Faculty-led study abroad programs offer innumerable benefits to both faculty and students. For students, it is an opportunity for cultural immersion while getting academic credits, and for faculty, it’s a way to offer hands-on teaching and mentorship. That’s why it’s good news all around that the Center for International Education (CIE) received a Gilman Pioneering Institution grant from the U.S. Department of State.
Education abroad advisors Amanda Williamson and Megan Bennett, in collaboration with Angelina Palumbo, director of the Education Abroad and Nancy Baca, director of the Economic Policy Institute, secured funds for the NAU in Japan: International Economics and Global Internship program led by Baca in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
“This funding is awarded to community colleges and universities to implement initiatives that connect study abroad with career readiness in forward-looking fields that are considered critical to continued U.S. prosperity and advancement,” Williamson said.
A big focus of the grant is cross-cultural competency, where the experience abroad benefits not only students going from the U.S. to other countries but also inhabitants of those other countries. Some of the funding was applied to this year’s program, which took place during spring break, and the rest will be used for spring break 2027.
“Partnering with trusted global internship providers, like Absolute Internship for this program, is critical to delivering meaningful, career-ready experiences for our students,” Palumbo said. “The funding received by the Gilman Pioneering Institution grant covered the cost of students’ virtual internship placement for the program and will do the same for those participating next year.”
Along with covering the internship fees for students, the funds will be used to offset the costs for faculty to run the program and for an event to celebrate the country’s anniversary.
“The nature of this study abroad program celebrates America’s 250th anniversary and history of educational excellence and technological advancement,” Bennett said. “This grant is aligned with NAU’s mission toward global engagement and CIE’s values of innovative study abroad experiences. It’s an opportunity that brings together students, faculty and industry connections locally and nationally.”
The America 250 Advancement Prosperity for the Future event is scheduled for April 28, 3-5 p.m. at the International Pavilion,1450 Knoles Drive. Students who participated in the program will share insights from their internship experiences in Japan. After that, they will work on a professional development plan and participate in an advancement workshop. All are welcome to attend.
Mariana Laas | NAU Communications
(928) 523-5050 | mariana.laas@nau.edu