Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities: Faculty-Led Study Abroad and Study Away
SCURS Disciplines
Education
Document Type
General Presentation (Oral)
Invited Presentation Choice
Study Abroad — Oral
Abstract
In an increasingly interconnected world, preparing students to thrive as global citizens is a core responsibility of higher education. At regional comprehensive institutions, faculty-led global learning initiatives provide students with transformational experiences that extend beyond the classroom, enrich academic inquiry, and foster cross-cultural competencies. This breakout session, Creating Global Experiences for Students, brings together multiple faculty members who have developed and led international programs to share strategies, challenges, and best practices in designing impactful global learning opportunities. The session will highlight the wide range of faculty-led programs that have engaged students in cultural immersion, service learning, and disciplinary research in diverse global contexts. Faculty panelists will share how their programs integrate academic rigor with intercultural exploration. Each presenter will discuss the specific goals of their program, how it connects to broader learning outcomes at their institution, and the ways it enhances students’ global awareness and career readiness. Beyond highlighting individual programs, this session will focus on the collective value of global engagement in advancing an institution's mission of preparing students for meaningful lives and careers in a global society. Panelists will examine how faculty-led initiatives can broaden access to international experiences, especially for students who may not have previously considered study abroad an option due to financial, cultural, or logistical barriers. The discussion will include practical strategies for increasing participation among first-generation students, underrepresented groups, and those in majors with more rigid degree requirements. Another important focus of the session will be the challenges and opportunities inherent in organizing faculty-led global experiences. Faculty will share lessons learned in program planning, risk management, funding, and building sustainable international partnerships. Presenters will also explore how to embed global learning outcomes into coursework, ensuring that international experiences are not only enriching travel opportunities but also academically rigorous and transformative. Participants will leave the session with:
- A deeper understanding of the value and impact of faculty-led global experiences for students.
- Practical strategies for designing, funding, and implementing successful international programs.
- Ideas for incorporating global perspectives into their teaching and research, even when travel is not possible.
- Insights into fostering equity and access in global learning initiatives.
This breakout session will provide a dynamic and interactive platform for dialogue, where faculty can exchange ideas, share resources, and build collaborations around global learning. Ultimately, Creating Global Experiences for Students underscores the university’s commitment to empowering all students to see themselves as active participants in a global community. By showcasing the creativity and dedication of faculty in building pathways to international engagement, this session not only celebrates the programs that already exist but also inspires future innovation in making global learning an integral part of the learning experience.
Keywords
Global Learning, Study Abroad, Faculty-Led Programs, Global Student Engagement, International Education
Start Date
10-4-2026 2:10 PM
Location
TLC 298A
End Date
10-4-2026 3:10 PM
Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities: Faculty-Led Study Abroad and Study Away
TLC 298A
In an increasingly interconnected world, preparing students to thrive as global citizens is a core responsibility of higher education. At regional comprehensive institutions, faculty-led global learning initiatives provide students with transformational experiences that extend beyond the classroom, enrich academic inquiry, and foster cross-cultural competencies. This breakout session, Creating Global Experiences for Students, brings together multiple faculty members who have developed and led international programs to share strategies, challenges, and best practices in designing impactful global learning opportunities. The session will highlight the wide range of faculty-led programs that have engaged students in cultural immersion, service learning, and disciplinary research in diverse global contexts. Faculty panelists will share how their programs integrate academic rigor with intercultural exploration. Each presenter will discuss the specific goals of their program, how it connects to broader learning outcomes at their institution, and the ways it enhances students’ global awareness and career readiness. Beyond highlighting individual programs, this session will focus on the collective value of global engagement in advancing an institution's mission of preparing students for meaningful lives and careers in a global society. Panelists will examine how faculty-led initiatives can broaden access to international experiences, especially for students who may not have previously considered study abroad an option due to financial, cultural, or logistical barriers. The discussion will include practical strategies for increasing participation among first-generation students, underrepresented groups, and those in majors with more rigid degree requirements. Another important focus of the session will be the challenges and opportunities inherent in organizing faculty-led global experiences. Faculty will share lessons learned in program planning, risk management, funding, and building sustainable international partnerships. Presenters will also explore how to embed global learning outcomes into coursework, ensuring that international experiences are not only enriching travel opportunities but also academically rigorous and transformative. Participants will leave the session with:
- A deeper understanding of the value and impact of faculty-led global experiences for students.
- Practical strategies for designing, funding, and implementing successful international programs.
- Ideas for incorporating global perspectives into their teaching and research, even when travel is not possible.
- Insights into fostering equity and access in global learning initiatives.
This breakout session will provide a dynamic and interactive platform for dialogue, where faculty can exchange ideas, share resources, and build collaborations around global learning. Ultimately, Creating Global Experiences for Students underscores the university’s commitment to empowering all students to see themselves as active participants in a global community. By showcasing the creativity and dedication of faculty in building pathways to international engagement, this session not only celebrates the programs that already exist but also inspires future innovation in making global learning an integral part of the learning experience.