New Initiative Launches To Bolster Study Abroad Programs

11.22.2021

The University of Texas at Dallas will pilot a new international education program designed to increase the number of students who can participate in study abroad programs by dramatically decreasing the out-of-pocket costs for students while still providing them with a rich and instructive experience.

“My personal goal is that every UT Dallas student who wants an international educational experience can make that part of their academic journey,” said Dr. Juan González, dean of graduate education, vice provost for global engagement, and the Francis S. Johnson Chair for Graduate Education. “All UT Dallas students deserve equitable access to education abroad.”

The new international education program, open to undergraduate students, begins in the summer of 2022. It shifts responsibility of organizing study abroad classes from individual faculty members to the Office of International Education, which is part of the UT Dallas International Center.

At the same time, the University is making a commitment to cover more of the costs with the hope that more students, regardless of their financial situation, will be able to study overseas. While students still will have to cover tuition and student fees, program fees of several thousands of dollars will be significantly reduced.

“My personal goal is that every UT Dallas student who wants an international educational experience can make that part of their academic journey.”
– Dr. Juan González, dean of graduate education, vice provost for global engagement, and the Francis S. Johnson Chair for Graduate Education

Pre-pandemic, approximately 500 UT Dallas students participated each year in study abroad. The Naveen Jindal School of Management has a robust study abroad program as does the Eugene McDermott Scholars Program. Outside of those areas, faculty have generally organized their own study abroad courses. The 2022 pilot programs are testing whether a centralized approach – with additional funding – can create a better experience for students as well as for faculty.

One of the four-week pilot programs, Lethal Crimes and Public Policy in the European Union, will be held in Lugano, Switzerland, starting May 28. It will be led by Dr. John Gooch, associate professor of literature and rhetoric in the School of Arts and Humanities, and Dr. Denise Paquette Boots, associate dean of undergraduate education and professor of public policy and political economy in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS). The program will examine topics related to capital punishment, social justice, communication and public policy.

The second program, French Society: Sociological Perspectives, begins July 10 and will be co-taught in Paris by EPPS faculty members Dr. Richard K. Scotch, program head of sociology and of criminology and criminal justice, and Dr. Carol Cirulli Lanham, associate professor of instruction in sociology.

Dr. Inga Musselman, UT Dallas provost, vice president for academic affairs and the Cecil H. Green Distinguished Chair of Academic Leadership, said making study abroad more accessible to more students is essential to raising the profile of the University.

“Study abroad is usually a defining moment in a young person’s life, with an impact that continues for years to come,” she said. “Not only does it help cultivate future leaders who are respectful of other cultures, but it creates a generation of young people willing to take a stand on issues with global impact.

“I am thrilled that we can offer that experience to even more UT Dallas students.”

–Phil Roth