AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin International Board of Advisors has launched its first program, the President’s Award for Global Learning, as part of its effort to further internationalize the campus and prepare future global leaders. The award provides funding for teams of students to design and implement projects in an international location and work across disciplines with faculty mentors and international partners to find solutions to pressing global challenges.
“The President’s Award for Global Learning brings a visionary approach to global education through learning by deep engagement,” said UT Austin President Gregory L. Fenves. “In a uniquely interdisciplinary program, undergraduate students will have more opportunities to learn by doing on the Forty Acres and at international locations.”
Student teams are invited to propose a project under the themes of social impact, entrepreneurship, or expanding research in one of seven eligible regions: Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, or East Asia. Two finalist teams per region will be selected to make a presentation to President Fenves and a special committee. One team per region will be selected to receive the award, which provides up to $25,000 for project implementation. The award also provides paid faculty mentorship and covers additional costs of international travel and summer tuition for each student.
Each student on selected teams will earn a total of 10 academic credits consisting of one semester of coursework and project preparation, followed by 10 to 12 weeks of in-country project implementation during the summer, and a final semester-long reflection course that brings his or her experience back to campus.
Serving as a model for future college-to-career experiential learning opportunities, the program engages faculty members and students to work across disciplines and borders to advance research, promote scholarship through experiential learning, and leave a lasting legacy to give all UT Austin students the opportunity to pursue learning outside the classroom and in a global context.
Under the leadership of the International Board of Advisors, the President’s Award for Global Learning advances the university’s goal of creating global educational and collaborative opportunities for students and faculty members. Programs such as the President’s Award expand the impact of the university around the world while unlocking the potential of students and preparing them to become leaders in an interconnected and globalized economy.
