News

At a powerful plenary session during The Forum on Education Abroad’s virtual Annual Conference on Thursday, February 12, higher education leaders, faculty, and international partners examined how Ukrainian universities have been impacted and continue to operate and plan for the future under the extreme pressures of the ongoing war.  

“It is incredibly important to keep Ukraine and the impact of the war on individuals, families, and the entire system of higher education right in front of us, and in front of the world,” said Melissa Torres, President and CEO of The Forum on Education Abroad. “Colleges and universities across the U.S. are supporting Ukraine through innovative partnerships, setting the stage for a robust network of international academic connections that are vital to Ukraine’s future.” ​

The Forum on Education Abroad’s virtual Annual Conference 2026, held February 11-13, underscored a central idea: education abroad has the greatest impact when it is intentional and resilient. Across sessions, presenters highlighted designing programs with clear purpose, increasing access, and responding thoughtfully to change. 
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In total, more than 540 participants engaged in interactive virtual sessions led by 72 expert practitioners and thought leaders at this year’s Annual Conference. 
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Forum President and CEO Melissa Torres opened the event by reflecting on the state of the field and reaffirming the continued importance of education abroad. She spoke about the profound impact global learning can have on students and the ways international experiences shape their understanding of the world. 

The Forum on Education Abroad is delighted to share that three major award winners were announced during the Closing Session of our virtual Annual Conference on Thursday, February 12:

• Award for Advancing the UN SDGs through Education Abroad
  • This award recognizes members who integrate economic, environmental, and social sustainability into their education abroad programs. Sponsored by Authentica.
• Award for Excellence in Education Abroad Curriculum Design
  • This award recognizes educators who develop innovative, high‑impact education abroad curricula. As the field’s only award for outstanding course design, it honors individuals or teams whose work enhances student learning and engagement.
• ​Award for Academic Achievement Abroad
  • This award celebrates the depth of scholarly work students accomplish while studying abroad, highlighting the critical thinking, creativity, and cross‑cultural understanding that emerge from rigorous academic experiences.