The University of Missouri has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students Program. Mizzou is one of 37 U.S. institutions that will use an IDEAS grant to establish, expand or broaden American student mobility overseas.

“We are very honored to receive this grant,” said Dr. Paulina Brouder, director of study abroad and international partnerships. “It has the potential to transform study abroad and provide access in a truly meaningful way on our campus.”

With the IDEAS grant, Mizzou Study Abroad will develop a DEI Global Advisers Immersion Program in collaboration with CEA CAPA, the MU Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity and the MU Center for Academic Success and Excellence. This program will take a group of DEI staff members abroad for an immersive cultural experience with lectures and activities similar to what students would encounter during a study abroad experience. These staff members will then serve as a support network for underrepresented students with whom they’ve already built relationships, leveraging their first-hand international experience to support students seeking global opportunities. Program participants will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for global cultures as well as a firm understanding of study abroad and how they can assist students.

“Mizzou is one of three SEC schools to receive the IDEAS grant, which will work against barriers to students participating in study abroad,” said Dr. Jim Spain, vice provost for undergraduate studies. “Students with international experience become career-ready graduates who can help the state expand our global competitiveness.”

The new DEI program will be an extension of Mizzou Abroad’s Global Advisers Immersion Program that has taken academic advisers to Ireland and Italy the past two summers, and will return to Ireland this July with the third cohort of advisers.