Mizzou Study Abroad provides comprehensive services to enable students from any major to participate in study, internship, research and service-learning programs abroad.
- Student support — including advising before, during and after study abroad; application management; registration and billing; disability accommodations requests management; passport and visa application support
- Marketing and outreach — including program web brochures and other assets; outreach events (Mizzou Abroad Fair, weekly Study Abroad 101 sessions, program-specific information sessions, classroom presentations, tabling at campus fairs/events, etc.); targeted email marketing based on program/country interest and academic major
- Program coordination and management — including vetting, liaising and coordinating with program providers and partners; coordinating program logistics; managing budgets, invoices and reimbursements; program evaluation
Offered flexible options for short-term study abroad
In 2024/25, Mizzou Study Abroad coordinated 32 faculty-led programs in collaboration with academic partners across campus, including the College of Arts and Science, College of Education and Human Development, College of Engineering, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Office of Community Engaged Learning. These flexible, short-term programs during winter break, spring break and summer allowed 435 participants to engage in impactful international experiences.
Supported access to study abroad through scholarships
Mizzou Study Abroad awards several need- and merit-based study abroad scholarships for students participating in MU-approved programs abroad. These scholarships were awarded prior to program applications deadlines, so students knew if they had received a scholarship prior to needing to commit to a program. Mizzou Abroad also advises students applying for other study abroad scholarship opportunities, including the nationally-competitive Gilman International Scholarship.
In 2024/25, Mizzou students were awarded $358,950 in scholarships to study abroad in upcoming terms. Read more in the December 2024 and June 2025 scholarship announcements.
Provided global engagement for staff through the State Department IDEAS Grant
In partnership with the Center for Academic Success and Excellence and the Division of Student Affairs, Mizzou Study Abroad was awarded one of only 37 IDEAS Grants by the U.S. Department of State. This prestigious grant supports institutional capacity building and aims to expand opportunities for student mobility and global engagement.
In August 2025, 14 staff members from Mizzou traveled to Costa Rica for a global immersion program to gain firsthand perspectives on study abroad and develop a better understanding of how they can support students who are interested in adding a global dimension to their degree.
Feedback from program participants
- I hope to encourage students to see study abroad not just as travel, but as an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. I want to make study abroad feel possible for every student, especially those from underserved backgrounds, and help them approach these experiences with curiosity and openness, not just as academics but as people.
- My week in Costa Rica was an eye-opening experience that showed me how education can be really inclusive and transformative, inspiring students to see themselves as global learners. It reinforced that stepping outside comfort zones fosters growth, resilience and a commitment to helping students become culturally aware and socially responsible.
- This was a life-changing experience, and I am forever thankful to have had the opportunity to participate in this program, learn from everybody, build connections and be part of such a special group of individuals working on campus.
Increased outreach to families
As key stakeholders in the study abroad experience, we have expanded our resources and outreach to better support the families of study abroad students. Recognizing the important role families play in student success and well-being while abroad, our efforts have focused on proactive communication, education and engagement opportunities.
- Organized Study Abroad 101 for Families during the September 2024 Mizzou Family Weekend. This session provided an overview of the study abroad process, including program options, safety protocols, financial considerations and cultural adjustment strategies. It also created a space for families to ask questions and connect with study abroad staff.
- Hosted an online pre-departure orientation for families in April 2025 — attended by more than 200 family members of students studying abroad during summer, fall or academic year 2025. This session addressed common concerns and equipped families with tools to support their students before and during their time abroad. Topics included health and safety, communication planning and how to help students navigate cultural adjustment.
Continued and expanded collaboration with Missouri S&T
Mizzou Study Abroad continued to strengthen its partnership with Missouri S&T through several key initiatives implemented this year:
- Revamped the S&T Study Abroad website to improve findability and user experience for students.
- Expanded funding opportunities for study abroad scholarships.
- Streamlined the application process to make it more efficient and student-friendly.
- Increased presence both on campus and through digital channels (social media, web, email).
- Broadened outreach efforts, including the addition of Gilman Scholarship workshops for Pell-eligible students.
Implemented tool to measure study abroad learning outcomes
Starting with summer 2025 participants, Mizzou Abroad launched the Global Perspectives Inventory to assess the impact of study abroad experiences on students’ global learning and intercultural development. By measuring changes in students’ perspectives, values and understanding of other cultures, the GPI helps evaluate how international programs contribute to broader educational goals and prepare students to engage effectively in a globalized world.
Fast facts: Study abroad
Refer to the Open Doors: Mizzou report for the latest data on study abroad participation at Mizzou.
Updated 17-NOV-2025