LGBTQ ally training, emergency scholar funds and sending a US university mascot “across the pond” were some of the initiatives that were celebrated at the recent GoAbroad awards.
Recognising innovation in international education, the awards were presented at the NAFSA conference last week across 12 different categories.
CISabroad scooped the award for Innovation in Diversity, focusing on the LGBTQ population to increase knowledge about and access to education overseas, as well as partaking in Ally/LGBTQ training.
“The purpose of these awards is to acknowledge institutions, organisations, and individuals who are creating initiatives to move the field of international education forward”
GoAbroad said that, “In the future, CISabroad hopes to identify the top five destinations for students who identify as LGBTQ and wants to further this identity through studies and cultural learning.”
Meanwhile, winning the Innovation in Philanthropy award was the Institute of International Education with its Emergency Student Fund & Scholar Rescue Fund, which provides financial support for international students who are suffering with crises in their home countries.
“The purpose of these awards is to acknowledge institutions, organisations, and individuals who are creating initiatives to move the field of international education forward,” according to GoAbroad.com, based in Colorado. “And to commend leaders in the community for their efforts to go beyond the conventional.”
Skill-sharing platform, GoCambio, won the Innovation in Technology award. The web-based platform enables users to swap language teaching for a place to stay, matching tutors to host families for a period of time.
Uni of Oregon’s film has been viewed by nearly 5,000 prospective study abroad students
The University of Oregon was awarded the Innovation in Marketing & Digital Media prize for their video showcasing their school mascot, the Duck, experiencing London, in a film entitled “The Duck Across the Pond”.
The success of the marketing campaign saw a 97% increase in study abroad applications for the upcoming academic year.
Winners of the awards are selected by a panel, the GoAbroad Innovations Academy, alongside a People’s Choice Award, allowing students to vote for their favourite international education organisation, which was this year won by the American Institute for Foreign Study.
The Winners
Innovation in Alumni Engagement
University of South Carolina: Graduation with Leadership Distinction in Global Learning
Innovation in Diversity
CISabroad: LGBTQ Ally Training
Innovation in Marketing & Digital Media
University of Oregon: The Duck Across the Pond
Innovative New Program – Intern Abroad
Global Players : GPro Amsterdam
Innovative New Program – Study Abroad
Penn State: Ireland: Culture and Disability
Innovative New Program – Volunteer
African Impact: The Girl Impact
Innovation in Philanthropy
Institute of International Education (IIE): Emergency Student Fund & Scholar Rescue Fund
Innovation in Sustainability
Pangea Educational Development: Awach Piggery Project
Innovation of Technology
GoCambio: GoCambio.com
The STA Travel Start the Adventure Award
Sergio Rodriguez Camarena, IES Abroad Alumnus
Innovative Student Video
“Abroad Sweet Abroad” by Adrienne Picciotto, IES Abroad
People’s Choice
American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS)
