The University of Delaware launched America’s first study abroad program on July 7, 1923, when a group of eight Delaware students set sail for France aboard the ocean liner Rochambeau.

That inaugural class would spend junior year in France immersed in learning the French language and culture — in the classroom, on travels to historic sites and in the homes of the gracious French families with whom they stayed. All of the students successfully completed their studies, and two would even win the Sorbonne’s coveted diploma of French civilization.

The program was the brainchild of Raymond W. Kirkbride, a young professor in the modern languages department and a World War I veteran, who presented the idea to Walter Hullihen, then-UD president, who enlisted the support of private donors, including Pierre S. du Pont, to finance it.

The University of Delaware’s program was hailed nationally and internationally for its success in promoting cross-cultural education, and soon, other colleges and universities began sending students to UD to participate, including Wellesley, Columbia, the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, Smith, Harvard and Princeton, to name a few.

Throughout 2013, the University of Delaware will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the genesis of its study abroad program, an innovation that rapidly entered into international education practice.

"The University of Delaware made an important mark on international education 90 years ago that has since benefited countless students across the United States and overseas," said Nancy Guerra, associate provost for international programs and director of the Institute for Global Studies (IGS). "We invite the University community and friends around the world to celebrate this milestone with us throughout the year."

For more on the history of UD Study Abroad, visit this web page.

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