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Innovation Awards 2012

Thank you for your interest in the 2012 GoAbroad Innovation Awards.

The Innovation Awards are presented annually during the GoAbroad reception at the national NAFSA conference. Nominations are evaluated and winners are chosen by a selective group of international education professionals known as the GoAbroad Innovations Academy. You may nominate your own or another organization/institution as well as individuals.

The eight categories for this year’s awards are:

  • Innovation in MarketingInnovation in Marketing:  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.
  • Innovative New ProgramInnovative New Program:  This award honors an inventive program in global study, internship, volunteering 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 abroad, intern, and volunteer).*
  • Innovative Use of TechnologyInnovative Use of Technology:  This award recognizes the creation and/or use of a technological tool geared towards international education. This tool may be a  technological advancement, resource, or device. Nominees are evaluated based on the success of implementing the technology, how it stands out from other resources in the field and overall impact.
  • Innovative Use of Social MediaInnovative Use of Social Media: This award recognizes effective utilization of one or more social media channels (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, blogging, etc.) to create unique communication and engagement with international education audiences, as well as inform about important issues in the field. Nominees are evaluated based on originality of social media campaigns, creativity, and overall success.
  • Innovation in SustainabilityInnovation 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.
  • Innovation in DiversityInnovation in Access and Equity:  This award is a new addition to the 2012 Innovation Awards that focuses on diversity. It 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.
  • Innovative Student VideoInnovative 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 the online poll. Nominees will also be evaluated on the quality of video content, creativity and artistic merit. Video submissions must be no longer than five minutes. Voting on videos will open at 9:00AM MST on April 16, 2012 ongoing until 11:59PM CST on May 30, 2012.
  • People's ChoicePeople’s Choice: This award is also a new addition and 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 16, 2012, students will have the opportunity to vote online for their favorite organization. Voting will close at 11:59PM CST on May 30, 2012. Because the People’s Choice Award is selected by study abroad advisers and participants, this category is absent from the standard nomination form. If you are an advisor, please click here to nominate your top choices.

Last year, GoAbroad was pleased to receive a broad range of Innovation Award nominees to consider and more than 5200 votes for the “Innovative Student Video” contest. We can’t wait to see what new innovations will be recognized for 2012!

Please click here to fill out a nomination form. All instructions for completion are on the form.

**Nominations are now closed for the 2012 Innovation Awards**

Please click here to view the 2012 Innovation Award finalists

Please click here to return to the main Innovation Awards page