We’re very excited to announce the winners of the 10th annual GoAbroad Innovation Awards!
The GoAbroad Innovation Awards celebrate institutions, organizations, and individuals moving the field forward. It’s a time to recognize everyone for their efforts to go beyond the conventional. The winners are chosen by the Innovation Awards Academy, a group of leaders in the field. Thank you to everyone that volunteered their time and expertise in this year’s academy—we appreciate you all!
We’d also like to thank our Silver Sponsor, StudentUniverse. We sincerely appreciate your shared interest in recognizing innovation in the field of international education and are very excited to have you as part of this initiative.
Without further ado, let’s announce the celebrated 2020 GoAbroad Innovation Award winners!
Innovation in Crisis Response
Innovation in Crisis Response, is a new special award for 2020, sponsored by Travolucion.
This award honors an individual, institution, or organization that has displayed innovation, agility, and responsiveness to the global coronavirus crisis. The finalists for Innovation in Crisis Response are…
- School for International Training (SIT)
- Putney Student Travel
- Kristine Zamastil, David Vondra, and European Study Abroad Center (ESAC)
- VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation
- David Comp & Jessica Oldford, International Higher Education Consulting Blog
WINNER: School for International Training (SIT), Operation Bring Our Students Home
In less than two weeks, School for International Training successfully carried out a worldwide operation – Operation Bring Our Students Home – to repatriate 920 undergraduate and graduate students from 56 program locations in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus. Many of these students were in remote locations, including the Amazon, the Himalaya, and in Ushuaia, Argentina, about to leave by boat for Antarctica.
SIT paid up to $1,000 in students’ ticket change fees and sometimes more upon individual consideration. They reached out to donors and launched an online campaign to raise emergency relief funds; and formed a student hardship relief committee to review applications. At the same time, they committed to migrating all study abroad programs online within 10 days of their return so that students’ financial aid status would not be impacted by the change.
Congratulations, SIT!
Innovation in Online Programming
Innovation in Online Programming, is also a new special award for 2020. This award recognizes an innovative individual, institution, or organization that has provided an exemplary and intuitive online experience in the field of international and experiential education. The finalists for Innovation in Online Programming are…
- Loop Abroad
- CAPA: The Global Education Network
- Academic Experiences Abroad
- Pachaysana Institute
- The Hacker Exchange
WINNER: The Hacker Exchange, Global Venture Exchange
The Global Venture Exchange was described as “A BOLD NEW CONCEPT: Three days, 11 countries, 30 speakers.” In response to travel bans, The Hacker Exchange created a new global experience for students: a literal ‘trip around the world’.
Held over a weekend in May 2020, the Global Venture Exchange (GVE) showcased innovation and startup ecosystems and stories, inspiring students to think about the future of work, learn mindsets for improved employability, build resilience to change, and to connect with international peers.
As well as partnering with industry speakers, The Hacker Exchange partnered with global startup leaders Draper Startup House, backed by investor Tim Draper, and aligned with entrepreneurship school Draper University in San Mateo.
Congratulations to The Hacker Exchange!
Innovation in Diversity
The next award recognizes strategic efforts to expand international educational opportunities to traditionally underrepresented groups. The finalists for Innovation in Diversity are…
- 360 International, University of Auckland
- Stockton University, Office of Global Engagement
- Barcelona SAE
- CEA Study Abroad
- Fund for Education Abroad
WINNER: Fund for Education Abroad, Fund for Education Abroad Access Partner Program
The Fund for Education Abroad Access Partner Program (APP) is the first of its kind to bring competing organizations to one table with the goal of working together to diversify education abroad, and as a result, FEA has nearly doubled their capacity to give significant scholarships to underrepresented students because of this program.
The Access Partner Program now includes 10 program providers, two in-kind partners, and two international universities. Almost all of the partners are competitors, but the program gives them an opportunity to sit at one table and discuss how they can collaboratively increase diversity in study abroad. In 2019, the program contributed $340,000 to FEA, and they were able to give $650,000 total in scholarships to 166 underrepresented students.
Congratulations, Fund for Education Abroad!
Innovation in Marketing & Digital Media
This award, also sponsored by Travolucion, recognizes a creative and groundbreaking marketing, advertising, or digital media campaign. The finalists for Innovation in Marketing & Digital Media are…
- Trinity College Dublin
- Northwestern University Global Learning Office
- African Impact Foundation
- University of California Education Abroad Program
- Virtual Internships
WINNER: African Impact Foundation, The “Imagine If…” Campaign
The African Impact Foundation elected their gender equality initiative, The Girl Impact, as the major fundraising focus for 2019 and launched a campaign over 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
It was called the “Imagine If” campaign, and was used as an awareness and fundraising campaign to challenge people’s thinking around what it is like to be a girl or a woman in the world today. Overall, the campaign raised $8700. The funds raised from the campaign have gone into building a community center in Livingstone, Zambia that will serve as a safe educational center for 300+ girls, women, boys, and men.
Congratulations to the African Impact Foundation!
Innovative New Program, Intern Abroad
This award honors an inventive and unique internship abroad, focusing on successful program development and execution, as well as overall creativity. In order to be eligible for this award, the program must have been initially launched and successfully executed between January 1, 2019 and now. The finalists for Innovative New Program, Intern Abroad are…
- Roots Interns
- World Endeavors
- Intern Abroad HQ
- CRCC Asia
- Capital Placement
WINNER: Roots Interns, Nonprofit Photography Internship in Cape Town
The Nonprofit Photography Internship in Cape Town is a program that offers nonprofits high quality pictures of their programs; photographs that will allow for stronger and more effective awareness and fundraising campaigns. It’s also a program that offers a unique experience to interns, who can improve their skills, build a portfolio of images, and contribute to worthwhile causes at the same time.
During their stay in Cape Town, interns document the work of a number of charitable organisations that they feel passionate about. Causes supported include female empowerment, early childhood development, food security, sustainable development, and animal welfare. The impact of this program is truly twofold; it offers a unique and rewarding experience for interns, and highly valuable support to organisations doing important development work.
Congratulations, Roots Interns!
Innovative New Program, Study Abroad
This award honors an inventive and unique study abroad program, focusing on successful development and execution, as well as overall creativity. In order to be eligible for this award, the program must have been initially launched and successfully executed between January 1, 2019 and now. The finalists for Innovative New Program, Study Abroad are…
- University of California Santa Cruz
- Gallaudet University
- SAI Programs and Auburn University
- International Field Studies
- Michigan State University
WINNER: Gallaudet University, Sign Language of Spain (LSE) and Spanish Deaf Culture in Madrid
Gallaudet is the world’s only university dedicated to teaching, learning, and research in both English and American Sign Language and the university serves deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing students. Most study abroad programs are not accessible to deaf students since the ADA does not apply outside the United States. In response, the university sought to build their own program (in collaboration with CIEE and leading members of the Madrid Deaf community affiliated with Madrid’s Complutense University’s Centro Hervás y Panduro, the Centro Educativo Ponce de León, and the Madrid-based Deaf Theater company “El Grito”) that provided full access for deaf students and had an itinerary that was designed with deaf culture in mind.
The program included a weekend trip to a deaf film festival in Valencia where students connected with deaf individuals from all over Europe. CIEE also helped to include other activities such as cooking lessons and museum trips, all of which were made accessible to deaf students.
Congratulations, Gallaudet University!
Innovative New Program, Volunteer Abroad
This award honors an inventive and unique volunteer placement abroad, focusing on successful program development and execution, as well as overall creativity. In order to be eligible for this award, the program must have been initially launched and successfully executed between January 1, 2019 and now. The finalists for Innovative New Program, Volunteer Abroad are…
- International Volunteer HQ
- Pod Volunteer
- Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers
- Kaya Responsible Travel
- GoEco
WINNER: Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers, Australian Wildlife Emergency Response & Wombat Refuge Initiative
This initiative was developed in response to the Australian Bushfire Crisis. Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers (O2E) provided support to starving and injured wildlife following the Corryong Fires in Australia with the launch of the Wildlife Emergency Response and Wombat Refuge international volunteering project in January 2020.
O2E donated $1700 from their Bushfire Appeal to purchase a commercial grade water pump and launched an initiative in three days mobilising volunteers to travel to Corryong to undertake activities addressing four focus areas: Wildlife support and forest regeneration, Wombat rehabilitation & care, Care for the carers, and Volunteer fee collection & distribution.
Congratulations, Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers!
Innovative Program, TEFL / Teach Abroad
This award honors an innovative TEFL or Teach Abroad Program that provides a unique opportunity for learning and cultural engagement. The finalists for Innovative Program, TEFL / Teach Abroad are…
- Destination TEFL
- Bridge Education Group
- Keningau Vocational College
- International TEFL Academy
- TravelBud
WINNER: TravelBud, TEFL Certification and Paid Teaching Program in South Korea
TravelBud has creatively developed a holistic paid teaching program in South Korea which includes the only in-person TEFL certification course available in Korea before one starts teaching at one’s school. What usually entails online training and commencing work as soon as one arrives in the country, TravelBud’s program focuses on a full month of in-person training and cultural immersion before participants begin teaching at their schools, to help their teachers acclimate to their new cultural environment and be fully prepared before stepping foot in the classroom.
TravelBud’s program includes job placements and also ensures the correct visas are arranged before arriving in the country. This allows for the smoothest transition into the country and ensures TravelBud’s teachers successfully immerse themselves into Korean culture and are fully prepared to provide the highest quality English language education to their students.
Congratulations, TravelBud!
Innovative Technology
This award, sponsored by FundMyTravel, recognizes the creation and/or use of an innovative technology or tool specific to international education. The finalists for Innovative Technology are…
- Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
- Premier TEFL
- IFSA
- OffWeGo
- CRCC Asia
WINNER: CRCC Asia, CareerBridge, An Online Global Employability Curriculum
CareerBridge, an online professional development hub, was created to enhance a participant’s internship by targeting personal and professional growth within the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career readiness competencies. The online curriculum offers 12 courses that complement the interns’ progression before, during, and after their internship. The courses are designed to help students understand employability outcomes through an international perspective with an emphasis on cultural and international working modules.
Due to the focus and support provided by CareerBridge in 2019, 90% of users strongly agreed that they can communicate easily and professionally in a global business environment. Career management is a key facet to the curriculum and program with 82% of CRCC Asia alumni having strong confidence in obtaining employment post-graduation.
Congratulations, CRCC Asia!
Innovation in Sustainability
This award honors commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development projects through an organization’s programs and day-to-day operations. The finalists for Innovation in Sustainability are…
- FIE: Foundation for International Education
- USAC
- Global Experiences
- African Impact
- Champlain Abroad Dublin Campus
WINNER: African Impact, Farmers of the Future
Farmers of the Future is a business and entrepreneurship training program in the Greater Kruger Area of South Africa that looks to provide sustainable community empowerment through environmentally conscious food security and income generation. The training program runs for 18 months with weekly lessons divided into three phases, within which participants can access start-up funding.
Once the participant launches their own business, Farmers of the Future acts as a supply chain and branding marketplace. Creating a cooperative through the program alleviates the stress for the new businesses to find clients thus a more immediate revenue stream. The program is supported through African Impact’s Social Development and Entrepreneurship Internship.
Farmers of the Future is a free program for participants in the rural communities. There are currently two operating facilities with a third being established as a collaboration between African Impact and local Tribal Council. The Council has recognised the program’s impact in the community and plans of large-scale implementation of the program are in process.
Congratulations, African Impact!
Innovation in Philanthropy
This award recognizes philanthropic efforts that have impacted an individual, group, or local or global community. It is sponsored by the GoAbroad Foundation and honors both corporate responsibility and philanthropy. The finalists for Innovation in Philanthropy are…
- Absolute Internship
- Therapy Abroad
- Refugee Welfare Association Cameroon
- Globalteer
- The TEFL Org
WINNER: Globalteer, Pinagua Women’s Empowerment Project
Taking care of family matters and constructing their own livelihood are deeply rooted concerns for women in Pinagua and they strongly desire financial independence. Globalteer worked closely with the women in Pinagua to identify what would be the best option for them to make an income and gain some control over their lives. They concluded that starting a business through raising guinea pigs would be appropriate work for them. With the help of a group of volunteers from WECO (a women’s empowerment group from the US), the first guinea pig houses were built in September 2019. The group also held workshops for the women to teach them skills to run and manage their businesses and finances.
Thanks to this project, the women will be able to have more control over their earnings and have a say in financial decisions in the household and are better able to support their families.
Congratulations, Globalteer!
Innovation in Alumni Engagement
This award recognizes leaders in productive reentry programming for past participants. The finalists for Innovation in Alumni Engagement are…
- SAI Programs
- University of South Carolina
- CIS Abroad
- ISA Alumni Relations Department
- AIFS Study Abroad
WINNER: AIFS Study Abroad, Navigating Uncertainty: Resources for Thoughtfully Processing Your Time Abroad and Your Return
Knowing that all study abroad participants were drastically impacted by COVID-19 and would need additional support during this phase, AIFS created a new guide, Navigating Uncertainty: Resources for Thoughtfully Processing Your Time Abroad and Your Return, to help participants unpack the full experience they had and provide resources as they continue their return. AIFS also conducted a training for their entire staff to understand and experience the support they are offering to students so they can better speak about it with all stakeholders. The training is also being offered to university partners and invites them to schedule co-facilitated sessions for all of their spring 2020 participants.
Congratulations, AIFS Study Abroad!
Innovative Student Video
This award recognizes a student-created video that captures the true essence of an international education program. The winner is chosen through a popular vote, which closed on June 21 at midnight. We will watch the winning video following the announcement. The finalists for Innovative Student Video are…
- International Volunteer HQ
- DIS Study Abroad
- ISA Abroad
- International TEFL Academy
- IES Abroad
WINNER: “Thank You, Vietnam” by Jack Ross, International TEFL Academy
Congratulations, Jack Ross and International TEFL Academy!
People’s Choice
This award honors the top international education organization as selected by study abroad professionals and students. The winner is determined by a popular vote which closed June 21 at midnight. The finalists for People’s Choice are…
- Premier TEFL
- TESOL Coach Master
- API Abroad
- Teaching Nomad
- Evolve Abroad
WINNER: TESOL Coach Master
Congratulations, TESOL Coach Master!
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!
Thank you and congratulations to all of the finalists and nominees. We are in awe of the wonderful work you are doing!