Study abroad programs about to go global

“I would like to know more about the steps on signing up,” Lydia Jones, a freshman majoring in criminal justice, noted about Neumann University’s study abroad program.

Neumann’s global engagement study abroad programs are beginning to become more diverse with the implementation of Victor Betancourt’s new ideas for the program.

“I would like to go to either France or Italy,” Jones stated.

Soon Neumann students will be able to choose from programs in over 60 countries.

Victor Betancourt is the associate provost for global engagement and is in charge of building Neumann’s study abroad program.

Addressing the current hesitancy regarding joining study abroad programs, Jones said, “It’s the money part and also being away from home for so long.”

Betancourt is enthusiastic about limiting financial costs to make the program more affordable for everyone.

“Our goal is to create a high-impact learning experience for all Neumann students to gain a global perspective as part of their educational journey. As part of our mission, we aspire to reduce academic and financial barriers, and increase access to underrepresented students,” stated Betancourt.

Each program that will be offered has different eligibility requirements for students; however, a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required, as well as not being on academic or disciplinary probation. The earliest a student may participate in the program is during the first semester of sophomore year.

The new program will offer both traditional semester-long programs as well as short-term faculty-led programs or global learning seminars. These seminars will be offered as part of a spring semester course and the trip will occur during spring break. According to Betancourt, Neumann is planning on sponsoring global learning seminars to Israel, France, Spain, Puerto Rico, and Florida in 2024. Global internships and community-based service programs will also be offered.

While many students are interested in learning more about the program and participating in study abroad, many students are not aware of how to approach registering for the program.

“I’ve gotten a pamphlet but no one has really talked about it,” said Jones, “and the pamphlet doesn't really say [much].”

Coming this fall, the Center for Global Engagement will be launching a new software platform called Via, where students can search and apply for study abroad programs. Benancourt is hopeful that the new platform will allow students to search for opportunities more easily and without the need for letters of recommendations.

In addition to providing students with study abroad opportunities, Neumann is also working to recruit students from abroad, including Latin America, Africa, Asia, Canada, and Europe.

Regarding the significance of study abroad, Betancourt said, “Students not only learn about themselves and move out of their comfort zone but it gives the opportunity to appreciate other cultures and individuals and develops awareness on social justice and global issues,”

Betancourt believes that the study abroad programs align with the RISES values that Neumann emphasizes saying, “Neumann’s Center for Global Engagement is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion so that every student can engage with the world and grow academically, professionally, and personally. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students.”