International Education (BCCIE), the awards recognize outstanding achievement in the field of international education in British Columbia.

The winners include a diverse range of practitioners, from emerging to senior leaders, whose contributions have positioned BC at the forefront of attracting and supporting international students and fostering global partnerships.

The awards ceremony coincides with BCCIE’s BC International Education Week which has brought together more than 300 educators, administrators, and diplomatic figures from across BC, Canada, and around the world to Whistler, BC.

The 2025 BCCIE International Education Awards winners are:

Emily Chen (Rising Star in International Education Award)

As an International Student Success and Engagement Coordinator at Vancouver Community College (VCC), Emily was recognized for her work supporting international students’ academic, immigration, career, and settlement success. Her efforts have strengthened collaborations with internal and external partners of VCC’s such as SUCCESS to help deliver key services to better support international students.

The University of Victoria’s Homestay Program (Excellence in International Student Support)

Since its inception in 1986, the University of Victoria’s Homestay Program has connected nearly 3,000 hosts with tens of thousands of students from more than 95 countries. Addressing the significant challenge of housing in Victoria’s competitive rental market, the program has ensured students can focus on their studies and cultural experiences without accommodation concerns. One of the program’s key innovations has been its approach to professional development for homestay providers across the province. The team has led the organization and coordination of the British Columbia Homestay Network for more than a decade, creating a robust network of shared knowledge and best practices across the sector.

The University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific-International Secretariat (Outstanding Program in International Education Award)

The University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific-International Secretariat (UMAP-IS), hosted at Vancouver Community College, was honoured for its impact over the past five years on international programs at Canadian higher education institutions. This includes increasing the number of Canadian students travelling to study at international partner institutions, fostering opportunities for virtual networking and partnership development, and promoting opportunities for capacity building and professional development.

Tony Mei (International Education Distinguished Leadership Award)

As the Director of International Education at Northern Lights College (NLC), Tony was recognized for his role in strengthening and expanding the international program at NLC. Under Tony’s leadership, NLC has established key relationships with educational agencies, government organizations, and industry stakeholders, and has significantly increased its international enrollment while maintaining a high standard of student support.

Baihua Chadwick (International Education Lifetime Achievement Award)

With more than two decades of experience in BC’s post-secondary education system, Baihua was honoured for her efforts in shaping international education at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). As Vice-President, International, Baihua’s work spans transnational education, student services, and global training initiatives, while fostering collaboration across campus to integrate diverse perspectives into academic and social experiences. She has worked tirelessly to ensure every student feels supported, valued, and safe, reinforcing TRU’s reputation as a global leader in international education.

Quotes:

The Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

“International students are a vital part of BC’s post-secondary education system, enriching our campuses, communities, and economy. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated practitioners recognized today for their exceptional contributions. Their efforts not only support students from around the world but also strengthen BC’s global connections and its reputation as a world-class education destination. My ministry remains committed to maintaining high standards across the sector to ensure BC continues to attract top talent and support a strong, sustainable, and innovative economy.”

Randall Martin, Executive Director, BC Council for International Education

“BCCIE’s International Education Awards is an opportunity to honour the hard work and talent of our colleagues in the sector. We are thrilled to recognize the outstanding work of this year’s winners who continually go above and beyond in furthering international education initiatives in BC and around the world.”