2014 ISIC Association Annual Report
Transcription
2014 ISIC Association Annual Report
2014 ISIC Association Annual Report 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report The mission of the ISIC Association is: To provide all bona fide students, regardless of their nationality, race, gender or religion, with the opportunity to prove their student status in every country worldwide, via an official and affordable identifier of student status. This unique identifier aims to allow students access to preferential travel opportunities, specially negotiated services, discounts and experiences in every area and stage of student life, consequently reducing the cost of being a student. As such, the ISIC Association aspires to play a supporting role in improving intercultural understanding and increasing educational opportunities for all. ISIC and the ISIC logo are registered trademarks of the ISIC Association. The ISIC card has been endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since 1968. Published April 2015. Table of contents 2014 highlights 4 About ISIC 5 Infographic: Who is the ISIC cardholder? 6 A message from the ISIC Association Board Chair and Managing Director 7 Governance: What is the ISIC Association? 9 ISIC Association members 11 Global distribution 12 ISIC Territories: Where the ISIC Association works 14 Infographic: All about ISIC 16 Partnerships 19 International recognition and endorsements 22 Online & digital initiatives 24 ISIC community outreach 27 ISIC Event & ISIC Award 30 Financial activities 33 ISIC issuers around the world 34 Published by: ISIC Global Office B.V. Keizersgracht 174-176 1016 DW Amsterdam The Netherlands Telephone +31 (0)20 520 0840 Email: admin@isic.org The ISIC Association is proud to be a UNWTO World Tourism Organization Affiliate Member. The ISIC Association is honoured to be a International Association of Universities Affiliate Member. www.isic.org www.isicassociation.org www.facebook.com/ISIC.GlobalOffice @ISICGlobal theisicglobaloffice The ISIC Association is a non-profit organisation seated in Denmark. The operations of the ISIC Association are carried out by the ISIC Global Office B.V., an independent management company based in the Netherlands and wholly owned by the ISIC Association. Cover imagery sourced from ISIC 60th Anniversary student initiatives. The ISIC Association is a founding member of the World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation. 4 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report Report highlights P27 ISIC university roadshows, career days, student magazines, and community initiative P11 ISIC Association Board members for 2014/15 ISIC Association 12 New members for 2014 in the ISIC 19 Growth MasterCard partnership in 20 Increase co-operations with academic institutions worldwide P21 P24 with 22 Developments UNESCO relationship and improved ISIC 25 New website developments ISIC and British Council IELTS working together Release of the latest ISIC App for Android and iOS around the world issuing organisations 34 ISIC worldwide P31 About the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) The ISIC Association is the non-profit organisation behind the management, growth and development of the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). Each year, millions of students worldwide are issued and use the ISIC card, the only internationally accepted proof of bona fide student status. Endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since 1968, the ISIC card provides all cardholders equal access to attractive benefits, discounts and services in more than 125,000 locations worldwide, helping to make student life more affordable and encouraging students to maximise their student experience. Celebrating being more than 60 years young, the ISIC card continues to meet the changing needs of students every day all across the globe. Available in over 130 countries, the ISIC card has always been inclusionary. All fulltime students 12 years and older can obtain an ISIC card for a nominal fee, regardless of their ethnic or cultural origin, religion, sexual orientation, political views, or social standing. P30 2014 ISIC Event in Seoul, South Korea P33 5 Since the card was first created in 1953 by a group of pioneering European students, the ISIC card has supported over 110 million students worldwide through their studies. Initially developed to help nurture cross-cultural understanding and international exchange, the card provided students with access to exclusive discounts on travel opportunities, allowing cardholders to discover and interact with new countries, cultures and other open-minded people. Now, in a new millennium, the ISIC card has evolved in order to best meet the needs of the modern day student. Although travel benefits will always remain central to the card, ISIC cardholders gain preferential and discounted access to products, services and experiences relevant to all aspects of student life. This ranges from educational courses, software licenses, ISIC CARD QUICK FACTS · Created in 1953 by students for students · Issued in 130+ countries · 125,000 benefit locations · Endorsed by UNESCO public transport and magazine subscriptions, to music streaming, cafés and restaurants, music festivals, sporting events tickets, and more! The ISIC Association’s partnerships with education providers, financial institutions, and benefit partners are fundamental to the vast opportunities available to cardholders. By making a broad range of tailored services and opportunities available to ISIC cardholders internationally, the ISIC Association aims to play a role in fostering intercultural understanding amongst young people, improving learning opportunities and supporting students through everyday life. Regardless if they are studying at home or abroad, or travelling to experience the world. The ISIC Association maintains 2 additional complementary cards — the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC, for youth 30 years and younger who are not students) and the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC, for fulltime teachers and professors). Registered in Denmark, the ISIC Association is a non-profit membership organisation whose network of 57 member organisations hold the exclusive right to distribute, promote and develop the ISIC card within their given territory or country. The ISIC Global Office B.V., based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, manages and co-ordinates ISIC operations at a global level. The ISIC Association is the sole shareholder of the ISIC Global Office. ISIC Association’s healthy financial position Institute of International Education recognised as 2014 ISIC Award winner Above: Students proudly display their ISIC cards. WHO IS THE ISIC CARDHOLDER? MOST STUDENTS CONFIRM THAT THE ISIC CARD PROVES THEIR STUDENT STATUS AND HELPS THEM TO EXPERIENCE THE WORLD AND SAVE MONEY. ALL FULLTIME STUDENTS AGED 12 YEARS OR OLDER ARE ELIGIBLE FOR AN ISIC CARD. HALF OF THE ISIC CARD USERS USE THEIR ISIC CARD EVERY WEEK OR MORE. PRIMARY CARDHOLDER AGE GROUP 18-24 YEARS. 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report A message from the ISIC Association Board Chair and Managing Director Our strong history and standing in student culture provides a solid basis to build upon, with 2014 focussed on strengthening our core foundations for the future. We endeavour to continuously improve, challenge ourselves, and adapt to ensure we remain a trusted brand for students and the must-have tool for young people when studying at home or abroad, or travelling the globe to experience the world they live in. HEARD ABOUT THE ISIC CARD 34% THROUGH UNIVERSITY 13% 1/3 12% OF STUDENTS GET THEIR CARD BECAUSE OF ATTRACTIVE DISCOUNTS THE CARD TO 18% PURCHASED SAVE ON FLIGHT TICKETS VIA STUDENT FROM FRIENDS ORGANISATION OR FAMILY TOP REASONS FOR OWNING AN ISIC CARD #1. PROVE STUDENT STATUS INTERNATIONALLY #2. APPEAL OF STUDENT DISCOUNTS #3. UNIVERSITY ISSUES THE CARD AS THEIR ID CARD #4. NEED FOR A CREDIBLE IDENTITY CARD ON AND OFF CAMPUS USAGE* 40% 37% 36% 34% 33% CAMPUS ACCESS OR LIBRARY CARD AT UNIVERSITY PROVE IDENTITY PROVE FULLTIME STUDENT STATUS % ACCESS BENEFITS & DISCOUNTS PUBLIC TRANSPORT TRAVEL PURPOSES BANKING AND PAYMENT PURPOSES 24% 20% BUSINESS OR ECONOMICS IT TOP 5 STUDY 13% AREAS 83% FOOD & RESTAURANTS 48% 38% ONLINE & SOCIAL BROWSING ELECTRONIC GADGETS & COMPUTERS 62% 60% SOCIAL SCIENCES 41% YES 59% NO ENGINEERING TOP 5 INTEREST AREAS OF CARDHOLDERS ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC 14% 13% SCIENCE *Students use their card for more than one purpose TRAVEL WORK IN ADDITION TO STUDIES? 22% 8% BROWSE INTERNET VIA* 86% 70% 31% PERSONAL LAPTOP SMARTPHONE DESKTOP COMPUTER 26% TABLET *Students use more than one device to browse 7 As an association, we recognise partnerships are vital to what we do and enable the ISIC card to be “top of wallet” and the go-to card for students. Throughout the year our ISIC issuing organisations around the world continued to build new partnerships and nurture existing relationships in order to respond to the needs of students. 2014 saw the extensive expansion of benefits available to cardholders. Likewise, the academic and financial co-branded card portfolios grew worldwide, with over 1,400 academic institutions choosing ISIC as their school ID card, and tailored ISIC MasterCard programmes now on offer to students in close to 40 countries. That said, we want our cardholders to experience ISIC every day and maximise this unique time in their lives, away from their screens and mobile devices. That’s why ISIC-led events like university roadshows, career fairs, and travel workshops (see pages 27-28) are all the more important, bringing cardholders together in a fun, supportive environment, and offering new opportunities and a creative reprieve from the stress of studying and exam periods. Matt East Chair, ISIC Association Board Through the 2014 ISIC Award we looked to assist not only students who are currently enrolled, but also those individuals who desire to learn and participate in higher education, but are restricted by social, economic or cultural barriers. We remain dedicated to the student community internationally, and in 2015 we’ll strive to have the greatest impact on all students during this special, life changing period of their lives! ISIC’s mission began over 60 years ago, and although our founding values remain the same, we recognise a lot has changed over the years. Simply look at card technology, the diversity we offer students, our distribution, but most considerably, the online landscape and how we interact with our cardholders through new media. Young people are digital natives and are continuously connected. In 2014 we responded to this ever-changing landscape, with many ISIC issuers unveiling new interactive web platforms inspired by student opinions and behaviours. Likewise, the updated ISIC App was released to market, providing an advanced benefit search engine, all within a modern, student-centric design. Page left: Facts and figures discovered through the ISIC International Research project. Todd Almeida Managing Director, ISIC Global Office B.V. 8 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report 9 Governance: What is the ISIC Association? What is the ISIC Association? The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Association is a non-profit membership organisation consisting of 57 members worldwide. Association members are the organisations that hold the exclusive right to distribute, promote and develop the ISIC card within their territory or country. Upon reaching preagreed milestones and commitments, new organisation members can be appointed each year by existing members at the ISIC Association Annual General Meeting (AGM), when the ISIC Association Board and ISIC Global Office report on accomplishments, developments, strategy, and finances. All ISIC Association members are governed by the rules set out in the ISIC Constitution and ISIC Convention. The Constitution documents the rules and principles of the ISIC Association and aims to protect the rights of all members. The Convention sets out the agreed rules, practices and use of the ISIC, IYTC and ITIC card. Each ISIC Association member organisation has the right to influence changes to the ISIC Constitution and ISIC Convention, budgets, and be eligible for election to the ISIC Association Board. ISIC Association Board The role of the ISIC Association Board is to oversee the strategy and direction of ISIC operations from an international perspective, and guide the overall management of the ISIC Association. The ISIC Association Board consists of 10 members, each elected for a 2 year term. There is a staggered term system for individual Board members, ensuring that each year 5 of the 10 Board members will continue and the other 5 of the 10 seats will be up for election. New Board members are elected annually by ISIC Association Members at the Annual General Meeting held in May as part of the ISIC Event. The Chair of the Board is appointed each year by the ISIC Association Board Members. Day to day operations, administration and decision making is led by the ISIC Global Office B.V., centrally located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The ISIC Global Office has the responsibility to report to the ISIC Association Board 4 times per year, with 2 occurrences coinciding with the Annual General Meeting and the ISIC See page 30 for more information Event. on the 2014 ISIC Event in Seoul, South Korea. The ISIC Association is a founding member of the World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation (WYSETC), a non-profit organisation which brings together specialists in student and youth travel services from around the world. 2014/15 ISIC Association Board Above: ISIC Global Office, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Page right: ISIC Association members participate in the 2014 Annual General Meeting in Seoul, South Korea in May 2014. Name Organisation Name Country Matt East (Chair) GTS Alive Czech Republic Jacob Strømfeldt KILROY Denmark A/S Denmark Jan Passoff Student Life China China Lilian Leclercq Global Youth & Student Community France Lucy Watson Canadian Federation of Students-Services Canada Michal Bučko CKM SYTS Slovakia Miloš Milenković IUVIA NGO Serbia Paul Maine STA Travel USA United States of America Richa Goyal STIC Youth Travels India Rubén Mora Credenciales de Valor SA de CV Mexico 10 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report ISIC distribution network ISIC Association members As of 31 December 2014, the ISIC card is distributed in 133 territories via an extensive network of Licensed Authorities (LAs), Provisional Licensed Authorities (PLAs) and Appointed Offices (AOs). LAs and PLAs have the legitimate and exclusive right to distribute, promote and develop the ISIC card within their individual territory. In addition, LAs and PLAs are ultimately responsible for securing and continuously improving an attractive, relevant and comprehensive benefit portfolio providing benefits, discounts and services to all ISIC cardholders – both domestic students and visiting cardholders. Every LA is an ISIC Association member. Who are ISIC issuers? Many LAs, PLAs and AOs worldwide are organisations involved in the youth and student travel industry, reflecting the founding travel roots of the ISIC card. In addition, some ISIC issuers are student unions or youth focussed entities. More and more ISIC issuing organisations are companies solely committed to the growth and development of the ISIC card, dedicating substantial resource to ISIC in their territory, and as a result increased sales, awareness and overall market penetration are witnessed in such markets. What is an ISIC LA, PLA or AO? The ISIC distribution network is characterised by a 3-tier system 1. Licensed Authority (LA) Licensed Authorities (LAs) lead the distribution and development of the ISIC card within their territory. LAs issue the ISIC card through their own outlets, stores or online, via agents and wholesale distribution agreements with other organisations such as universities and financial institutions. All of the current 57 ISIC LA organisations (in 56 territories) are members of the ISIC Association. 2. Provisional Licensed Authority (PLA) Before being granted full Licensed Authority status, new ISIC issuers must effectively meet a number of pre- determined targets and commitments relevant to their market conditions. New PLAs are appointed via a tender process undertaken by the ISIC Global Office. As at 31 December 2014, there were 28 appointed PLAs. 3. Appointed Office (AO) An Appointed Office (AO) is a distribution outlet for the ISIC card. AOs are either selected by an LA or PLA to issue the ISIC card within their country or territory, or if a country does not have a registered LA or PLA then the ISIC card is distributed solely through AOs appointed directly by the ISIC Global Office. Structure of the ISIC Association ISIC Association ISIC Association Board ISIC Global Office B.V. Licensed Authorities Appointed Offices Provisional Licensed Authorities Appointed Offices Appointed Offices 11 Name Organisation Name Website STA Travel Australia Australia www.isiccard.com.au STA Travel Austria Austria www.isic.at BYSS Belgium www.isic.be Auctus Ngo Bosnia-Herzegovina www.isic.ba Student Travel Bureau Brazil www.carteiradoestudante.com.br ASAS Bulgaria www.isic.bg Canadian Federation of Students-Services Canada www.isiccanada.ca HI Chile Chile www.isic.cl Student Life China China www.isicchina.com Consorcio ISIC Colombia Colombia www.isiccolombia.org Viajes Estudiantiles Costa Rica www.isic.cr GTS Alive s.r.o. Czech Republic www.isic.cz KILROY Denmark Denmark www.isicdanmark.dk ODTE Dominican Republic www.isic.com.do Grupo IDIOMAS Ecuador www.isicecuador.com Egyptian Student Travel Services Egypt www.isicegypt.net Federation of Estonian Students Union Estonia www.isic.ee KILROY Finland Finland www.isic.fi Global Youth & Student Community France France www.isic.fr rds Reisedienst Deutscher Studentenschaften GmbH Germany www.isic.de ROBISSA ISIC Hellas Greece www.isic.gr Hong Kong Student Travel Hong Kong www.isic.hk Diákigazolvány Kft. Hungary www.isic.hu STIC Youth Travels India www.isic.co.in ISSTA Israel www.issta.co.il/isic Student Card Service Japan | ISIC Japan Japan www.isic.jp Pro Youth NGO Kosovo www.isickosova.com ISIC.lv Latvia www.isic.lv Campus Travel Lebanon www.isiclebanon.com Zigzag Travel Lithuania www.isic.lt GSC-ISIC Luxembourg Luxembourg www.isic.fr/isic-accueil/isic-au-luxembourg Hong Kong Student Travel Macau www.isic.hk TA Aurora Tours Macedonia www.isicmacedonia.com MSL Travel Malaysia www.isic-malaysia.com National Student Travel Foundation Malta www.nsts.org/isic Credenciales de Valor SA de CV Mexico www.isic.org.mx Terra NGO Montenegro www.isic.me NNS New Zealand New Zealand www.isiccard.co.nz KILROY Norway Norway www.isic.no INTEJ Peru www.isic.pe Almatur Association Poland www.isic.pl Pumpkintreasure LDA Portugal www.isic.pt Asociatia Pentru Sprijinirea Tinerilor Studentior si rfsorilor (ASYST) Romania www.isic-romania.ro Sputnik - ISIC Russia www.isic.ru IUVIA NGO Serbia www.gpa.rs/kartice/isic-kartica NNS Singapore Singapore www.isic.com.sg CKM SYTS Slovakia www.isic.sk KISES South Korea www.isic.co.kr KILROY Sweden Sweden www.isic.se STA Travel Schweiz Switzerland www.isic.ch Kang Wen Culture & Education Foundation Taiwan www.travel934.org.tw STA Travel Thailand Thailand www.isic.co.th I-Union.UA Ukraine www.isic.org.ua ISIC UK, NUS Services Limited, and STA Travel UK United Kingdom www.myisic.co.uk and www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra STA Travel USA USA www.myisic.com IVI Venezuela Venezuela www.carnetestudiante.com 12 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report 13 Global distribution Territory development The ISIC Association’s Territory Development strategy is balanced to allow for equal emphasis on both the introduction of ISIC in new territories, and developing and strengthening the ISIC presence in existing markets with significant growth potential. It is the overall goal of the ISIC Association to ensure the ISIC card be made available to all students worldwide, whether they choose to study domestically, or opt to study abroad. This objective reflects one of the founding principles of the ISIC card set in 1953 to ensure that ISIC cards reach “as many students as possible in as many countries as possible.” All 3 territories were subsequently approved as ISIC Association members by the existing membership base at the 2014 Annual General Meeting on 21 May in Seoul, South Korea. In both the established markets of Japan and Portugal, a successor organisation took over management as the Licensed Authority. Likewise in 2014, ISIC increased its distribution in Africa, with the appointment of 3 new Appointed Offices in Nigeria. As at 31 December 2014, the ISIC card is distributed via: • • • 57 Licensed Authorities (in 56 territories) – the ISIC Association member organisations 28 territories with a Provisional Licensed Authority 49 territories with independent Appointed Offices. In line with the Territory Development Strategy, throughout 2015 the ISIC Global Office will actively engage partners to continue to develop and grow the number of markets where the ISIC card is available in order to support as many students as possible worldwide. China, Student Life China Kosovo, Pro Youth NGO Mexico, Credenciales de Valor SA de CV. An ISIC card helps students see the world. Photographs by Freia von Raußendorf (left) and Bibiana Yeung (right), 60 Great ISIC Experiences Student photo Competition entrants. Regional distribution of ISIC issuing countries Distribution (number of countries since 1953) 150 10% 15% 2014 2004 120 1994 The top 5 performing markets for 2014 upon calculation of market penetration were: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. In May 2014, 3 existing Provisional Licensed Authorities were awarded full Licensed Authority status, having reached a number of key milestones for ISIC in their territories, including overall card sales: • • • Top performing markets in 2014 As witnessed in 2013, the top performing market in terms of total card sales in 2014 was France, having issued the highest volume of cards in the calendar year. In addition, several markets experienced noteworthy growth in the number of cards issued to students in 2014. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Japan (LA under new management in 2014): 25 percent growth South Korea: 24.6 percent growth United Arab Emirates (new Provisional Licensed Authority market for 2014): 22.4 percent growth Taiwan: 15.8 percent growth Brazil: 14.4 percent growth. 18% 35% 22% Slovakia: +100 percent market penetration Luxembourg: +100 percent market penetration Estonia: +100 percent market penetration Czech Republic: 84 percent market penetration Latvia: 67 percent market penetration. ISIC market penetration is calculated by the total card distribution within a calendar year, against the official tertiary student population size. NO. OF COUNTRIES Market growth In 2014 overall card sales remained stable and the number of ISIC markets continued to grow, with the total number of distribution territories reaching 133 markets. A primary focus for the ISIC Association has been to ensure the ISIC card evolves and adapts as the needs of cardholders change. Although originally founded as a travel oriented card, recent years have shown the intensified development of extra benefits, discounts and services that accommodate the everyday needs of students. Travel benefits and services are still central to the card, but the transition to a card for everyday usage allows students with an ISIC card to maximise their card and take advantage of this unique period of their life and being a ‘student’. See pages 14 and 21 for more information of ISIC cardholder benefits and the everyday value proposition for students. 90 Europe Middle East 1974 60 1964 30 Africa 1984 1954 Americas Asia Pacific & Russia 0 YEAR Breakdown of card sales figures for Licensed Authority and Provisional Licensed Authority markets. Country Total 2014 Country Total 2014 Country Total 2014 Country Argentina 40,041 Estonia 60,323 Macedonia 2,291 Armenia 1,788 Finland 9,738 Lithuania 26,206 Slovakia 162,541 Australia 50,704 France 267,994 7,050 Slovenia 2,857 Austria 91,361 Germany South Africa 3,408 South Korea 116,384 Bangladesh Belgium 75,280 Luxembourg Malaysia 0 Ghana 685 Malta 23,129 Greece 918 Mexico 18,454 378 111,492 Singapore Total 2014 Spain 3,051 32,020 Bolivia 1,440 Guatemala 2,629 Moldova 3,382 Sri Lanka Bosnia-Herzegovina 1,399 Hong Kong 12,426 Montenegro 2,843 Sweden 5,878 148,560 Hungary 11,164 Nepal Switzerland 8,387 Bulgaria 28,505 Iceland Canada 105,365 Brazil India 820 Netherlands 5,461 Syria 23,954 New Zealand 8,515 Taiwan Chile 8,280 Indonesia 3,852 Norway China 14,582 Ireland 4,421 Pakistan Colombia 23,633 Israel 19,492 Panama Costa Rica 4,958 Italy 15,124 Peru Japan 41,157 Philippines Kazakhstan 12,100 Poland Croatia Czech Republic 962 233,346 437 Tanzania 1,266 134 Thailand 10,518 7,010 Turkey 11,741 23,412 Ukraine 26,547 548 71,039 United Arab Emirates United Kingdom 14,285 Kenya 4,474 Portugal 109,196 Dominican Republic 21,224 Kosovo 5,487 Romania 39,616 USA 1,412 Latvia 57,474 Russia 56,888 Venezuela Lebanon 12,596 Serbia 54,486 Vietnam Egypt 14,555 Note: Card sales figures for Appointed Office markets are not included in this table. 884 124,868 10,443 Denmark Ecuador 987 Uruguay 22,435 142,201 2,090 86,237 5,419 53 14 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report ISIC territories LAs established and new for 2014 PLAs established and new for 2014 AOs established and new for 2014 Currently no ISIC presence ISIC Canada established a partnership with millennial experts Intercept Group in order to grow and develop the benefit portfolio across major student cities in Canada. ISIC USA teamed up with Abenity, a national discount provider, resulting in over 125,000 new discounts from big name brands and retailers throughout the United States accessible to all ISIC, IYTC and ITIC cardholders through a simple online verification process. In May 2014, ISIC Mexico celebrated the first anniversary of the Capital Joven ISIC initiative at the Monument to the Revolution. The occasion was marked by a rock concert attracting over 9,000 young people. Capital Joven ISIC aims to issue youth in Mexico City with an ISIC card as their official government ID. Throughout 2014 ISIC Peru focussed on increasing the proportion of everyday usage benefits available to cardholders, with a number of new discounts signed with sports facilities, computer stores, and eateries around the country. The Latin American Bank Federation awarded the ISIC Argentina MOVE financial co-brand the 2014 First Prize in Financial Innovation. The MOVE product, a co-brand between Banco Galicia (Argentina’s largest retail bank), VISA and ISIC Argentina, is a debit card targeted towards the university student segment, with 35,000 cards already issued. An entirely new concept for the local market, all card related services are offered 100 percent digitally. A mobile app allows users to send and receive money, administer spending, save, and more, with customer service available through social networks. ISIC Slovenia’s SKB Bank financial co-brand achieved 40 percent growth in comparison to 2013, with 80 percent of previously issued cards renewed by students in the second year. The co-brand growth is attributed to 2 key factors (1) attractive contests throughout the year encouraging students to apply for the card; and (2) ISIC Slovenia undertaking training sessions with SKB’s personal bankers in over 30 branches nationwide. To support their outreach to academic partners, ISIC France produced an attractive publication specifically for academic institutions, outlining the leading ISIC territory’s technology-driven approach to academic co-branding and the multiple benefits of partnering with ISIC. The informative publication was distributed to 800 education institutions. ISIC Czech Republic was appointed as a member of the Czech Association of the Public Transport Authorities, enabling frequent contact with all public transport authorities in the country, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Finance amongst others. The membership will help secure the acceptance of the card ISIC with transport providers nationwide and the provision of special discounts for cardholders. Since September 2014, students in the Latvian capital Riga have the option to purchase an ISIC card that can be used as payment on the city’s public transportation system, as part of a co-brand agreement with Rigas Satiksme, the public transport operator in the city. See pages 19 - 28 for more ISIC territory highlights from 2014. After establishing a benefit partnership with ŠVET (office and school supplies chain) 2.5 years ago, ISIC Slovakia worked with ŠVET to develop a new electronic card verification system, drastically decreasing the time it takes to verify whether a student’s card is valid. First piloted in 2 stores, the success of the pilot has led to ŠVET rolling out the system to all 50 stores nationwide. As most ISIC cards in Slovakia use chip technology, ŠVET has equipped their stores with electronic card readers and moved away from manually verifying card validity. The reader sends the chip serial number to the ISIC Slovakia database and the database responds in a fraction of a second verifying whether the card is valid or not, with the discount applied automatically via the stores’ system if the card is valid. After a hiatus of 2 years, the valuable 50 percent discount on fares with the Bulgarian State Railways was re-launched, with the benefit heavily showcased during the ISIC Bulgaria Road Show across 25 universities in March and April to help spread the word to students. ISIC Portugal secured the extension of the existing financial co-brand with Caixa Geral de Depósitos for both ISIC and ITIC cards for an additional 10 years. ISIC Ghana signed a 2 year agreement with the Private University Students Association of Ghana in order to promote accessibility and sales of ISIC cards to students in Ghana. 15 Together with Hostelling International and KEB Bank, ISIC South Korea created the unique WingO HI ISIC card as the membership card for Hostelling International members in South Korea, with approximately 30,000 cards issued which include MasterCard payment functionality. In addition to a prepaid ISIC MasterCard, ISIC China launched a new financial co-brand with the Bank of China, with 5,000 cards initially ordered. ISIC Egypt negotiated a deal with Egypt Post that will see all 3,800 post offices across the country issuing co-branded ISIC prepaid cards, making it even easier for Egyptian students to access the ISIC card. ISIC Australia introduced a new cobranded card with international carrier Qantas, with the airline running an ISIC and IYTC card promotion in February 2014 to coincide with the release of the new card. 130+ ISIC IS IN COUNTRIES VS. ISIC FOR FULLTIME STUDENTS 130+ IYTC ITIC FOR YOUTH 30 YEARS & UNDER FOR FULLTIME TEACHERS & PROFESSORS 8 THE ISIC CARD WAS CREATED BY STUDENTS IN CARDS ARE ISSUED PER MINUTE 1953 118 ON AVERAGE OVER ARE ISSUED PER DAY CARDS ISSUED SINCE 1953 12,500 CARDS TOP 5 HIGHEST LEVELS OF MARKET PENETRATION 110 million 73 30 online stores 1. SLOVAKIA 2. LUXEMBOURG 3. ESTONIA 4. CZECH REPUBLIC 5. LATVIA 25 16 physical stores ISIC APPLE MCDONALDS IKEA BURGER KING Market penetration is calculated by total card distribution against the official tertiary student population size HIGHEST % INCREASE IN NUMBER OF CARDS ISSUED TOTAL NO. OF CARDS 22% 2014 JAPAN SOUTH KOREA UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TAIWAN BRAZIL 18% AMERICAS CZECH REPUBLIC 57 LICENSED AUTHORITIES 28 PROVISIONAL LICENSED (CARD ISSUING POINTS) IN 49 COUNTRIES ISSUED ONLINE 23% CARD ISSUING CHANNEL 57 3 ISIC ASSOCIATION MEMBERS NEW ISIC ASSOCIATION MEMBERS APPOINTED IN 2014, REPRESENTING: • CHINA • KOSOVO • MEXICO 6000+ CARD ISSUING POINTS WORLDWIDE 180+ OF CO-BRANDS INVOLVE AN ACADEMIC INSTITUTION 10% ENDORSEMENTS AND CO-OPERATION AGREEMENTS THE MAJORITY OF ISIC CARDHOLDERS ARE AGED BETWEEN OF ALL CARDS ISSUED ARE ISIC MASTERCARD CARDS MOST POPULAR STUDY AREAS FOR ISIC CARDHOLDERS 24% OF CARDHOLDERS USE THEIR ISIC CARD FOR TRAVEL PURPOSES 18-24 • BUSINESS & ECONOMICS • SOCIAL SCIENCES • ENGINEERING 1,350+ ISIC STAFF GLOBALLY OVER 98% 90% 50% 37% 1/3 OF ALL CARDS ISSUED ARE ISIC CARDS OF ISIC CARDHOLDERS ARE TERTIARY STUDENTS OF CARDHOLDERS USE THEIR CARDS EACH WEEK OR MORE OF CARDHOLDERS BOUGHT THE CARD TO PROVE THEIR STUDENT STATUS WORLDWIDE OF CARDHOLDERS FOUND OUT ABOUT THE ISIC CARD THROUGH THEIR UNIVERSITY 42,000+ BENEFITS AND DISCOUNTS 2,350+ NEW BENEFITS FOR CARDHOLDERS IN 2014 125,000+ BENEFIT LOCATIONS ACROSS 135 COUNTRIES 6,450+ 65% ISSUED AS PART OF A CO-BRAND PARTNERSHIP 86% YEARS 25% 73 INDEPENDENT APPOINTED OFFICES ISSUED IN-STORE 12% ASIA PACIFIC AND RUSSIA AUTHORITIES SLOVAKIA BRAZIL MASTERCARD PROGRAMMES MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA MOST CARDS ISSUED IN 2014 FRANCE 38 ACTIVE ISIC CO-BRAND PARTNERSHIPS DISTRIBUTION OF ISSUERS 35% EUROPE 2013 1400+ NEW BENEFIT LOCATIONS IN 2014 4-25 USD AVERAGE PRICE OF AN ISIC CARD 80+ #student #ISIC #discounts LOCAL FACEBOOK PAGES Card price in each country is based on the GDP PPP of the country (gross domestic product at purchasing power parity) 85+ LOCALISED ISIC WEBSITES 1.6 million+ 1.2 million+ FACEBOOK FANS (total combined number globally) UNIQUE VISITORS TO ISIC WEBSITES PER MONTH “Please help me activate my card for online benefits” “How can I offer a benefit to ISIC cardholders?” MOST COMMON ENQUIRIES RECEIVED TO INFO@ISIC.ORG 18 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report 19 Partnerships With a vast network of active students in over 130 countries, and a strong reputation worldwide, the ISIC Association is a valuable partner for commercial, non-government, and academic organisations looking to engage and support students internationally. The ISIC Association’s partnerships are fundamental to the role the ISIC card plays in everyday student life. In 2014, new inroads were made with multiple partners across the globe, including developments with academic, financial, and benefit partners. Financial partnership highlights ISIC MasterCard programme The ISIC Association and MasterCard have teamed up since 2007 to create ISIC MasterCard card programmes worldwide. An ISIC MasterCard programme combines the identity and benefits of the ISIC card with MasterCard and partner banks’ credit, debit or prepaid payment services. 2014 continued the trend of previous years, with a number of new programmes launched, bringing the total number of countries with active programmes to 38. Many countries offer multiple card programmes to best meet the different needs of students studying both at home and abroad. • • • The ISIC MasterCard offers students exclusive benefits and services for every stage and aspect of student life, as well as providing students with easy and secure ways to manage their money, track spending, make purchases, and take part in new experiences at affordable rates. Each country programme is tailored to the requirements of the local student market and the country’s individual banking model and infrastructure. In 2014, the ISIC MasterCard programme recorded a number of achievements including: • • Academic campuses around the world opt to issue the ISIC card as their school’s identity card for students. ISIC Bosnia-Herzegovina established a co-operation with Sparkasse Bank in order to implement an ISIC-Maestro bank card package specifically designed for students in the country. The ISIC MasterCard Student Travel Prepaid programme was officially launched in China. Created in collaboration with Transforex, the unique product for the Chinese market is a US dollar single currency card with zero foreign exchange conversion fees. • • • ISIC Denmark joined forces with the largest bank in Denmark, Danske Bank. As a first step in the partnership, the Bank’s student customers were offered the ISIC card at a reduced price in 2014. A 3 year debit ISIC-MasterCard featuring contactless payment functionality is set to launch in 2015. ISIC Japan partnered with MasterCard and Orico to deliver Japan’s first student identity card with a credit card payment function. The ISIC Orico MasterCard is a 3-in-1 card for students, combining identification, credit card payment and contactless functionality. With the support of MasterCard, ISIC India secured a pre-paid foreign exchange card agreement with ICICI Bank, the second largest bank in India. On target to launch in 2015, the card will be specifically adressing Indian students travelling abroad. ISIC New Zealand launched its first financial co-brand with First Credit Union. The ISIC MasterCard debit card includes PayPass technology for “Tap & Go” purchases, and offers cardholders unlimited transactions at no cost. Together with MasterCard and Gazprombank, ISIC Russia hosted the Modern Campus Solutions for Academic Institutions Conference in October 2014. Over 60 academic institutions, and 10 IT companies specialising in campus projects, participated in the conference. ISIC United Arab Emirates signed its first financial co-brand with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, providing co-branded ISIC and ITIC MasterCard prepaid cards that provide a modern payment solution in line with Islamic tradition and Sharia law. See pages 14 and 15 for additional financial co-brand highlights. Top: Danske Bank ISIC-MasterCard co-brand in Denmark (left); ISIC MasterCard Orico co-brand in Japan (right); Left: ISIC-MasterCard co-brand in China. 20 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report 21 What is an ISIC co-brand? A co-branded card is a unique all-in-one card which combines the ISIC, IYTC or ITIC card and a partner organisation’s branding and services in an effort to reach a common or shared target market. The result is a convenient card package that allows the cardholder to access both the partner’s product and services, and the ISIC benefits and student identity element all within a single card which features dual branding. Current ISIC co-brand partners include academic institutions, financial institutions and banks, as well as other commercial partners such as transportation and travel insurance companies. Photograph by Alex Sporea, 60 Great ISIC Experiences Student photo Competition entrant. Academic partnership highlights Academic institutions are a core partner for the ISIC Association worldwide. The ISIC Association highly values the co-brands it has in place with over 1,400 schools, universities, and other academic establishments internationally. Following the growth of academic partnerships in prior years, 2014 saw a continued increase in the number of academic co-brands, with highlights including: • • • • • • Sofia University, the largest university in Bulgaria, established a new co-brand with ISIC Bulgaria. As well as providing all the identity and benefit aspects of the ISIC card, students can use their card to access the library, campus facilities, and dormitories. ISIC Czech Republic developed their 400th secondary school co-brand and are on their way to reaching 100 percent penetration of the secondary school market. ISIC Canada launched 5 major new co-brands in 2014 alone, including co-brands with George Brown University and the Vancouver Island Students’ Union. The first academic co-brand in the Nordics was agreed between ISIC Denmark and VIA University College, with more than 20,000 student cardholders. ISIC France welcomed 3 new institutes to their growing number of academic co-brand partners – Central Marseille (800 students), ISEN (800 students), and ISA Lille (1,700 students), taking their total number of academic co-brand partners to 126. ISIC Japan introduced a co-brand with the Japanese campus of Le Cordon Bleu, the world-renowned French cuisine and patisserie cookery school. Benefit partnership highlights • • • • • • The Management University of Africa (MUA) was secured as ISIC Kenya’s first academic co-brand partner. Over 500 cobranded cards were issued to new MUA students as part of the co-brand deal. In addition to co-branding agreements with Tripoli Evangelical School, Sagesse High School, Lebanese Evangelical School, ISIC Lebanon signed a new co-brand agreement with the prestigious École Supérieure des Affaires school. ISIC Portugal launched their first academic co-brand with the Associação Académica da Faculdade de Direito de Lisboa, a prestigious law school based in Lisbon. ISIC Switzerland and Kantonsschule Zug School agreed a long term agreement which will see all students at the school issued an ISIC card, and an ITIC card for all teachers. The card features chip technology, giving the nearly 2,000 students and teachers of the school multi-functional use of their cards. Every student at the private University of Megatrend in Serbia will use their ISIC card to attend and register for lectures as part of a new co-brand co-operation with ISIC Serbia. ISIC United Arab Emirates launched a co-operation with TEMCO Investments FZ Education meaning more than 36,000 students and teachers in the Dubai International Academic City and the Dubai Knowledge Village gain access to an ISIC or ITIC card with special conditions. See pages 14 and 15 for additional academic co-brand highlights. In an effort to boost the ISIC card’s value for students and to help make student life more economical, the ISIC Global Office and ISIC issuing organisations are continuously working to increase the number of attractive benefits and discounts available to all cardholders. More than 2,350 new benefits in close to 6,500 locations were added to the benefit and discount offerings available to ISIC cardholders in 2014, with ISIC benefits now accessible to students in over 125,000 locations worldwide. • • British Council IELTS co-operation British Council IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the ISIC Association launched a new partnership in May 2014 in order to support test takers in their preparations for taking the IELTS test. IELTS is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education, and is a university entry requirement for many students studying abroad. The exclusive deal, which has proved popular amongst cardholders, offers access to a practice test and tailored advice for students direct from IELTS testing experts. • • • • National level benefit and discount partnership developments in 2014 were far reaching, and included (but were not limited to): • • • Top: The Management University of Africa ISIC co-brand in Kenya; Below (left to right): ISA Lille ISIC co-brand in France; Le Cordon Bleu ISIC co-brand in Japan; Kantonschule Zug ISIC co-brand in Switzerland. • As part of an extensive partnership with Avianca Airline, ISIC Bolivia launched a benefit offering cardholders a reduction of up 60 percent on flights with the Latin American airline. ISIC Bulgaria undertook their “Party with ISIC” campaign, a series of parties and concerts with ISIC discounts. Tickets for popular festivals and concerts could be purchased exclusively through the ISIC Bulgaria website and offered attractive cardholder rates for festivals such as the ARMIN ONLY Intense Tour, Solar Easter, 10th Fanta Dance Festival, and the Holi Festival of Colors Festival. Hainan Airline launched a special set of benefits for ISIC cardholders as part of a new deal achieved by ISIC China. The deal extends to multiple international routes to and from China, including Berlin, Brussels, Moscow, Chicago, Boston, Toronto, Singapore, and Bangkok. • • Since the beginning of 2014, more than 200 new discount locations have been added to the ISIC Estonia portfolio, including burger giant Hesburger, wellness centres, and café chains. ISIC Kenya concentrated on growing the number of lifestyle benefits for cardholders in student city hubs around the country, with multiple new discounts secured with cafés and eateries, IT and electronic stores, and mall retailers in the capital Nairobi. ISIC Mexico secured a number of new premium benefits for cardholders including discounts with Aeromexico, Uber, and Hertz. New cardholder benefits in the Balkan region included a 50 percent reduction on tickets for the Montenegro National Theatre as part of a number of different offers secured by ISIC Montenegro. ISIC Poland launched a new benefit with Warsaw City Tour, providing discounted rates on bus tours throughout the city. Shokoladniza, one of the largest and most popular cafe chains in Russia, with over 300 outlets in 45 Russian cities, is providing all cardholders with a 10 percent discount. Following the establishment of a partnership in 2011, ISIC Slovakia and Orange, the biggest mobile operator in Slovakia, have perfected their offering to students based on a survey amongst cardholders. More than 20,000 cardholders are now saving €5 each month, the most competitive mobile offer available to students and teachers in Slovakia. To demonstrate the value of the ISIC card, the saving is clearly communicated on each cardholders’ monthly bill. Orange also reminds cardholders via SMS messages when their card is due to expire. Through a co-operation with Emirates, ISIC United Arab Emirates (UAE) is offering cardholders a special 15 percent saving on fares via a dedicated website. Since officially operating since January 2014, ISIC UAE has established cardholder benefits with 300 providers across the country. ISIC United Kingdom (UK) contracted multiple new premium benefits with companies such as National Express, Uber, Heathrow Express, National Portrait Museum, as well as high street retailers including The North Face, New Look, Warehouse, and Forever 21. See pages 14 and 15 for additional benefit partnership highlights. 22 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report Territory highlights Partnerships developed at a national level with government entities, student unions, youth organisations, and travel and cultural bodies are core to the growth and development of the ISIC card. Working alongside such organisations, made a reality through endorsement and strategic agreements, allows ISIC issuing organisations to be actively involved with additional initiatives that will have a positive and lasting impact on students in their territory. 2014 territory highlights in this area include: • Photograph by Lukas Grajauskas, ISIC 60 Great Experiences Student Photo Competition entrant. International recognition and endorsements • For more than 60 years the ISIC card has been the only internationally accepted proof of bona fide student status. The ISIC card’s reputation and longstanding role in student culture is echoed in the significant number of endorsements and recognition the card has received from respected international organisations, and national and regional governments worldwide. UNESCO partnership developments Since the early years of the ISIC card, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has been involved in the development of the card, leading to an official endorsement in 1968, with UNESCO recognising the ISIC card as the only internationally accepted proof of fulltime student status and a unique document encouraging cultural exchange and international understanding. Together in 2014, the ISIC Association and UNESCO took the first step in the renewal of the existing ISICUNESCO co-operation agreement, with the ISIC Association again officially acknowledged as a valuable partner under UNESCO’s updated directives concerning partnerships with nongovernment organisations. 2015 is expected to see the introduction of a renewed partnership agreement with UNESCO, designed to promote common objectives in the field of youth development and engagement. EF Education First In November 2014 a global Memorandum of Understanding was signed as part of an ongoing partnership between the ISIC Association and EF Education First. Operating in over 50 territories, EF Education First offers education programmes through language training, educational and cultural exchange, and academic degrees. The new Memorandum of Understanding outlines the agreement to actively increase opportunities at a national level, and connect ISIC and EF Education First local teams together to pursue the development of additional benefits for ISIC cardholders and fulltime EF Education First students. AIESEC co-operation update In line with the trend of previous years, numerous new partnerships have been developed between the local chapters of AIESEC and ISIC in 2014. AIESEC International, the world’s largest youth run organisation, and the ISIC Association signed a global Memorandum of Understanding in 2012 in order to foster local level collaboration and open up mutual access to opportunities for students. In 2014 both Lebanon and Moldova expanded their local agreements to introduce the ISIC card as the AIESEC membership card nationwide. In Serbia, a co-operation agreement with AIESEC now provides ISIC cardholders with a 10 percent reduction on fees for the AIESEC Global Talent and Global Citizen programmes, while incoming AIESEC students participating in these international programmes receive a discounted ISIC card. • • • • In December, ISIC Denmark received an official endorsement for the ISIC card from Danske Studerendes Fællesråd (DSF), the National Union of Students in Denmark. Representing 15 member unions and approximately 16,000 students across higher education institutes in Denmark, DSF’s endorsement specifically emphasises the role of the ISIC card in making student life more affordable. ISIC Finland secured an endorsement from the National Union for University Students in Finland (SYL) at the end of 2014. SYL represents 135,000 tertiary level students in Finland. ISIC Finland and SYL have had a joint co-branded ISIC card available for multiple local student unions since 2009. The co-operation has since expanded to see 90 percent of university students now having access to the co-branded card. In July 2014 the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board signed an endorsement for the ISIC card. The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board recognised the ISIC endorsement supported the country’s position as an international education hub for students considering pursuing their education in Malaysia. ISIC New Zealand signed a partnership with the Youth Hostelling Association (YHA) New Zealand in 2014. As a result, a new YHA-IYTC membership card was launched in December 2014. Plans for 2015 will see the co-branded card extended to all 17 YHA owned hostels across the country. As a result of a letter of support from the Minister of Culture of the Moscow Region secured by ISIC Russia, 12 new museums in the Moscow region officially recognised the ISIC card and are now providing up to 60 percent off entrance fees for all ISIC cardholders. ISIC Serbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Serbia, outlining the key role ISIC Serbia plays in youth policy development on a national level. The agreement ensures ISIC Serbia will continue to influence Serbian youth policy and allow for strong relations between students and institutions in Serbia. 23 Examples of endorsements and strategic co-operations Secretaria de Turismo of Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina Ministry of Education, Bulgaria Canadian Association of University Teachers, Canada CD: National Railway, Czech Republic Danske Studerendes Fællesråd, Denmark Ministry of Culture, Egypt Estonian Teachers Union, Estonia Finnish National UNESCO Commission, Finland Icelandic National UNESCO Commission, Iceland Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Indonesia City Council of Rome, Italy Ministry of Education, Kenya Riga City Transport Department, Latvia Heritage Malta: Agency for Museums and Cultural Heritage, Malta Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Netherlands National UNESCO Commission, Netherlands Norwegian National UNESCO Commission, Norway Community of Andean Nations, Peru Association for the Support of Youth, Students and Teachers, Romania Ministry of Culture, Russia Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport, Slovakia Zavod Ypsilon: Institute for Development of Youth Culture, Slovenia Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka Swedish National UNESCO Commission, Sweden National Union of Syrian Students, Syria Ministry of Tourism, Turkey Images above (top to bottom): Members of the National Union for University Students in Finland (SYL); ISIC Serbia signed a MoU with the Government of Serbia in 2014; Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia. 24 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report 25 Online & digital initiatives Students are continuously connected and interacting online. The international aspect of the card and the rise of student mobility, makes it all the more important for the ISIC Association to be visible and responsive online through both targeted websites and social media in order to be able to connect and engage with students anytime, anywhere. Continued online growth With an active presence on multiple social media platforms worldwide, the ISIC Association has developed a meaningful online community of ISIC followers on digital platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, as well as national social networks. In 2014, the number of ISIC followers on Facebook continued to grow, with over 1.6 million fans worldwide recorded at the end of the calendar year. ISIC platforms look to engage cardholders online not only to showcase the benefits of the ISIC card, but to highlight additional opportunities and content relevant to cardholders to aid their studies and development, such as upcoming student forums and events, study tips and enticing lifestyle competitions. Find your local ISIC website by visiting www.isic.org/contact Updated ISIC App released Based on user feedback, an updated version of the free ISIC mobile app for Android and iOS devices was released to cardholders in 2014. Through the app, ISIC cardholders can search and view benefits on-the-go, as well as create their own profile to maximise their ISIC experience. The release saw a brand new benefit search engine introduced to improve app response speed and navigation, as well as an attractive new interface. 2015 will see the rollout of an ISIC MasterCard component of the app in Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom and the United States, with more countries to follow. In addition to searching and locating ISIC benefits, ISIC MasterCard cardholders will be able to easily check their account balance, view their transaction history and top-up funds, similar to how multiple mobile banking apps operate. Territory highlights B2B card issuing developments ISIC France successfully released a new B2B card issuing system, ISIC Portal, designed to support card issuance amongst their 126 academic co-brand partners. Already 3 out of 4 of ISIC France’s academic partners are using the new system, which provides the school with an easy way to issue, update and manage their students’ identity cards, as well as cost-savings in terms of human resources and card printers and software. Similarly in 2014, ISIC Mexico launched its new card issuing system, B2B ISIC, across its vast network of distributors. The updated system allows for greater stock control and data management in Mexico, and reports in real time issued cards directly to the global cardholder database managed by the ISIC Global Office. The new system can automatically send an email to cardholders with expiring cards, providing information on how they can renew their card. Each ISIC exclusive issuing organisation, in meeting their issuing obligations, is required to establish and regularly update an engaging ISIC country website, tailored to the needs of the local student population and partners. In 2014 a number of new and redeveloped ISIC country websites were introduced, each created in consideration of cardholders in the territory and appropriate language needs. New developments in 2014 included: • • • • ISIC Australia released a new mobile payment site for card orders in 2014, making the online card application and payment process easier for the user. Uploading the required ISIC card application documents can now easily be done via a smartphone. www.isic.com.au. ISIC Czech Republic launched the new ISIC.cz website with a modern fresh design based on the global ISIC identity. Optimised for mobile devices, students can easily find the information they are looking for, even from their smartphones. Cardholders can take advantage of a revised benefit database with advanced search functionality, or attach their card image to a virtual “My ISIC” profile to get access to exclusive offers and more convenient online card verification. www.isic.cz. A new website specifically tailored for cardholders in Egypt went live in late 2014, with a user friendly and contemporary interface. Available in both Egyptian Arabic and English, the updated site reflects the global isic.org website. www.isicegypt.net. ISIC Germany re-launched its new website in November, featuring improved benefit search functionality and a vibrant new look. The updated multi-language site includes an easy to use online card ordering system for students, and valuable information for potential partners looking to work with ISIC in Germany. www.isic.de. • • • • • In mid-2014 ISIC Lithuania unveiled its revised website with improved navigation, design, and content. Improvements were also made to their online ordering system, allowing students to take their card photo directly on the site and process their order in under a minute. www.isic.lt. A new website dedicated to the ISIC Mexico Capital Joven ISIC project went live in Summer 2014. Capital Joven ISIC is a project aiming to equip youth in Mexico City with an ISIC card as their official government identity card. Designed to give the user better navigation during the card registration process, the site features improved benefit search functionality, and provides relevant, informative news for young people. www.capitaljovenisic.org.mx. ISIC Portugal published its dedicated ISIC website online in August 2014. The team sought to develop a user friendly, interactive and appealing site where ISIC cardholders can easily search for discounts and partners in Portugal. www.isic.pt. ISIC Russia re-released its local website including an improved benefit search function, enabling students to have easier access to benefit information with easy-to-use filtering options. The website also features a dedicated page for the ISIC MasterCard partnership in Russia, with a number of financial co-brand partners highlighted. www.isic.ru. As part of an effort to improve the value proposition of ISIC in the UK, a new ISIC UK website was launched in quarter 3 of 2014 with an eye-catching design and up-to-date ISIC benefits on display. The site features a refreshed user interface, with further improvements planned for 2015. www.myisic.co.uk. Left page: The updated ISIC App in action. Images (top, left to right): ISIC websites from Germany, Portugal and Russia. 26 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report 27 ISIC community outreach ISIC issuing organisations around the world engage existing and prospective cardholders in a number of unique and creative ways in order to spread the word about ISIC and open up new opportunities to students. Throughout 2014 ISIC Association members undertook a multitude of community outreach activities in support of local students and their experiences, from university roadshows and competitions, to magazines, fundraisers and career guidance events. 2014 showcased a number of highlights around the world, including, but not limited to: On campus • The ever-popular Czech Republic ISIC TOUR took place again in 2014, visiting 15 universities across 8 cities. The tour attracted over 35,000 students, with 7,000 valid ISIC cardholders receiving a special ISIC package full of giveaways from ISIC partners. • In November 2014, ISIC Indonesia signed on as an official media partner for Jazz Goes to Campus (JGTC), a leading event on the calendar for Indonesian students each year. JGTC is the oldest jazz festival in Indonesia, initiated and operated by the Student Board of the Faculty of Economics Universitas Indonesia (FEUI), and showcases Indonesian student’s creativity, and passion for jazz music. • ISIC Mexico, together with Mundo Joven, Aeromexico and BANAMEX, joined forces for the BSMART - ISIC Tour visiting 12 leading universities across Mexico in February and March 2014. Students who applied for the BSMART payment card during the tour received a free ISIC card. • To time with the back to school period, ISIC Slovakia undertook a university tour spanning 5 major universities, with each campus visit attracting between 500 and 1,000 students. Students interacted with fun stands and games, each showcasing one of ISIC Slovakia’s partners including Lenovo University, ŠEVT (office and school supplies), and youth and student travel agency CKM 2000 Travel. A complementary photo competition throughout the tour also gave participating students the chance to win a computer package from Lenovo University. Above: Entrants of ISIC Finland’s Shipping you off to Europe competition. Page right: ISIC Slovakia visited 5 universities as part of their campus roadshow (top); ISIC Finland’s Shipping you off to Europe campaign (bottom left); ISIC Indonesia joined the Jazz Goes to Campus event in 2014 (bottom right). Getting social • At the end of 2014, ISIC Finland and MasterCard launched the Shipping you off to Europe campaign which saw 6 students travel to 3 European cities to try out ISIC benefits and the payment functionality of the ISIC MasterCard. Students entered the competition by making a 1 minute video explaining why they should win and how they would use their ISIC card in the destination city. The lucky winners got to spend a free weekend in their destination of either London, Prague or Paris, documenting their experiences with ISIC benefits online. The campaign attracted over 10,000 visitors to the competition website page, and Facebook posts were seen by more than 56,000 targeted viewers. The popularity of the campaign will see it repeated in spring 2015. • Especially for the festive season, ISIC Spain launched a cardholder competition giving away prizes each day for a 2.5 week period in December. Open to all ISIC cardholders worldwide, the campaign presented a simple competition every day in exchange for enticing prizes! Cardholders had the chance to win prizes from ISIC Spain’s benefit partners, including Qatar Airways, Iberia Airlines, Deezer, Bodyshop, and Lebara, with prizes ranging from airline tickets, hotel accommodation, and special ISIC products. 28 Community action • Responding to high youth unemployment rates in the country, ISIC Bosnia-Herzegovina, launched an employment programme for ISIC cardholders, Work is not a problem – there is work!. The new programme is implemented in close co-operation with local businesses in Sarajevo and sees companies employ ISIC cardholders based in Bosnia-Herzegovina for temporary positions, allowing students to gain valuable work experience. • Under a new green initiative, ISIC Lebanon is donating 8 percent of the price of each ISIC card sold to the Lebanese Scout Federation and other environmental NGOs to help plant trees throughout Lebanon. • ISIC Montenegro, together with the Montenegro Association of Students of Economics, took the initiative to ensure fees collected in 2014 from Association member ISIC cards were donated to support the treatment and recovery of a youth affected by paralysis. • In July 2014, ISIC Mexico participated in BECATON, a major event for all Mexican students each year. With over 5,000 student participants, BECATON sees approximately 110 schools in Mexico announce their annual scholarships to students over the course of 2 days. ISIC Mexico participated in the side line activities by creating a prize draw giving ISIC cardholders the opportunity to win 1 of 6 scholarships for computer or English courses, sponsored by partner CETEC. • To support students in a challenging job market, ISIC Slovenia co-ordinated a careers event free for ISIC cardholders in early 2014. Over the course of 3 days, students could attend multiple seminars covering topics including finding a job post-graduation, building self-confidence, working abroad, and a personal banking and budget workshop led by ISIC Slovenia co-brand partner SKB Bank. • By taking part in Adyapana, the leading Sri Lankan education and career guidance exhibition for students, ISIC Sri Lanka was able to reach out to thousands of students and academics from institutions across the country to raise the profile of ISIC. As a result, 3 new academic co-brand agreements with educational institutes are being established. 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report 29 In-print • In an effort to grow awareness during the Southern Hemisphere back to school period, ISIC Brazil undertook a print media campaign. The campaign included producing flyers and printing advertisements in 3 top newspapers with a combined distribution of over 844,000 readers, and led to improved sales and brand recognition in the market. • ISIC Lithuania re-launched its ISIC Pulsas magazine in 2014, which has been produced for over 10 years. Now more than just an ISIC benefit publication, the refreshed twice annual magazine, features informative content covering all aspects of student life including entertainment ideas, travel guidance, study tips and motivational stories from other students. The 40-page magazine highlights both top international and Lithuanian ISIC benefits for cardholders through a special pull-out publication, and is distributed to all cardholders, as well as universities, dormitories, popular student cafes, and on trains. Above (top left to right): Students in Mexico; Students in Sri Lanka participate in Adyapana; ISIC Slovenia partner SKB was involved in a 3 day careers event. Right: ISIC media campaign in Brazil (top); ISIC Lithuania’s refreshed magazine ISIC Pulsas (bottom). Photograph by Gook Siang, ISIC 60 Great Experiences Student Photo Competition entrant. 30 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report 31 Belgrade, Serbia, the location of the 2015 ISIC Event from 12 - 14 May 2015. ISIC Event & ISIC Award The 2014 ISIC Event took place in the Asia region for the first time, with Seoul, South Korea hosting the event from 21 – 23 May 2014. First held in Tallinn, Estonia in 2011, the annual ISIC Event is a leading and unique event for key organisations engaged with the international student community and the ISIC card. Bringing together the entire global ISIC distribution network, including ISIC issuers, ISIC global partners, endorsement partners, and student organisations, the event creates a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing innovation, and business development, ultimately improving ISIC worldwide and positively impacting student cardholders. Based in the thriving education hub of Seoul, ISIC managers from close to 80 different countries, and 20 global benefit and strategic partner representatives participated in the 3 day event. The intensive 2015 programme was developed to provide ample opportunities for delegates to share experiences and key business learnings, with open seminars covering topics including academic co-brands, benefit portfolio development, communications tools, and card technology. Diverse presenters offered alternative viewpoints on the international student market throughout the event, with speakers representing British Council IELTS, UNESCO, MasterCard, The Economist, and technology solutions specialist HID Global. A highlight of the 3 day programme was a panel discussion, which saw students from around the world offer their insight and opinions on research results uncovered by the ISIC International Research undertaken in 2013. 2015 ISIC Event: Belgrade, Serbia The ISIC Event takes place in another location on a different continent on a rotational basis each year. In 2015 the ISIC Event heads back to the Europe region, with Belgrade, Serbia selected as the host city. The largest city in Serbia, Belgrade is the education and cultural hub of Southeastern Europe, making it a vibrant, youthful city and fitting location for the ISIC Event. Following feedback from both ISIC issuers and partners, the 2015 ISIC Event programme will continue to have a strong focus on training and workshops for ISIC issuers, as well as additional opportunities for networking with participants and partner representatives from around the world. Institute of International Education recognised as 2014 ISIC Award winner As part of a special ceremony during the 2014 ISIC Event, the Institute of International Education (IIE) was recognised as the 2014 ISIC Award winner for their dedication and efforts to advance access to higher education and boost student mobility worldwide. IIE was a distinct winner for the ISIC Association in 2014, particularly for their ambitious Generation Study Abroad initiative which aims to see the annual number of students from the United States studying abroad doubled to 600,000 students by the end of 2019. Generation Study Abroad recognises that international experience, and understanding and appreciating cultural differences is one of the most important components of a 21st Century education – a view wholly supported by the ISIC Association. As part of the Award, IIE received a €10,000 financial contribution, sponsored by MasterCard, to support the continuation of the organisation’s unique work to promote education access and foster an inter-connected world. The ISIC Award supports existing organisations and efforts aiding access and reducing barriers to higher education. The ISIC Award was created on the belief that education is a fundamental right for all and has the ability to help facilitate intercultural diversity and understanding, and promote global stability. The ISIC Association has a core role to play in assisting both individuals who are currently studying, as well as those people who aspire to participate and excel in higher education but are restricted by social, economic, cultural and physical barriers. 2013 ISIC Award winner: Update from the University of the People “Thanks to the ISIC Award, UoPeople has been able to sponsor several students towards full degrees at UoPeople, who otherwise could not have afforded even the minimal exam processing fees our students are required to pay. Receiving the ISIC Award has brought UoPeople one step closer to realising its goal of democratising higher education, making it a right for all, rather than a privilege for a few. The support of ISIC is crucial for UoPeople’s growth, and ensures that any qualified student around the globe will have access to higher education, regardless of financial, geographic or cultural constraints.” Top row (left to right): Technology solution specialist HID Global were a key partner at the 2014 ISIC Event; Students participate in a discussion panel; Participants enjoying the 2014 ISIC Event in Seoul. Left: IIE was recognised as the 2014 ISIC Award winner. 32 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report 33 Financial activities As at 31 December 2014, the ISIC Association remains in a healthy financial position, with cash reserves totalling €1.334 million. As a non-profit organisation, the ISIC Association ensures that any surpluses made through ISIC card operations are included in the reserves of the ISIC Association in order to ensure financial stability. As an alternative, partial surpluses are invested back into projects related to the development of the ISIC programme on an international scale and projects which will benefit all cardholders worldwide, such as IT and online improvement projects. Income Statement for the financial year 1 January - 31 December 2014 Amounts in Euros (EURO) 2013 2014 Other operating income 0 50,000 Other external expenses (84,603) (64,625) Profit/(Loss) before financial items (84,603) (14,625) 26,750 37,196 (107) (558) (57,960) 22,012 2013 2014 Investments in subsidiary 18,000 18,000 Fixed Assets 18,000 18,000 Receivables 1,077,359 903,484 Cash at bank and in hand 1,138,428 1,334,315 Current Assets 2,215,787 2,237,800 Total Assets 2,233,787 2,255,800 2,225,787 2,247,800 Short term liabilities 8,000 8,000 Total Liabilities 8,000 8,000 2,233,787 2,255,800 Financial income Financial expenses Profit/(Loss) for the year Balance Sheet - Year ended 31 December 2014 Each year the annual ISIC Association budget is prepared by the ISIC Global Office B.V., in collaboration with the ISIC Board. Except in extraordinary circumstances, the budget for the following financial year (1 January to 31 December) is presented to all ISIC Association members a minimum of 2 months before the start of the next calendar year and approved by electronic voting. How is revenue created? Revenue for the ISIC Association is generated by the annual service fee charged to all ISIC issuing organisations for each card ordered. The ISIC Pricing Model, valid for all Licensed Authorities (LAs) and Provisional Licensed Authorities (PLAs), determines the fee paid (in Euro) per ISIC, IYTC or ITIC card in each individual territory. Based on a set of 12 different ISIC fees, the pricing model is designed to reflect local market income levels, with each level linked to a pre-defined range of per capita ‘Purchasing Power Parity’ levels in a territory as defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and assessed on the GDP PPP (Gross Domestic Product at Purchasing Power Parity per capita). Spanning the 12 different fee levels, the pricing model is straightforward, transparent, and does not allow for alternate interpretations, while at the same time the model takes in to consideration the purchasing power of the multiple territories around the globe where cards are issued. Photograph by Christoph Kraus, ISIC 60 Great Experiences Student Photo Competition entrant. Amounts in Euros (EURO) Assets Liabilities and Equity Retained Earnings (Equity) Liabilities and Equity Audited accounts: At the time of print, the 2014 financial figures have been mutually agreed by the ISIC Association Board and Price Waterhouse Coopers, the independent auditors, and are awaiting final approval. 34 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report ISIC issuing organisations worldwide Andorra Government of Andorra/ Associació Carnet Jove Andorra Angola Expresso Angola Argentina Socialnet www.isic.com.ar Armenia MGA Continent www.isic.am Australia STA Travel Australia www.isiccard.com.au Austria STA Travel Austria www.isic.at Azerbaijan STI Azerbaijan www.isic.az Bahrain Omega Travel and Tours Bahrain SPS Affinity Bahrain Bangladesh Infinia Alive Belarus ICYE Dominican Republic ODTE www.isic.com.do Gibraltar VIAJOVEN www.isic.es Israel ISSTA www.issta.co.il/isic Botswana MTC Consultancy Holding Ecuador Grupo IDIOMAS www.isicecuador.com Greece ROBISSA S.A. www.isic.gr Italy CTS www.isic.it Egypt Egyptian Student Travel Services (ESTS) www.isicegypt.org Greenland KILROY Denmark A/S www.isicdanmark.dk Jamaica Global Choices www.groupspaces.com/ ISICJAMAICA Brunei Anthony Tours & Travel Agency www.anthonytours.com Bulgaria ASAS www.isic.bg Cameroon Career Library Canada Canadian Federation of Students-Services www.isiccanada.ca Chile HI Chile www.isic.cl China Student Life China www.isicchina.com Colombia Consorcio ISIC Colombia www.isiccolombia.org Belarus Republic Association of International Youth Exchanges and Tourism Costa Rica Viajes Estudiantiles www.isic.cr Belarus STAR Travel Belarus www.startravel.by Croatia STA putovanja www.isic.hr Belarus Youth Travel Centre Cuba Turismo Joven Belgium BYSS www.isic.be Network of ISIC Licensed Authorities, Provisional Licensed Authorities, and Independent Appointed Offices. Bosnia-Herzegovina Auctus Ngo www.isic.ba Brazil Student Travel Bureau www.carteiradoestudante.com.br Cyprus SIG Benin OVEJ - SYTO Benin Czech Republic GTS Alive s.r.o. www.isic.cz Bolivia Ciudad Mundo www.isicbolivia.com Denmark KILROY Denmark A/S www.isicdanmark.dk El Salvador Mundo Joven Estonia FESU www.isic.ee Faroe Island KILROY Denmark A/S www.isicdanmark.dk Fiji Islands Beachcomber Island Resort Finland KILROY Finland OY www.isic.fi France Global Youth & Student Community www.isic.fr Gambia Global Cultural Exchange Gambia Interexchange Gambia Gambia SYTO Gambia Georgia STI Georgia www.bigsale.ge/sti/ index.html Germany rds Reisedienst Deutscher Studentenschaften GmbH www.isic.de Ghana SYTO Ghana www.isicghana.org Guatemala Comercializadora de Viajes Guatemala www.mundojoven guatemala.com Honduras Viajes Estudiantiles www.isic.cr Hong Kong Hong Kong Student Travel Limited www.isic.hk Hungary Diákigazolvány Kft. www.isic.hu Iceland KILROY Iceland ehf. www.isic.is India STIC Youth travels pvt ltd www.isic.co.in Jamaica JOYST Trinidad Japan ISIC Japan www.isic.jp Jordan IAESTE Jordan www.iaestejo.com Jordan Space Travel & Tourism www.space-tourism. com.jo Kazakhstan KazRENA www.myisic.kz Kenya Charleston Travel www.isic.co.ke Libya Libyan Youth & Students Travel www.isic.ly Liechtenstein STA Travel Austria www.isic.at Lithuania Zig Zag Travel www.isic.lt Luxembourg GSC Luxembourg www.isic.fr/isic-accueil/ isic-au-luxembourg Macau Hong Kong Student Travel Ltd www.isic.hk Macedonia TA Aurora Tours www.isicmacedonia.com Malaysia MSL Travel Sdn Bhd www.msltravel.com Mali SYTO Mali www.isic.fr/isic-voyages/ isic-au-mali-2/ Mongolia New Choice Mongolia SSS Travel Co. LTD Mongolia Union of Mongolian Students Montenegro IUVIA Montenegro www.isic.me Nepal Zen Nepal www.isicnepal.com Netherlands Kilroy Netherlands B.V. www.isicnederland.nl New Zealand NNS New Zealand Limited www.isiccard.co.nz Nicaragua Viajes Estudiantiles Nigeria Diversified Quancepts & Styles LTD Nigeria Infinia Alive Nigeria 360INFOMOBILE LTD Kosovo Pro Youth NGO www.isickosova.com Malta National Student Travel Foundation www.nsts.org/isic Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyz Concept Ltd. Mauritius Atom Travel Services Ltd Iran Farshebaad Company www.tcis.ir Kyrgyzstan Muza Tours and Travel Mauritius Global Destination Iran University of Tehran www.isicard.ir Latvia ISIC.Lv www.isic.lv Mexico Credenciales de Valor SA de CV www.isic.org.mx Norway KILROY Norway A/S www.isic.no Iraq Al- Dowaly Travel and Tourism Lebanon Campus Travel www.isiclebanon.com Moldova STM Acord www.isic.md Pakistan Alive Pakistan www.isic.com.pk Iraq Bahr Alnada for Travel and Tourism Libya Hormuz Tours www.hormuztours.com Monaco Global Youth & Student Community www.isic.fr Panama Educaviajes Panama S.A. Indonesia PT Alive Indonesia www.isic.co.id Ireland Student Benefits Ltd www.isiccard.ie 35 Nigeria SYTO Nigeria Nigeria Reme-Star Travels Nigeria HRG Nigeria Paraguay Social Net SA www.isic.com.py Peru INTEJ www.isic.pe South Korea KISES www.isic.co.kr Ukraine I-Union.UA www.isic.org.ua Philippines MC Travel Corporation South Sudan FCM Travel Solutions (Charleston Travel Ltd) United Arab Emirates Infinia Alive www.isic.ae Spain VIAJOVEN www.isic.es United Kingdom ISIC UK Limited www.myisic.co.uk Sri Lanka United Ventures Pvt Ltd www.isic.lk United Kingdom NUS www.nus.org.uk/en/ nus-extra/ Poland Almatur Association www.isic.pl Portugal Pumpkintreasure Lda www.isic.pt Puerto Rico Nuestraescuela Qatar Regency Travel & Tours Romania Asociatia pentru Sprijinirea Tinerilor Studentior si Profesorilor (ASYST) www.isic-romania.ro Suriname ETOS Sweden KILROY Sweden AB www.isic.se Switzerland STA Travel Schweiz AG www.isic.ch Russia Sputnik www.isic.ru Syria Seabar www.isic-sy.org San Marino (see Italy) Taiwan Kang Wen w ww.travel934.org.tw Saudi Arabia EF Education First Senegal SYTO Senegal Serbia IUVIA NGO www.gpa.rs/kartice/ isic-kartica Singapore NNS Singapore Holding Private Limited www.isic.com.sg Slovakia CKM SYTS www.isic.sk Tajikistan LLC Tomson Tanzania Escape - Student & Adventure Travel Tanzania www.escape-tanzania. com/isic Thailand STA Travel Co., Ltd. www.isic.co.th Tunisia ATATJ Tunisia SYTravel Tunisia Slovenia STA Ljubljana www.isic.si Turkey Alpega www.isic.org.tr South Africa STA Travel South Africa www.isic.co.za Uganda Student and Travel Youth Uganda www.isic.co.ug Uruguay Open Doors SRL www.isic.com.uy USA STA Travel, INC www.myisic.com Vatican CTS www.isic.it Venezuela IVI Venezuela www.carnetestudiante.com Vietnam Worldwide Agency www.isic.com.vn Yemen Balfakih Computers www.isicyemen.org Zambia Destination Zambia Ltd Zimbabwe Premier Travel & Tours ISIC Association Keizersgracht 174-176 | 1016DW Amsterdam | The Netherlands info@isic.org | www.isicassociation.org | www.isic.org 2014 ISIC Association Annual Report