Global education is an integral part of the University of Rochester’s strategic vision and our commitment to preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world. Today’s most global challenges, from climate change and global health to technological transformation and social equity, transcend national borders. Preparing the next generation of global problem solvers to understand and address these issues, requires a curriculum that extends beyond the campus and into diverse global contexts.
Faculty play a central role in making this vision possible. Across the University, faculty are weaving global perspectives into the curriculum in creative and meaningful ways, from education abroad and faculty-led travel courses to global internships, collaborative research opportunities, and virtual global classrooms that connect Rochester students with peers and experts around the world. Study abroad is one powerful facet of this broader ecosystem of global learning. Together, these experiences allow students to encounter new ideas, engage across cultures, and apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges.
For many faculty, leading a program abroad becomes one of the most rewarding teaching experiences of their careers. Faculty-led programs transform the world into an extension of the classroom in ways that resonate with Rochester’s areas of scholarly distinction. Students studying global health might examine healthcare delivery and community health systems firsthand in partnership with local clinics and organizations. Those exploring optics, photonics, or engineering may engage with international research centers and innovation hubs shaping the future of technology. Courses in economics, public policy, and business can come alive through direct engagement with global markets and institutions, while programs in the arts and humanities may immerse students in the cultural landscapes that shape literature, music, history, and creative expression.
Equally important is the powerful role faculty mentorship plays in these experiences. When students explore new environments alongside the scholars who guide their intellectual journeys on campus, learning becomes reflective, and transformative. These moments, whether in a research lab abroad, a community partnership, or a cross-cultural dialogue, often become defining points in a student’s academic and personal development.
As we look ahead, we invite faculty from across our University to imagine new possibilities for global engagement. Whether through developing a short-term study abroad program, mentoring students in global internships, collaborating with international partners on research and teaching, or experimenting with virtual global classrooms, there are many pathways to bring the world into our curriculum.
Our team in the Center for Education Abroad (CEA) is eager and ready to partner with you in designing experiences that reflect your scholarly passions while expanding opportunities for our students. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant global learning community, one that empowers our students to think boldly, engage responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to a rapidly changing world.
Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela, Ph.D
Vice Provost for Global Engagement
Professor, Warner School of Education