Showcasing the Best of Originality, Creativity and Exceptional Ideas in International Education.

As the leading resource for meaningful travel, GoAbroad is pleased to present annual awards for innovations in international education. The winners are selected by a prestigious and selective group of international educators known as the GoAbroad Innovations Academy. Award recipients are announced each May during GoAbroad’s reception at the annual NAFSA: Association of International Educators conference.

• Innovation in Marketing/Social Media : Creative and groundbreaking marketing
• Innovative New Program : Inventive global programs
• Innovative Technology : Technological advancement towards education
• Innovation in Sustainability : Commitment to environmental conservation
• Innovation in Access and Equity : Established leader in the area of diversity
• Innovative Student Video : Captures the true essence of international education
• People’s Choice : Nominated by advisers, chosen by students

Nominations are evaluated on their originality, creativity, and contribution of exceptional ideas. An institution or organization may nominate themselves. We encourage your organization and students to apply for these prestigious awards.

Award Details

1. Innovation in Marketing/Social Media

This award recognizes a creative and groundbreaking marketing and advertising campaign. Special attention will be paid to visionary approaches and original ideas within the field of international programming. Your submission must detail a specific outreach campaign, social media campaign (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, blogging, etc.), change in your website, new print materials, videos, or other strategy. Nominees are evaluated based on originality of campaigns, creativity, and overall success.

2. Innovative New Program (Study Abroad, Volunteer Abroad, and Internship Abroad)

This award honors an inventive program in global study, internships, and volunteering (3 awards) that provides a unique opportunity for student learning and cultural engagement. Evaluation will focus on successful program development and execution as well as overall creativity. A winner will be chosen for each type of program (study, intern, and volunteer abroad). In order to be eligible for this award, your program must have completed between January 1, 2012 and now. Programs that ended before January 1, 2012 or that have not yet been completed will not be considered.

3. Innovative Technology

This award recognizes the creation and/or use of a technological tool geared towards international education. This tool may be a technical advancement, resource, or device that allows for innovative approaches to international programs. Nominees are evaluated based on the success of implementing the technology, how it stands out from other resources in the field, and overall impact.

4. Innovation in Sustainability

This award honors commitment to environmental conservation and education through its programs and day-to-day operations. Nominees are assessed on overall impact, groundbreaking strategies, and integration of the message.

5. Innovation in Access and Equity

This award recognizes strategic efforts to expand global educational opportunities to traditionally underrepresented groups. We encourage submissions from entities focusing on a wide variety of diverse communities including LGBTQ, mobility, ethnic minority, and other non-traditional populations. Nominations are evaluated on their creativity and scope to promote, provide equal access, and specialized support to these groups in international education.

6. Innovative Student Video

This award recognizes a student-created video that captures the true essence of an international education program. Videos should demonstrate highlights of the program, an understanding of global awareness, and active student participation. Unlike the other Innovation Awards, the student video is selected based on the number of votes it receives through an online poll. Nominees will also be evaluated on the quality of video content, creativity, and artistic merit. Video submissions must be no longer than three minutes. Videos that exceed this time limit will be disqualified.

7. People’s Choice Award

This award honors the top international education organization as selected by study abroad professionals and students. The top five finalists in this category are chosen by study abroad advisers from colleges and universities throughout the United States. Once these finalists have been announced on April 22, 2013, students will have the opportunity to vote online for their favorite organization. Voting will close at 11:59PM CST on May 29, 2013. Because the People’s Choice Award is selected by study abroad advisers and participants, this category is absent from the nomination form.