Study Abroad Program to Expand Thanks to Grant from U.S. State Department

The Study Abroad Program at UNT Dallas has received a $35,000 grant award through the U.S. State Department’s 2024 Increase and Diversity Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) Program competition. UNT Dallas is one of just 37 institutions nationwide to receive a grant and one of only two colleges or universities in the state - the only one in North Texas.

The grant awards total nearly $1.3 million and aim to expand study-abroad opportunities for U.S. students. Recipients include ten community colleges and 14 minority-serving institutions across 24 states and Washington, D.C. Projects to be funded by the grants include developing new international partnerships and programs, training faculty and staff, creating resources to engage students and building virtual and hybrid exchanges. Collectively, the recipients will expand programming to 36 destinations around the world.

“I’m incredibly excited that UNT Dallas was awarded this grant,” said Courtney Rogers, Assistant Director of International Studies. “While study abroad is still new on our campus, I believe the funds from this grant will aid us in opening up new, better-fitting opportunities for our students.”

UNT Dallas established its Study Abroad Program in the summer of 2020 but immediately halted it due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was restarted in the summer of 2022. Fourteen students have participated in programs in Barcelona and Rome to study courses in Spanish and culture, photography, business, and liberal arts.

“I wanted to immerse myself fully in the Spanish-speaking environment, and I did just that,” said Jesstyn Baker, a UNT Dallas senior who studied abroad during the summer of 2023. “I’m eternally grateful. Spain taught me exactly what I wanted to know and do in the future.”

Rogers said UNT Dallas will use its award to start faculty-led study abroad programs. The current programs are independent, which she believes is part of the reason for low participation. She hopes allowing students to travel overseas with UNT Dallas students and faculty will increase student interest. The award will also enable the program to open study abroad to new locations.

“Less than 3% of U.S. university students study abroad,” Rogers said. “I want our students to contribute to that growth and, in turn, to their resumes.”

According to the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), 97% of students who study abroad are employed within a year of graduation, and 25% earn higher salaries than their peers.

“I want to travel. My goal in life is to travel to as many countries as possible,” said Luis Espinoza, a UNT Dallas junior who also studied in Spain in the summer of 2023. “Going to Barcelona was my gateway toward accomplishing that goal.”

These programs offer invaluable ways to connect with new cultures, see the world, and gain a new perspective. Cultural excursions breathe life into what students learn. “Studying abroad is so much more than a trip abroad; it’s a huge personal growth experience as well as an academic experience,” Rogers said. “I look forward to watching this grant aid in our campus’ study abroad growth.”

The IDEAS Program supports college and university efforts to build the capacity for more students to study in diverse locations worldwide. In addition to the grant competition, the program offers free virtual and in-person activities to help faculty, staff and administrators expand their study abroad curricula.

“Increasing the number of U.S. students with international experiences is part of our investment in ensuring that our country’s future leaders have the skills they need in fields ranging from global health to technology and innovation,” said Heidi Manley, Chief of USA Study Abroad.

For Students

To apply for the UNT Dallas Study Abroad Program, schedule an appointment with Rogers, meet with your academic advisor or program coordinator and research funding options.

To qualify for the Study Abroad Program, students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. They cannot currently be under a university disciplinary sanction and must have completed two full semesters before departure.

The current program costs include tuition and fees, housing, meals (depending on the housing choice selected), international insurance, cultural activities and overnight excursions. Scholarships and financial aid are available.

For Faculty

The grant will enable UNT Dallas to support and assist four faculty-led study abroad programs. The opportunity will only be open to tenured and tenure-track (three-year minimum by time of program) faculty and senior lecturers.

The application process will be open from September 1 to October 15, 2024. Applications must include a program proposal and budget. Selections will be made before November 20.

The study abroad programs must occur before March 1, 2026, when the grant ends. Due to the small window, only serious applicants should apply.