UD World Scholars
World Scholars reflect on year while program prepares for expansion
11:12 a.m., April 1, 2016--From the banks of the Tiber River to the food court of the University of Delaware’s Trabant University Center, the inaugural cohort of UD World Scholars has covered a lot of ground.
After completing their first semester of study in Rome, Italy, the 38 freshmen have transitioned this spring as engaged members of the UD community. World Scholars have joined sororities and fraternities, become members of the College Republicans and the College Democrats, have cheered at Fightin’ Blue Hens basketball games, have participated in UDance, and are weekly fixtures at the signature Office of International Students and Scholars International Coffee Hour.
Global Stories
Fulbright awards
Peace Corps plans
UD World Scholars enrolled at the University in fall 2015 but spent their very first semester as freshmen at a partner institution, John Cabot University (JCU) in Rome, Italy.
While there, scholars enrolled in a range of academic courses, pre-approved by UD faculty, which met UD graduation requirements. They participated in academic excursions throughout the city, engaged in community service, and traveled throughout the country and region.
“The World Scholars program provides students the opportunity to begin building their international experiences and make contacts around the world,” said Chris Lucier, vice president of enrollment management.
In addition, all World Scholars co-enrolled in an “Introduction to World Politics” course co-taught by Franco Pavoncello, JCU president, and Lars Rensmann, chair of JCU’s political science department.
“World Politics offered us such a broad understanding of the world as a whole,” said World Scholar Nicholas Carey. “It opened my eyes as an American to know that there are so many other actors and players in the world that have many unique perspectives to offer.” Carey added that “it shattered [his] initial perceptions.”
Now the well-traveled undergraduates are helping to recruit the next class of UD World Scholars. In a series of videos produced by the Institute for Global Studies, students share their reasons for choosing to become World Scholars, favorite aspects of time abroad, and goals for the future.
According to World Scholar Allison Chelst, a languages, literatures and cultures major, “the greatest benefit of the program thus far is being with other students who are interested in international studies, global citizenship, and making the world a better place.”
New admits will meet current scholars at exclusive World Scholar breakfasts during the upcoming Decision Days on April 9 and 16. The breakfasts will also feature special guests Mary Merva, JCU vice president and dean of academic affairs, on April 9, and Paul Vita, Saint Louis University-Madrid director and academic dean, on April 16.
Students who have been invited to apply or have already been accepted to the World Scholars Program are encouraged to attend Decision Days.
Information is being shared with recent admits at a critical time in the admissions cycle, as admitted students must make their enrollment decisions by May 1. For incoming World Scholars, this is also the time to ensure that passports are current.
There are several notable changes on the horizon for the UD World Scholars program. Enrollment goals for fall 2016 will increase to 100 from 38 this past fall.
The program will also expand to a second World Scholar site – St. Louis University-Madrid in Madrid, Spain. Science curricula and laboratory space offered at SLU-Madrid will allow the World Scholars program to include students entering majors in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment and the College of Health Sciences.
While the first-semester abroad is an important element of the UD World Scholars program, it is just the start of a four-year international experience.
In the spring of their freshman year, scholars co-enroll in an intercultural First Year Seminar and select a globally-focused minor. As sophomores, they reside alongside international students in International House living and learning community.
During their junior year, scholars are expected to head abroad for a second time for academic coursework and an internship, research, or service learning experience. In their senior year, World Scholars will participate in a capstone course and spring symposium.
Throughout their undergraduate experience, UD World Scholars will interact with key individuals on the global stage, and will receive guidance in the pursuit of prestigious post-graduate opportunities including the Fulbright Program and Peace Corps.
“There’s no real adjective to describe what it feels like to be a UD World Scholar, because it’s just such an amazing opportunity,” said World Scholar Collin Sutrick, a political science and accounting major.
The Institute for Global Studies is working with faculty and campus partners to support an academic designation for the program. In addition, officials have begun to explore options for additional World Scholar sites to launch in future years.
The World Scholars program was initially piloted in 2014 under the title of UD Fall in Rome. “The pilot program was such a success that we decided to continue and expand the program,” said Amy Greenwald Foley, associate director for global outreach at the Institute for Global Studies.
For more information on the UD World Scholar program, visit the website or contact Amy Greenwald Foley.
Follow along as the stories of the inaugural class are shared on the World Scholars blog and at @UDGlobal on Instagram and Twitter. Engage using the hashtag #UDWorldScholar or Tweet a question to a UD World Scholar social media ambassador: @BlueHenAlly, @BlueHenCollin, @BlueHenJed, @BlueHenKatie, @BlueHenLauren, or @BlueHenVincent.
Article by Nikki Laws