CMU Study Abroad program earns national recognition
Central Michigan University Study Abroad earned the Institute of International Education's 2020 Seal of Excellence due to an increase in student participation in the program.
This is the first time the university has received the award.
CMU was one of 19 institutes nationally recognized for reaching its five-year goals in 2020.
During 2014-19, the university increased the participation in its study abroad programs and minority student participation by 40%.
Assistant Director of Study Abroad Marko Schubert said the office reached its goal by expanding outreach on campus.
"We had a really good ambassador program which I was very proud of because we would bring back somewhere between 10-15 study abroad returnees, who would help us with our advertising, run tables or sometimes do class presentations," Schubert said. "We have study abroad one-on-ones for students who are interested in study abroad but they don't really know yet if they want to do it or not."
Throughout the over 150 study abroad programs in more than 50 countries, nearly 750 CMU students participate each year.
However, Schubert said probably less than 100 students are participating in the current virtual study abroad options.
"I think we're gonna see a different scenario when we reopen - especially the first year because a lot of students who may have thought about study abroad, may not want to do it right away," Schubert said. "(Some students) want to wait a little longer depending on how far along they are and then we have students who just have to go with the moment it's open, otherwise, they run out of time."
To inquire about study abroad opportunities visit Room 330 in Ronan Hall or call the Office of Global Engagement at (989) 774-4308.
