The WYSE Travel Confederation Extraordinary Experience Award 2011
Winner: Michael Teoh & Smaller Earth
Michael Teoh beat out over 40,000 competitors to win a competition promoting entrepreneurship and global citizenship.
In his year abroad, he visited 20 countries and participated in 14 volunteer projects. He met local and national politicians and other notables including Bob Geldof, Jamie Oliver, Ted Turner and the Duke of Westminster.
On top of this, he found time to be interviewed on CNN and Malaysian television.
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The WYSE Travel Confederation Innovation in Marketing Award 2011
Winner: 2 Months, 35 Countries campaign by CIEE
The 2 Months, 35 Countries campaign set out, through a worldwide contest, to find three storytellers who would travel the world
and tell the stories of participants through a dynamic travel blog and document their experiences through photos and videos.
The campaign boosted web visits, captured thousands of photos and over 50 hours of video footage of life-changing experiences.
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WYSTC App Yap Award 2011
Winner: Tripwolf
Tripwolf is an app including a full range of features, a sleek design and global co-branding solutions.
It was a stand-out entry and is a true representative of how technology can inspire and enhance young travellers’ experiences.
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Study WYSE Outstanding Contribution Award 2011
Winner: Manel Bassols
Study WYSE was established following the WYSTC 2010 presentation and since then has, with a good deal of hard work and diligence,
now grown to 70 members representing the interests of the Educational and Study Abroad sector.
None of this would have been possible without the selfless efforts of Manel Bassols. He supported this new association from the very beginning,
not only by joining as a brand new member, but by actively promoting it in the language and study abroad industry, dedicating his time and sharing his expertise .
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The WYSE Work Abroad “Expand Your Horizons” Video Contest 2011
Winner: ‘Be the Change…Share a Namaste!’ by Krupali Patel sent by Volunteering India
Krupali Patel’s video showcased the volunteer experience of her and her fellow medical students from Touro College in New York.
Krupal’s entry was excellent and can be viewed here.
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ISTC Skills Exchange Recognition Award 2011
Winner: Steve Lowy of Umi Hotels
In January 2011 STAY WYSE member UmiHotels of the UK travelled to Cambodia to conduct a hostel-to-hostel exchange with the Rosy Guesthouse in Siem Riep.
UmiHotels shared best practices with the Rosy Guesthouse, including SEO strategy, accounting practices, pricing, financial monitoring and supplementary services.
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The STAY WYSE Green Initiative 2011
Winner: Sydney Harbour YHA
This award recognised an organisation doing its best to reduce their environmental impact.
The Sydney Harbour YHA initiative included, but was not limited to solar panels, , power-saving devices, low energy light bulbs, natural lighting, energy monitoring, bicycles, waste minimisation, swapping, recycled toilet paper and office paper, biodegradable cleaning products, a rain-water tank, waterless urinals, clothing donations and signs encouraging guests to take shorter showers and turn off taps whilst brushing teeth!
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The WYSE Volunteer & Travel – Outstanding Volunteer Project 2011
Winner: San Juanillo Fishermen’s Association & International Student Volunteers
San Juanillo Fishermen’s Association together with International Student Volunteers developed and marketed an outstanding programme allowing a young person to develop their skills and also to engage and help an overseas project or community. They addressed the depletion of marine resources in and the livelihood and safety of Costa Rica’s artisanal fishermen.