Advancing International Access: Guides to Support Student Study Abroad

To support students preparing for study abroad, TRIO staff can facilitate a comprehensive understanding of COE’s role and study abroad programs, emphasizing goal setting, research, and practical preparations such as applying for scholarships and obtaining travel documents.

Unlock the transformative potential of study abroad experiences to shape leaders for a globalized world

COE promotes equal access to college education and has been actively involved in endorsing study abroad opportunities for TRIO students. COE’s involvement in study abroad dates back to the late 1990s when it began sponsoring international experiences for TRIO college students. These initiatives aimed to broaden students’ horizons and equip them with valuable skills for personal and professional growth. This guide outlines the career benefits of studying abroad for TRIO students, emphasizing the development of essential skills highly valued by employers. It also lists various reasons to study abroad, including cultural immersion, language acquisition, personal development, and enhanced career opportunities. COE encourages students to align their study abroad goals with their career aspirations, urging them to consider how international experiences can contribute to their personal and professional growth. TRIO staff and campus study abroad offices are recommended as valuable resources for guidance and support in this process.

STUDENT GUIDE

FOR TRIO STAFF

Unlock Global Opportunities with Study Abroad: A Toolkit for TRIO Professionals

By promoting study abroad opportunities, TRIO professionals empower students to broaden their horizons, develop essential skills, and seize opportunities for personal and professional growth. In today’s dynamic world, global competencies are not just desirable but essential for success in the academic and professional spheres. However, the benefits of study abroad have often been out of reach for many low-income students. Recognizing this disparity, COE emphasizes that study abroad experiences are vital high-impact practices that TRIO students should actively engage in. Studying abroad isn’t just about exploring new lands; it’s about broadening horizons and equipping students with skills highly valued by employers. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), studying abroad positively impacts the development of crucial 21st-century job skills, including intercultural skills, adaptability, communication, and problem-solving. Moreover, study abroad experiences open up a world of career possibilities. They enhance long-term career progression and promotion opportunities, with longer study abroad durations significantly impacting subsequent job offers and skill development. Even short-term programs foster essential traits like teamwork, adaptability, and resilience.

STAFF GUIDE
Broaden Horizons, Enhance Skills

Studying abroad enhances intercultural skills, making students more desirable to future employers. It allows exploration of facets of their major not apparent at home, reinforcing their educational experience. Demonstrates commitment to education, making students attractive candidates for graduate schools seeking diverse perspectives. It fosters personal growth and self-discovery through immersion in different cultures. Provides a unique opportunity for profound personal enrichment and growth. By promoting study abroad opportunities, TRIO professionals empower students to broaden their horizons, develop essential skills, and seize opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Embarking on a study abroad journey is exhilarating yet daunting. As TRIO professionals, your guidance and support are invaluable in helping students navigate this transformative experience. Here’s how you can assist your students as they prepare for their study abroad adventure. Provide comprehensive understanding of COE and its study abroad programs, emphasizing their commitment to TRIO students. Encourage students to set clear and achievable goals for their study abroad experience. Encourage research about the destination’s culture, history, and language to enhance appreciation and understanding.Foster enthusiasm by allowing students to share their research findings and experiences, igniting excitement for their adventure.

Don’t forget the practicalities! Help your students with everything from scholarship applications to medical requirements and emergency planning. Invite experienced travelers to share insights and answer questions, preparing students for what lies ahead. Encourage students to embrace self-discovery, preparing them for the journey ahead and fostering confidence and independence. Equip students with essential peacebuilding skills to navigate diverse perspectives and foster meaningful connections abroad. Help students understand how they may be perceived abroad as representatives of the United States, promoting effective communication and cultural sensitivity.

FOR TRIO STUDENTS

Unleash Your Potential: Explore the World with Study Abroad

Embark on a journey that will not only change your life but also open doors to future career success. In today’s diverse society, our future leaders must possess the skills needed to excel in a global workforce. Employers actively seek individuals who have experienced study abroad opportunities, recognizing the personal and academic growth they foster. Studying abroad equips you with a unique skill set highly valued by employers. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), it positively impacts the development of various 21st-century job skills such as intercultural skills, adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and more. These skills are essential for thriving in today’s interconnected world. Your study abroad experience doesn’t just broaden your skills; it also expands your career possibilities. Longer study abroad durations significantly impact subsequent job offers and skill development. Short-term programs are particularly effective in developing teamwork skills, enhancing your marketability in any job market. Embark on a journey of a lifetime with study abroad. Explore new cultures, expand your horizons, and pave the way for future career success. With careful planning and support from TRIO and COE, your study abroad experience will be unforgettable and transformative.

STUDENT TOOLKIT
Why Study Abroad? Unlocking Career Opportunities

To make your international journey even more meaningful, consider your career and study abroad goals. Your TRIO staff and campus study abroad advisors are invaluable resources to help align your goals with available programs. Use our template to examine your aspirations and chart your path to success.

Study abroad can be financially feasible with careful planning and access to scholarships and funding opportunities. COE is committed to increasing accessibility to study abroad through initiatives like the Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program, providing financial support to eligible students. Explore various scholarship options and utilize resources from your institution’s financial aid office to make your study abroad dreams a reality.

From applying for passports to organizing finances and packing essentials, thorough planning is key to a smooth study abroad experience. Follow our comprehensive checklist, starting from one year before departure to your arrival date, to ensure you’re well-prepared for the adventure ahead.

ABOUT THE KEITH SHERIN GLOBAL LEADERS PROGRAM

Spend the first week getting to know your host country before studying at The Hague Summer School.

Spend the first week getting to know your host country! You’ll be learning about the Netherlands’ social and educational context, specifically focusing on higher education and cultural diversity in theory and practice. Under the auspices of ECHO, the Center for Diversity Policy, students will visit Amsterdam and meet student leaders representing migrant communities.

For the next two weeks, you’ll study at The Hague Summer School, a cutting-edge modular set of courses based on the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The classes focus on solving global issues by connecting the public and private sectors. There is no better place to learn and practice world citizenship than in The Hague (Den Haag), the International City of Peace and Justice, and the political and cultural heart of the Netherlands.

LEARN MORE
Holly Hexter

2022 Keith Sherin Global Leaders Study Diversity and Inclusion, Student Success, and Sustainability 

Among the many travelers who experienced challenges this summer in reaching their destinations were the 15 TRIO students and alumni selected for the 2022 Keith Sherin Global Leaders program. When their international flight to Amsterdam could not be rebooked for four days, they pivoted to virtual learning and then made the most of their compressed stay in the Netherlands this summer. Ultimately, the short-term program, the first time abroad for most, made a huge impact. “I gained different perspectives as a student and from a different world point of view,” said Pooja Patel, a TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) participant at the University of Kentucky. “I gained a lot of insight into what I am capable of becoming in the future.”
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Terrance L. Hamm

The Council for Opportunity in Education Announces New Partnership with the Institute of International Education Center for Access and Equity

In this collaboration, the Center and COE will bolster existing and new programs, including the Center’s American Passport Project and COE’s study abroad initiatives. The partnership seeks to integrate study abroad and international education into established TRIO programs, exposing more first-generation college students to educational and financial opportunities abroad.
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