Innovation Awards 2026 Winners & Finalists

2026 Innovation Awards Winners

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s GoAbroad Innovation Awards, and congratulations to the 2026 winners.

Innovative Marketing Campaign

Winner: CulturaGo – The Global ROI Study

CulturaGo built an always-on marketing engine by embedding a Global ROI Assessment directly into study abroad programs, turning every student experience into authentic, shareable content. In just its first year, the campaign engaged 20+ institutions, collected 2,000+ student assessments, and generated over 10,000 pieces of student-created content. The results are already tangible: donor funding secured at the University of Michigan and enrollment growth at multiple partner institutions.

Innovative Collaborative Partnership

Winner: Activate the Village – Activate the Village Calls

Activate the Village Calls grew out of a grassroots collaboration between four international education practitioners from CET Academic Programs, Fund for Ed Abroad, Hawaii Pacific University, and the University of Kentucky, united by a shared concern for how federal legislation like the Big Beautiful Bill could impact students and the field. Open to anyone, the calls regularly draw 100 or more registrants and combine legislative updates with practical mini-workshops on advocacy, fundraising, and campus collaboration. Outputs include an Advocacy Toolkit and institutional resources for meeting students’ basic needs. A powerful, practitioner-led network built on trust, urgency, and collective action.

Innovation in Global Citizenship

Winner: Centre College – Sardinia: Beyond the Colonial Postcard

Rather than presenting Sardinia as a sun-soaked Mediterranean getaway, Centre College built a faculty-led program that confronts the island’s history of militarization, language erosion, and “green” energy exploitation head-on. Students conduct life-story interviews, ethnographic fieldwork, and structured reflection, and their final projects require them to critically assess and propose reforms to study abroad programming itself. Small cohorts, long-term local partnerships, and housing that avoids displacement make this a genuinely ethical model of global education in action.

Watch the winning Global Citizenship initiative come to life through this video, which highlights Centre College’s program in Sardinia and its thoughtful approach to cultural learning, place-based education, and global engagement.

Innovation in Ethical Programming

Winner: Globalteer – Ethical Volunteering in Cambodia

Globalteer empowers underserved communities in Cambodia through an innovative model of ethical volunteering and sustainable development. By integrating volunteers as capacity-builders within projects like Helping Hands, we support the education, nutrition and sports programs of over 2,000 children daily while prioritizing local leadership. Our community empowerment philosophy is our greatest innovation: we build local capacity until initiatives, such as the now-autonomous Grace House, which was originally founded by Globalteer, can thrive independently as 100% Cambodian-led NGOs. Rigorous safeguarding and professional orientation for every volunteer ensure that every intervention is culturally grounded and creates lasting, resilient change.

Innovation in Accessibility, Sponsored by Fund for Education Abroad

Winner: Rooted Life Adventures – Global Gap Year with Integrated Mental Health Support

Rooted Life Adventures was built for the students that most programs quietly turn away. By embedding licensed or clinically trained staff directly into daily life abroad, the program makes gap year travel genuinely accessible to young people managing anxiety, ADHD, depression, ASD, diabetes, epilepsy, and other conditions that typically disqualify them from international programs. Support is woven into every activity and routine through a 24/7 live-in coach who is also a licensed therapist and the focus is always on building real independence, not creating dependence. Families describe it as the first program where their child could be both safe and fully included.

Innovation in Climate Action, Sponsored by Sustained Travel

Winner: Rustic Pathways – Climate Leaders Fellowship

Since 2021, Rustic Pathways has run a youth climate fellowship on a pay-what-you-want tuition model, deliberately removing financial barriers so that the students most affected by climate change can be the ones leading action against it. To date, 1,427 fellows from around the world have contributed 42,553 hours toward locally designed climate initiatives spanning waste reduction, food systems, biodiversity protection, and renewable energy advocacy. Fellows don’t complete pre-designed tasks — they identify a local climate issue, design an intervention, and implement it. The fellowship is not a short-term campaign but a leadership incubator built for scale, integration, and measurable impact.

Innovation in Philanthropy, Sponsored by the GoAbroad Foundation

Winner: AllPeopleBeHappy (formerly Amizade) – Thousands of Lives Protected: Disaster Relief in Jamaica (and Sri Lanka)

When Hurricane Melissa devastated communities in eastern Jamaica where AllPeopleBeHappy has partnered for 25 years, the organization activated its global network fast. Nearly $100,000 was raised for Jamaica relief and an additional $25,000 for cyclone recovery in Sri Lanka. On the ground, the response prevented a potential waterborne illness outbreak through emergency water storage systems, restored satellite internet so community leaders could coordinate relief efforts, and rebuilt community spaces for education and gathering. All of it was locally led, with decisions remaining in the hands of community members. Weeks later, the same model was replicated in Sri Lanka, proving the approach is scalable, not just reactive.

Innovation in Artificial Intelligence

Winner: Academic Programs International (API) – API’s Curriculum Integration App

API’s research found that the number one reason students don’t study abroad is academic uncertainty: they can’t tell if courses will transfer or count toward their degree. To solve this, API built the Curriculum Integration app on ConnectAIQ, an AI-powered tool maintaining a live global library of 40,000 accredited host university courses that surfaces relevant equivalencies, streamlines approval workflows, and keeps advisors and faculty working from the same up-to-date data. In its first six months, the app moved 4,500 courses through university approval processes, directly expanding access for current and future students who previously would have hit a bureaucratic dead end.

Innovation in Adventure-Based Programming

Winner: Rustic Pathways – Global Adventure Learning Model

Rustic Pathways has been building and refining its adventure-based learning model since 1983, and the data behind it is hard to argue with. Programs integrating trekking, marine conservation, cultural immersion, and environmental stewardship within a structured experiential framework show that 96% of students report significantly improved ability to interact with people from different backgrounds, and 92% feel more confident navigating challenging environments. Six months after returning, 87% report increased confidence persisting through college and 95% continue international engagement. Every program is built around community partnership and locally grounded design, ensuring adventure is never extractive and always educational.

Innovation in Global Respectful Disruption Leadership, Sponsored by Compear Global Education Network

Winner: Fatness Takes Flight Group – Supporting Body Diversity Abroad

This team brought a conversation to the study abroad field that most institutions had never thought to have: how does anti-fat bias show up in advising language, marketing imagery, health protocols, and assumptions about who is physically capable of going abroad? Debuted at the 2025 Global Respectful Disruption Summit, Fatness Takes Flight traced anti-fatness to its roots in racism and colonialism, connected those frameworks to everyday international education practice, and equipped attendees with concrete action steps including auditing materials, rethinking fitness assumptions, and strengthening inclusive advising. The session drew strong audience engagement and has since expanded to NAFSA. Katie Wiggins-Gawlik is also pursuing doctoral research on embodied learning and fat identity in study abroad, ensuring the work continues beyond the stage.

Innovative Program of the Year

Winner: Gili Shark Conservation – Shark Specialist Program

Launched in September 2024, the Shark Specialist Program is an intensive one-month conservation experience in Indonesia that turns participants into certified PADI Scientific Divers trained in shark ecology and population studies. Volunteers nicknamed “Sharkies” conduct daily research dives using photo ID, laser photogrammetry, and other underwater surveys, feeding real data into shark population studies at Gili Matra Marine Tourism Park. The program also involves a trip to Tanjung Luar, the second largest shark market in Indonesia, giving participants a rare window into the socio-economic realities of conservation on the ground. The sharkies will gain not only field-based experience, but also learn from global experts through interdisciplinary and multi-perspective masterclasses, giving them a better understanding of shark conservation and the people behind it.

People’s Choice (Intern Abroad), Sponsored by Nomad eSIM

Winner: The Intern Group

People’s Choice (Teach Abroad/TEFL), Sponsored by Nomad eSIM

Winner: International TEFL Academy

People’s Choice (Study Abroad), Sponsored by Nomad eSIM

Winner: American Councils Study & Research Abroad

People’s Choice (Volunteer Abroad), Sponsored by Nomad eSIM

Winner: DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage

Student Video

Winner: Ta’Mia Fannin / International TEFL Academy – Discover Yourself

Watch the winning student video, Discover Yourself, created by Ta’Mia Fannin of International TEFL Academy.

2026 Innovation Award Finalists

Congratulations to the finalists of the GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2026!

Chosen from hundreds of submissions, these organizations and individuals represent some of the most impactful work in global education.

See who made the list.

Innovative Marketing Campaign

  • BUNAC – UK Yellow Bus tour
  • School for International Training – Step into the Map. Every Street Teaches
  • International Volunteer HQ – Green Friday – Organic Brand Campaign
  • University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) – Lo-fi Study Abroad Beats (Asia and Latin America)
  • CulturaGo – The Global ROI Study

Innovative Collaborative Partnership

  • Arcadia Abroad – The Partnership Network
  • World Unite! Japan – Mother Nature Environmental Conservation & Cultural Heritage Preservation Camp Sado Island, Japan 
  • University of Georgia: Office of Global Engagement, Office of Experiential Learning & Franklin College of Arts and Sciences – Connect Abroad: Launching Global Leaders Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Impact
  • Challenges Abroad – University of Melbourne Interdisciplinary Clinical Placements
  • Activate the Village – Activate the Village Calls

Innovation in Global Citizenship

  • Centre College – Sardinia: Beyond the Colonial Postcard
  • Qalam wa Lawh – Culture through cuisine project
  • CEA CAPA Education Abroad – Serenah Quiroga
  • Absolute Internship – Alumni falling in love with their internships
  • Connect-123 Global Internships – Where Are They Now? — 20 Alumni Over 20 Years

Innovation in Ethical Programming

  • Where There Be Dragons – Responsible Travel
  • Globalteer – Ethical Volunteering in Cambodia
  • The Global Learning Hub at UC Davis, UC Davis Chicana/o/x Studies, and Child Family Health International (CFHI) – LatinX Health Internship in Oaxaca
  • WorldStrides and Mercy University – Building a Greener, Cleaner World with Mercy University
  • Toucan Education Programs – Social Enterprise Social & Ecological Commitment

Innovative Program of the Year

  • EF Study Abroad – EF Global Challenge Honors Semester: Spain & Sweden
  • Gili Shark Conservation – Shark Specialist Program
  • IFSA – Tech Career Accelerator 
  • TravelBud – The Summer That Builds Global Educators
  • UCEAP & Expanish – Human Rights & Cultural Memory program

Innovation in Accessibility, Sponsored by Fund for Education Abroad

  • Rooted Life Adventures – Global Gap Year with Integrated Mental Health Support
  • Absolute Internship – Women in STEM
  • World at Hand – Global Scholars Pathway
  • WorldKind – Accessibility Abroad
  • Expanish Study Abroad – 50+ Spanish Immersion Programs

Innovation in Philanthropy, Sponsored by the GoAbroad Foundation

  • AllPeopleBeHappy (formerly Amizade) – Thousands of Lives Protected: Disaster Relief in Jamaica (and Sri Lanka)
  • Globe Aware – Volunteer in Peru – Machu Picchu Volunteer Vacation
  • Global Glimpse – Travel Changed Me Fundraising Campaign
  • Global Leadership Adventures – IDEA Scholarship
  • Salisa Language School – TEFL Certificate Program – Assisting Myanmar Graduates Obtain Teaching Positions in Thailand after the Military Coup

Innovation in Climate Action, Sponsored by Sustained Travel

  • Rustic Pathways – Climate Leaders Fellowship
  • Fuze Ecoteer Outdoor Adventures – Plastic Road & Turtle Conservation, Malaysia
  • Authentica Ventures Pvt Ltd – Study Abroad in Florence
  • WorldStrides and University of Florida – Sustainability Exploration in Greece
  • The GREEN Program – Climate Finance & Investing for a Sustainable Environment

Innovation in Artificial Intelligence

  • World Endeavors – AI-Powered Matching Process
  • Hanover CRM – Hanover AI Context Playbook
  • Academic Programs International (API) – API Curriculum Integration App
  • TEFL.AI – TEFL AI
  • Maltalingua School of English – MELA: Human-Centred AI Integration Across the Student Journey

Innovation in Adventure-Based Programming

  • Warriors Academy – Warriors Quest Programs
  • Global Leadership Adventures – Utah: River Rafting & Canyon Adventure
  • Montclair State University – Montclair in Costa Rica
  • Rustic Pathways – Global Adventure-Based Learning Model
  • Gapforce – South America Explorer

Innovation in Global Respectful Disruption Leadership, Sponsored by Compear Global Education Network

  • Linda Stuart – International Education Respectful Disruptor: Virtual Exchange Champion
  • Shawn Wall – World at Hand’s Global Education Ecosystem
  • Lizzy Monroe & Rainbow Routes – Rainbow Routes: study programs (LGBTIQA+ inclusive programming)
  • Katie Wiggins-Gawlik, Sarah Warren, Katherine Meyer, Ally Layton-Bennett – Fatness Takes Flight: Supporting Body Diversity on International Programs
  • Adriana Smith – Healing-Centered Leadership in Global Education

Student Video

  • Areshio Walker / University of South Alabama – Over the Atlantic
  • Ta’Mia Fannin / International TEFL Academy – Discover Yourself
  • Aly / SSA Education Abroad – Becoming Who I Didn’t Know I Could Be
  • Rash Vinakota / Montclair State University – Montclair In Costa Rica Reflection Video
  • Catherine Maher / IES Abroad – Found Self

Voting will start on April 27! Stay tuned for more details.

People’s Choice (Intern Abroad), Sponsored by Nomad eSIM

  • Absolute Internship
  • Adelante
  • King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
  • Beyond Academy 
  • The Intern Group

People’s Choice (Study Abroad), Sponsored by Nomad eSIM

  • Nacel Educational Travel
  • Seville Abroad
  • School for International Training
  • American Councils Study & Research Abroad
  • SSA Education Abroad

People’s Choice (Teach Abroad/TEFL), Sponsored by Nomad eSIM

  • International TEFL Academy
  • RVF International
  • The TEFL Institute of Ireland
  • Horizons: Czech Republic
  • The TEFL Org

People’s Choice (Volunteer Abroad), Sponsored by Nomad eSIM

  • Involvement Volunteers International
  • Global Works
  • DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage
  • Go Palestine
  • Project Biodiversity