Global Fellows Explore Pathways to Internationalize Teaching and Expand Student Engagement Worldwide

As part of the University of Florida International Center’s Global Fellows Program, faculty gathered for Workshop 5 — "Engaging Students and Internationalizing the Curriculum through Study/Research Abroad, Experiential Learning, and More." One of six workshops in the program's structured professional development series, this session equipped fellows with actionable strategies for designing global classrooms, developing study abroad programs, and connecting undergraduate students to international research opportunities, deepening both their teaching practice and the reach of their research.

Paloma Rodriguez (UFIC Office of Global Learning) discusses how UF supports faculty in
developing virtual exchange initiatives during the Global Fellows Workshop.

Building Global Classrooms Through Virtual Exchange

Dr. Paloma Rodriguez, Director of UFIC's Office of Global Learning, opened the session by introducing Virtual Exchange (VE) as a transformative approach to internationalizing the curriculum. Her presentation emphasized that global engagement no longer depends solely on travel. “Virtual Exchange allows faculty and students who may face financial, personal, or logistical barriers to still participate in international experiences,” she noted. "It makes global learning more accessible and sustainable."

Through structured online collaboration between classrooms in different countries, VE enables students to develop intercultural communication skills, engage in collaborative problem-solving, and gain exposure to diverse perspectives, all within their existing courses. The model begins with a faculty-to-faculty connection. The idea is for UF faculty to find a colleague at a partner institution whose course learning objectives align with theirs. From there, they work together to design collaborative assignments that foster sustained, meaningful interaction between students on both sides.

To support that process, Dr. Rodriguez introduced the UF Virtual Exchange Dashboard, a growing database of COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) initiatives mapping existing connections between UF faculty and their global partners. Faculty can use the Dashboard to explore how many UF students have participated in VE, which UF faculty have already implemented VE projects, and where their international partners are located, making it a practical starting point for anyone considering their first virtual exchange. It also functions as a peer knowledge network. "Fellows can approach a colleague who already has experience in the country where they want to launch a new VE activity and ask for lessons learned and tips directly," noted Dr. Rodriguez.

Virtual Exchange serves as both a teaching innovation and a strategic pathway for building international partnerships. By piloting collaborations and strengthening global networks, faculty can enhance their competitiveness for externally funded research while expanding students’ access to global learning. “It really is a two-for-one opportunity,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “The Office of Global Learning supports faculty at every stage, from training in synchronous and self-paced formats to instructional design and identifying the right international partner. We also encourage those interested to attend an information session or visit our website to apply for the fall training.”

Laura Dickey (UFIC Study Abroad Services) discusses how UFIC supports faculty
in developing study abroad programs during the Global Fellows Workshop.

Designing High-Impact Study Abroad Programs

The second session shifted from virtual to in-person global engagement, offering a practical roadmap for faculty interested in developing study abroad programs. Laura Dickey, Program Coordinator in UFIC's Study Abroad Services office, framed the conversation around a simple fact: UF sends more than 3,000 students abroad annually across 200-plus programs in over 30 countries, placing it consistently among the top public universities in the nation for study abroad participation.

Dickey outlined three primary program models available to UF students: UF Exchange Programs, which offer immersive, independent study at partner institutions; UF Sponsored Programs, which are faculty-led, credit-bearing group experiences; and Non-UF Programs, which provide flexible options through external providers for students seeking customized international experiences.

For faculty fellows, the most actionable takeaway was learning that launching a new study abroad program follows a clear, structured path, with UFIC guiding the way at every stage. "Our team works closely with faculty to ensure programs are academically strong, logistically feasible, and fully compliant with institutional and state requirements," Dickey emphasized. "This is a highly supported process."

UFIC's  support ecosystem ensures students are guided throughout the experience, from  regional advisors and program coordinators to Study Abroad Peer Advisors (SAPA)  representing more than 30 countries. Financial barriers are addressed through  scholarships, federal aid, and nationally competitive awards, making  participation possible for a broader range of students. Study abroad represents  more than a student enrichment experience. It is a platform for building  long-term international partnerships, generating pilot data, and integrating  research and education abroad.

Advancing Global Research Through Undergraduate Engagement

The final session brought the workshop full circle, connecting internationalization strategy to undergraduate research. Sarah Garfield, representing the UF Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR), spotlighted the Summer Undergraduate International Research Program (SUIRP), a competitive initiative providing selected students with up to $5,000 stipend to conduct 8–10 weeks of independent research abroad.

Beyond the funding, SUIRP reflects a broader institutional commitment to embedding undergraduates into international research pipelines early in their academic careers. The evidence is compelling: students who participate in global research experiences develop stronger scientific identities and research skills, gain exposure to diverse methodologies and global contexts, perform better academically, and build greater confidence working across cultures. These outcomes translate into higher graduation rates and stronger preparation for competitive careers and graduate study.

For Global Fellows, engaging their undergraduates in international research creates a meaningful multiplier effect — expanding research capacity, strengthening mentorship pipelines, and generating the broader impacts that major funding agencies increasingly expect in grant applications.

Sarah Garfield (UF Center for Undergraduate Research) highlights opportunities for
student engagement in global research during the Global Fellows Workshop.

A Program Built for Impact

As the Global Fellows Program advances through its workshop series, each session builds on the last, equipping participants with practical knowledge, institutional connections, and professional tools to turn international research ideas into lasting collaborations. By combining seed funding, structured professional development, and peer mentorship, the program gives faculty a strong, supported foundation for launching international initiatives that advance both their careers and UF's global research mission.

This year, UFIC awarded 18 Global Fellows seed grants to faculty selected for the originality and potential impact of their proposals. Each fellowship includes a $5,000 grant to support early-stage international research activities, from exploratory fieldwork and meetings with international collaborators to preliminary data collection and access to specialized resources not available at UF.

Learn more about the Global Fellows Program and follow UFIC for upcoming workshop highlights and cohort milestones.