The University of Georgia is one of five institutions nationwide to be recognized for excellence in integrating international education by the nonprofit NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The 2025 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization represents national recognition for international education programs at U.S. colleges and universities.
UGA joins four other distinguished universities receiving the comprehensive award this year including Penn State University, San Diego State University, University of Arizona and University of Notre Dame. Named after the late Sen. Paul Simon of Illinois, the award celebrates excellence in integrating international education throughout all facets of university and college campuses.
The Office of Global Engagement leads UGA’s internationalization efforts through interdisciplinary initiatives and experiential opportunities that enhance global understanding among students, faculty and staff. OGE works to expand the reach of UGA’s teaching, research and service mission by preparing the university community for international leadership and collaboration.
Connect Abroad Italy students pose in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in 2024. (Photo by Angel Bhardwaj)
“Receiving the award is a wonderful recognition of our recent growth in students’ study abroad, the support we provide for international students and UGA’s expanding global research profile,” said Martin Kagel, associate provost for the Office of Global Engagement. “I am grateful to President Morehead and Provost Hu for their leadership and support of our students’ experiential learning abroad. This is really an award for the entire campus, including the many faculty engaged in directing study abroad and those who contribute to internationalizing the curriculum we offer and our campus more generally. It is a recognition we can all take pride in.”
UGA’s international education excellence is demonstrated by its consistent ranking among the nation’s top institutions for study abroad participation. According to the 2024 Open Doors Report, UGA ranks No. 7 nationally in overall participation and No. 3 in short-term study abroad programs. As Georgia’s leading university for study abroad, 3,162 UGA students traveled to 83 countries for programs that counted toward academic credit in academic year 2023-24, with more than half participating in faculty-led programs.
“For more than two decades, the Simon Award has stood as a hallmark of excellence in campus internationalization, and this year’s recipients continue that proud tradition,” said Fanta Aw, NAFSA executive director and CEO. “We commend this year’s recipients for their unwavering dedication to building a more globally connected future.”
UGA previously won the 2018 Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award that recognizes a specific program or initiative that contributes to campus internationalization; the university was honored for its network of partnerships within the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.
