Study abroad program receives $100,000 boost

December 22, 2008

Ninety students from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will be able to study abroad over the next two years thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) Foundation.  UW-Whitewater is the only campus in Wisconsin and one of 11 universities nationwide to receive a grant from the prestigious foundation.

“UW-Whitewater has now joined an elite group of universities,” Harlan Smith, director of International Education and Programs, said.  Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University and Loyola University are some of the institutions that have received funding from the IFSA Foundation since its inaugural grant cycle in 2004.

Diversity and global perspectives is a cornerstone of UW-Whitewater's strategic plan and this grant allows the university to provide students with international learning opportunities to prepare them for the global environment.  The $100,000 will support UW-Whitewater’s Global Study Abroad Scholarship Initiative, which focuses on increasing study abroad opportunities for under-represented populations.  Specific goals also include re-energizing the university’s exchange partner program and facilitating greater foreign language study abroad.

“International study is a transformational experience for students,” Interim Provost Christine Clements said.  “It engages them with the world around them in a way nothing else can, which is why it is a priority at UW-Whitewater.  Receiving major grant funding to support these opportunities for students who traditionally either do not or cannot experience them is wonderful for our students and an important accomplishment for the campus.”

Currently, 83 UW-Whitewater students are participating in semester or academic year study abroad programs for 2008-09.  In 2007-08, 92 students studied abroad and in 2006-07, 66 students studied abroad.