Study abroad is an international opportunity that is often encouraged among college students. The locations vary to almost anywhere across the globe. One of the biggest downfalls is actually getting students to consider the experience due to the large financial requirements, possible family involvement, and more. The Institute of International Education (IIE) has introduced a challenge to college students globally to reconsider the study abroad experience and the true opportunities that are out there, despite the finances, with their new campaign entitled #GoStudyAbroad.

The Institute of International Education (IIE) is a world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. IIE designs and implements programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government agencies, foundations and corporations. IIE also conducts policy research, program evaluations, and provides advising and counseling on international education and opportunities abroad. It is an independent, not-for-profit organization founded in 1919 with a network of 19 offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,400 member institutions.‬

Their campaign includes a contest that will take place on social media and at‪ GoOverseas.com‪, an advice and resources website for students and recent grads seeking study and work abroad opportunities. Participants can win scholarships, including a grand size prize of $10,000 to study anywhere in the world with a free round trip flight by going to GoOverseas.com/GenerationStudyAbroad. Participants only have to say that they will be making an effort to #GoStudyAbroad by the time they graduate from college and the rest shall follow. The contest started on February 16, 2016 and it will end on March 31st, 2016. Here are a few things to remember in regards to the contest and its operations:

1. College students may enter the contest directly, even without being nominated. To enter directly, enter to #GoStudyAbroad and answer in 250 characters why you want to study abroad and how it will complement your goals at GoOverseas.com/GenerationStudyAbroad.‬

‪2. Anyone who wants to nominate a friend to study abroad can register at GoOverseas.com. They will be given a unique link to share that will track how many students they have inspired to #GoStudyAbroad. Share your link by tagging friends on social media and using the hashtag #GoStudyAbroad.‬

‪3. After you enter your nominations, the student(s) receive an email asking them to enter to #GoStudyAbroad online. Students who enter and answer in 250 characters why they want to study abroad and how it will complement their goals are automatically entered to win a grand prize $10,000 scholarship to study abroad anywhere in the world. Students are also automatically entered to win $5,000 study abroad scholarships. After the end of the contest period, IIE and Go Overseas will select the winners.‬

‪4. The top nominator will win a free round-trip ticket back to country where s/he studied abroad. The more students you nominate to #GoStudyAbroad, the higher your chance of travel prizes. In order to participate in the chance to win, you must nominate individuals through GoOverseas.com/GenerationStudyAbroad/Alumni. ‬

‪5. Read the full terms and conditions at GoOverseas.com/GenerationStudyAbroad for official rules.‬

#GoStudyAbroad is a part of the IIE'S Generation Study Abroad initiative to increase and diversify U.S. students who decide to study abroad by the end of the decade. More than 600 higher education institutions have committed $185 million in finacial support to students, faculty, and programminig. Eighty four percent of the 400 United States' universities and colleges have also dedicated this initiative to expand opportunities to underrepresented study abroad students such as minority or ethically diverse students or first generation students.

Did You Know?

There are many disparities that exist within the study abroad experience, besides money. Studies have shown that only one of ten undergraduate students participate in the study abroad experience, while they are in college. The students who are going on these trips, also, do not represent the diversity of America's higher education. Black students only account for six percent of the students who go abroad, and there is only 15 percent of black students accounted for in the U.S. higher education percentage. This is one reason the IIE has requested alumni and friends to "pay it forward" and encourage students to take the experience with this opportunity.

There are many pluses in the study abroad experience for students as they prepare to enter the global workforce. Students will gain a competitive nature about themselves that is healthy. IES Abroad's "Recent Graduate Survey" of 2006 - 2011 graduates shows that 97% of graduates who studied abroad alumni secured a job within a year after graduation, compared to 49% of the general college graduate population. Study abroad alumni are also less likely to be unemployed five years after graduation, according to several post-study abroad surveys and reports.‬

Be sure to spread the word about the IIE and their campaign through social media and even within your personal encounters as a current student, alumnus, and more!