The Baltimore Times: UMBC Hosts, Empowers 25 Young African Leaders from 21 Sub-Saharan African Countries
University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Center for Global Engagement hosted 25 Mandela Washington Fellows from 21 Sub-Saharan African countries. UMBC’s 2024 cohort fellows pose together for a photo on UMBC’s campus under a Welcome YALI (Young African Leaders Initiative) sign on the way to their farewell celebration on July 26, 2024. The fellows were selected by IREX, which is a global development & education organization. Over 56,000 people apply every year and only 700 are accepted across 28 institutions for the extremely competitive U.S. Department of State program that empowers leaders. Photos: UMBC Mandela Washington Fellows, Staff, and Friends.
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Retrievers are upping their research game in the 2024-25 Fulbright U.S. Student Program cohort
At the height of COVID-19, Nicole Attram developed severe lower back pain which impeded her mobility and flexibility. While physical therapy helped mitigate the symptoms, the cause is still unknown. That experience determined the course of her career. After graduating from UMBC in 2023, Attram, mechanical engineering, received a 2024 – 2025 Fulbright U.S. Student award to study in Milan, Italy, in a master’s program in international healthcare management, economics, and policy specializing in pharmaceuticals and medical technology at the SDA Bocconi School of Management.
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First recipients of the CAHSS Dean’s Education Abroad Scholarship share rich global experiences
Oliver Crossland has fond childhood memories of many fun trips to Salzburg, Austria, from growing up a few hours away in the small town of Sindelfingen in southern Germany. Although his family moved to the U.S. when he was 10 years old, he still remembers Salzburg’s food, people, and candies like Kracher, a large sugar-coated chewy bean-shaped candy with a fizzy powder filling. “I had forgotten entirely about them until I saw them in the grocery store near my hostel and had to purchase them,” says Crossland.
Before beginning his senior year at UMBC, Crossland, music, took a trip down memory lane and created some new memories through a summer education abroad experience in Salzburg, thanks to the support of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) Dean’s Education Abroad Scholarship.
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Meet a Retriever—Buhlebakhe Ncube, a 2024 Young African Leaders Initiative Fellow
Meet Buhlebakhe Ncube from Zimbabwe. She spent six weeks at UMBC as part of the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) hosted by UMBC’s Center for Global Engagement (CGE). The new cohort included 25 innovators from countries across Sub-Saharan Africa representing education, journalism, tech, health care, and more. Buhlebakhe is now back home reminiscing about her YALI summer experience and the Retrievers she connected with along the way.
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UMBC-designed STEM study abroad program in Spain launches in 2025
In January 2025, UMBC will facilitate its STEM-focused research study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain.
The program, developed by UMBC’s Center for Global Engagement’s Education Abroad Office and the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, was created to provide students with an affordable study abroad experience while expanding study abroad access for students in technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
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UMBC Center for Global Engagement welcomes its second cohort of the Young African Leaders Initiative
This summer, UMBC’s Center for Global Engagement (CGE) is excited to welcome its second cohort of the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, the six-week flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). The new cohort includes 25 innovators from countries across Sub-Saharan Africa representing education, journalism, tech, health care, and more. The fellows will spend six weeks living at UMBC networking and attending diversity and leadership skills workshops. They will also meet with campus, local, and state leaders, learn more about Baltimore’s LGBTQ+ leaders of color, developmental disabilities at The ARC Baltimore, trauma-informed practices, and more.
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A Journey of Growth
International travel offers ample opportunities to stretch yourself—one minute you may be the expert and the next, completely clueless about how something works. Retrievers currently in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program—teaching English or researching around the globe—find themselves oscillating between their teaching and student roles on a daily or hourly basis. By engaging their host communities through openness and cultural humility (and many shared cups of tea or coffee), these Fulbrighters are finding their balance along the way.
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An Dang ’24: A chemical engineer who helped pull off a big student conference
May 21, 2024
An Dang ’24, chemical engineering, an international student from Vietnam, arrived at UMBC in 2021 as a transfer student from Montgomery College. When switching colleges, she also switched majors: from biology to chemical engineering. She quickly became involved in activities in the Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering and this year helped the student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) pull together a major student conference for the first time.
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UMBC Faculty-Led Program Coordinator Featured on WorldStrides Higher Ed Podcast
April 28, 2024
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County continues its commitment to inclusivity and diversity in education abroad, as highlighted in the latest episode of the WorldStrides Higher Ed Podcast – Changing Lives Through Education Abroad. Host Zac Macinnes engages in a meaningful conversation with Ogonna Owu Jones, Faculty-Led Program Coordinator at UMBC, discussing the importance of equitable hiring practices and creating inclusive opportunities for all students.
CAHSS dean establishes a $400,000 education abroad scholarship
April 23, 2024
UMBC’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) is making strides toward enhancing global education opportunities. Dean Kimberly Moffitt has introduced the CAHSS Dean’s Education Abroad Scholarship, committing $400,000 over the next four years to support CAHSS students wishing to study abroad.
This new scholarship program will allocate $100,000 annually to help alleviate the financial burden of international study for both undergraduate and graduate students majoring in CAHSS disciplines. Eligible students can receive individual scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. The first round of awards has already benefited 24 students, empowering them to engage with diverse cultures and academic environments globally.
Among the recipients is Joseph Patarini ’25, an environmental science and geography major, who highlights the importance of gaining a global perspective for addressing environmental challenges. Patarini, set to study in Morocco and Spain in summer 2024, emphasizes the role of such experiences in enhancing problem-solving skills through exposure to varied viewpoints.
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Leaving Pawprint Across the Globe – Study Abroad @ UMBC!
April 1, 2024
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) continues to foster global engagement and cultural exchange, equipping students with the skills and insights needed for a globalized world through its diverse Education Abroad opportunities, as detailed by Alicyn Curtis, a Study Abroad Advisor at UMBC’s Education Abroad Office. Curtis emphasizes the transformative impact these experiences can have on students, enhancing both personal growth and academic development. Curtis also highlights the importance of careful planning, particularly in terms of finances and visa arrangements, to maximize the benefits of studying abroad.
Addressing a common misconception, she confirms that STEM majors have plentiful opportunities to study abroad, with programs available in diverse fields and locations, including a notable UMBC Exchange Program at Newcastle University, UK, and courses for STEM students in Valencia, Spain. Curtis also proudly promotes UMBC’s unique Faculty-Led Programs for Winter 2025, such as ‘Phage Hunters in Barcelona’, and the ‘Practice of Management: Global Perspectives in Panama’.
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For the third time in five years, UMBC is named a Fulbright Top Producing Institution
Feb 13, 2024
UMBC is one of 57 doctoral universities nationwide and three in Maryland to receive a Fulbright Top Producing Institution designation for Fulbright U.S. Students in 2023 – 2024.
More than 2,200 U.S. students from hundreds of colleges and universities are awarded Fulbright grants annually. However, only a few of these institutions are designated top producers yearly. In the last decade, UMBC students and recent graduates have received over 60 Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East, South America, and Europe.
“This achievement is a testament to your institution’s deep commitment to international exchange,” wrote Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a letter to President Valerie Sheares Ashby, congratulating her on UMBC’s Fulbright Top Producer designation, “and to building lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.”
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Meet a Retriever—Brian Souders, Ph.D., globetrotter and study abroad champion!
Feb 12, 2024
Currently, Brian Souders is the associate director for global learning in the Center for Global Engagement at UMBC. But Brian, who came to UMBC in 2000 to be the university’s inaugural study abroad coordinator, has worn a number of hats in his 20+ years as a Retriever. He’s a two time alum (Ph.D. ’09, language, literacy, and culture, M.A. ’19, TESOL), and after years of helping faculty and students achieve their overseas learning and research goals, Brian recently took part in his own Fulbright exchange program.
Find out more in an interview with Brian via this link!
Commentary: International education is more essential than ever for our students, our state, and our world.
December 19, 2023
The University System of Maryland (USM) has emphasized the importance of global learning as world affairs increasingly dominate national conversations. Senior Vice Chancellor Alison Wrynn highlighted that global learning is crucial not just for fostering international cooperation but also for addressing global existential challenges and enhancing human connections.
USM’s global learning programs aim to equip students with the ability to navigate complex global issues, engage in problem-solving, and understand diverse perspectives. These initiatives are vital as Maryland’s students prepare to enter a globally interconnected workforce, with nearly one in five jobs in the state linked to international trade.
In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic and travel restrictions, USM has innovatively expanded global learning opportunities. Initiatives such as virtual global internships, global classrooms, and the integration of international experts into courses have rapidly advanced USM’s international education efforts. These measures ensure that global learning remains accessible to all students, reinforcing USM’s commitment to public higher education and preparing students to be global citizens and leaders.
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Chung Ang University highlights Expanding Exchange Programs with UMBC
October 27, 2023
Representatives from UMBC and Japan’s Sapporo University engaged in pivotal discussions at Chung-Ang University in Seoul to enhance international exchange programs. UMBC, represented by the Center for Global Engagement and the Faculty-Led Study Abroad Coordinator, Ogonna Owu Jones, focused on expanding collaborations during their visit. The meeting included a detailed review of Chung-Ang’s International Summer Program and Global Student Internship initiatives. The commitment to deepen student exchange opportunities was underscored by plans to renew the mutual university partnership agreement for the coming year. The UMBC team also enjoyed a comprehensive tour of Chung-Ang’s Seoul campus, including the dormitories, Global Community Center, and the rooftop garden. These meetings highlight UMBC’s and Sapporo University’s ongoing commitment to fostering international academic exchanges and building global learning communities.
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UMBC’s 2023-2024 Fulbright Student Program recipients announced
Jul 22, 2023
This year, the U.S. Fulbright Student Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international exchange program, has awarded nine UMBC students and alumni top research and teaching placements in countries such as Japan, Taiwan, and North Macedonia.
Each year, more than 10,000 students apply with just over 2,000 selected from hundreds of colleges and universities across the U.S. In the last decade, UMBC students and alumni have received more than 85 Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for research and teaching placements in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East, South America, and Europe. UMBC was named a Fulbright Top Producing Institution in 2019 – 2020.
This year’s class includes research award recipient Paul Ocone ’22, individualized study, who will be conducting research at Meiji University School of Global Japanese Studies in Japan. Fulbright research awards provide funding for research and training efforts overseas with a focus on non-Western foreign languages and area studies. Additionally, there are eight UMBC recipients of the English Teaching Assistant (ETA) award. ETA’s develop their own language skills and knowledge of their host country while working with student in elementary through college to strengthen their English-language abilities and knowledge of the U.S.
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The PIE News announces the appointment of Katherine Heird as UMBC’s inaugural director of education abroad & global learning.
June 27, 2023
UMBC is proud to announce the appointment of Katherine Heird as the inaugural director of education abroad and global learning. Heird, who has an extensive background in international education, will lead the transformation of UMBC’s Education Abroad Office, aiming to establish a comprehensive model of programming and funding opportunities tailored to the university’s diverse student body. Her ongoing contributions to the field of international education include roles on the NAFSA Trainer Corps and as a board member for the Association of Academic Programs in Latin America and the Caribbean (AAPLAC).
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UMBC receives its first Study Abroad Capacity Building Grant from the U.S. Department of State
June 8, 2023
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has been awarded its first Study Abroad Capacity Building Grant by the U.S. Department of State as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to expand international educational opportunities for American students. UMBC is one of 34 U.S. colleges selected to share nearly $1.2 million in grants through the 2023 Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) Program.
This grant will support the development of a three-week, faculty-led STEM research study abroad program focused on biomedical research in Spain. Designed to make study abroad more accessible and affordable for STEM students, the program includes both online and hands-on training, aiming to boost participants’ intercultural competencies and integration into global scientific networks.
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Natalie Lobb contributes to the published AIRC/BONARD State of the International Student Recruitment and Enrollment Report!
May 2, 2023
UMBC has once again made its mark on the global stage, with Natalie Lobb contributing significantly to the published AIRC/BONARD State of the International Student Recruitment and Enrollment Report. This prestigious recognition highlights UMBC’s ongoing commitment to international education and its influence in shaping the future of student recruitment and enrollment worldwide.
The report, a collaborative effort by the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC), BONARD, the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), provides crucial benchmark data from over 300 higher education institutions and recruitment agencies. This data spans various essential areas, including student demographics, staff roles, organizational goals, financials, and the challenges and strategies of international recruitment and enrollment.
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The American International Recruitment Council selects UMBC as a recipient of the Sir Cyril Taylor Memorial Scholarship for Study in the U.S. This award supports scholarships to disadvantaged or underrepresented students from the UK to study in the U.S.
February 27, 2023
UMBC is one of nine U.S. higher education institutions selected to receive scholarship funds for disadvantaged or underrepresented students from the UK to study in the US during the 2023/24 academic year. Each institution will receive up to $10,000 from a partnership between the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) and the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), supported by a $100,000 grant from the Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation.
The scholarship initiative, established in 2022, aims to increase diversity and inclusion in study abroad programs, aligning with the vision of the late Sir Cyril Taylor, a noted advocate for international education. David Di Maria, associate vice provost for international education at UMBC, expressed the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence: “We are honored to receive this award and look forward to welcoming the future scholarship recipients to our UMBC community.”
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How to Bridge Your Two Homes
Nov 23, 2022
Jess Presuel’s route to UMBC was not a direct flight from Mérida, Yucatán—her home state in Mexico—to UMBC. She originally arrived in Maryland in 2015 as an au pair to a family with five children. There, she immediately felt accepted and as she cared for the children, they helped her learn English. Over time, Presuel realized she was ready to pursue her dream of becoming a surgeon, starting in fall 2021 working toward a degree in biological science. At UMBC, Presuel knew that she wasn’t just on campus to take classes; she wanted to bring her Mexican and Mayan heritage to her time as a Retriever. Now, as a global ambassador through the Center for Global Engagement and through other connections on campus, Presuel has found platforms to bridge her two homes and she wants to share how she’s going about it.
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Meet a Retriever — Jok Thon, UMBC’s First Peaceworker Global Fellow
Oct 26, 2022
Meet Jok Abraham Thon, UMBC’s first Peaceworker Global Fellow and the first Retriever from South Sudan. Thon is pursuing his master’s in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership and plans to use these skills to continue to promote educational opportunities for other South Sudanese people.
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UMBC students explore South Korea, Japan through new Education Abroad Access Fund.
July 20, 2022
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is expanding opportunities for international education through its new Education Abroad Access Fund, established by the Class of 1970. The fund aims to lower financial barriers to global learning experiences, allowing more students to engage in transformative educational journeys.
Amber Gist ‘23, a computer science major with a minor in Korean, became the fund’s first recipient. Her academic pursuits and self-directed studies in the Korean language paved the way for a semester in Seoul, South Korea. Gist, who had never traveled internationally, expressed that the experience broadened her perspective and enhanced her adaptability in her field.
Similarly, Joda Redfearn ‘23, majoring in global studies and English, was awarded a scholarship to study at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan for the 2022-2023 academic year. Having previously experienced Japan during a short trip, Redfearn is eager to deepen his understanding of Japanese culture and history.
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As global travel expands, UMBC faculty and staff earn Fulbright awards for research, collaboration abroad
Jun 6, 2022
Four UMBC faculty and staff members have received highly competitive Fulbright awards to conduct research and establish important connections around the world over the next year. UMBC’s new recipients of Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards are Shimei Pan, associate professor of information systems, and Corrie Parks, assistant professor of visual arts, and Tiffany Thames Copeland, adjunct faculty in Africana studies. Nancy Young, vice president for student affairs, has received a Fulbright International Education Administrators Award. They will travel to Germany, Austria, Ghana, and France, respectively.
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New UMBC grads share how intercultural experiences have shaped their journeys
UMBC graduates of 2022, such as Kateryna Yakusheva and Caleb Ruck, showcase the importance of intercultural experiences as integral to their education. Yakusheva, originally from Ukraine, emphasizes the need for global awareness and understanding amid crises. Meanwhile, Ruck reflects on his enriching experiences in Argentina, gaining confidence and a broader worldview. The university’s Global Ambassadors program further enriches this experience, helping international students like Nastaran Azar from Iran and Tchuissi Mbu Nyamsi from France navigate cultural transitions. Their stories underscore UMBC’s commitment to cultivating global perspectives, a testament to its diverse and supportive academic environment.
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UMBC grads navigating personal obstacles find purpose in supporting other students
UMBC’s 2022 graduation showcases extraordinary stories of resilience and determination. Diane Stonestreet ’22, a first-gen mechanical engineering graduate, credits her success to the supportive UMBC community and her active role in leadership initiatives like the STRiVE program and Engineers Without Borders. Shahreen Zannat ’22, despite significant physical challenges, excelled as valedictorian and a research assistant, embodying the spirit of perseverance. Chetan Desai, M.P.S. ’22 from India, and Priscila de Almeida Feitosa ’22 from Brazil, both overcame cultural and academic barriers, leveraging their UMBC experiences towards ambitious careers in data science and technology. Their stories reflect UMBC’s commitment to empowering students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their dreams.
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Drop in students who come to the US to study could affect higher education and jobs
Nov 29, 2021
According to new data from the Institute of International Education and the U.S. State Department, the number of international students in U.S. colleges and universities dropped by 15% from 2019 to 2020, totaling a loss of 161,401 students. This record decline, exacerbated by COVID-19 disruptions, marks the largest since 1948. Early indications for 2021 suggest a 68% increase in new enrollments, hinting at a temporary rebound fueled by delayed 2020 admissions. David L. Di Maria of UMBC highlights the pivotal role international students play in U.S. education and economy, amid calls for a national strategy to boost global competitiveness.
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UMBC wins prestigious APLU award for global engagement strategy
Nov 17, 2021
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has been awarded the 2021 Gold Award in Leadership and Pervasiveness for Internationalization by the Association of Public Land-Grant Universities (APLU), marking a significant achievement in global educational initiatives making UMBC the only University from North America to receive this prestigious award, which celebrates the university’s comprehensive and intentional strategy toward global engagement. The award was presented to UMBC staff from the Center for Global Engagement, including Vice Provost David Di Maria, during a ceremony where they showcased the gold trophy. This recognition is the result of two years of collaborative efforts involving over 400 members of the UMBC community, including students, faculty, and staff, who contributed to shaping the future of UMBC’s international engagements.
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Universities facing trend of fewer international students
Oct 14, 2021
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Andrew Zhang, a graduate student from China studying at Colorado State University (CSU), has noticed a significant decrease in the number of new Chinese students at his university, reflecting a national trend. In 2019, CSU had between 200 and 300 new Chinese students. This year, the number plummeted to just 20-30.
This sharp decline is part of a larger pattern seen across the U.S., where there was a 72% drop in new international student enrollments in 2020 compared to the previous year, as reported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
David Di Maria, Senior International Officer and Associate Vice Provost for International Education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, highlighted the impact of this decline on university programs, particularly in STEM and business fields. He cited increased xenophobia, stringent immigration policies, and the pandemic as significant barriers to international students.
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UMBC, Towson University help international students stay connected during COVID pandemic
May 3, 2021
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and Towson University have implemented programs to support their international students, who have faced unprecedented difficulties, including transitioning to hybrid and virtual learning environments. These initiatives aim to mitigate the loss of traditional on-campus experiences and foster a sense of belonging despite social-distancing mandates.
At UMBC, the Center for Global Engagement launched the Global Ambassadors Program in September 2020, which pairs new international students with experienced peers from diverse countries including India, Iran, Nigeria, Russia, and Zimbabwe. These Global Ambassadors serve as mentors, offering guidance and sharing insights based on their own experiences at the university.
Ashuthosh Chandramouli, a second-year graduate student from India, highlighted the value of the program, noting, “It’s a wonderful experience because I get to meet a lot of new international students and help them transition from their home country to the United States.”
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UMBC student research offers hope for critically endangered Bahama Oriole
Mar 4, 2021
A groundbreaking study led by UMBC alumni Michael Rowley ’18, M26, has revealed that the population of the Bahama Oriole is significantly larger than previously estimated. Conducted on Andros Island, the only home of these striking black and yellow birds, the study suggests that there are between 1,300 and 2,800 Bahama Orioles in just 25% of the island surveyed.
The research is part of a series of influential studies by undergraduates in the UMBC lab of Kevin Omland, professor of biological sciences. These studies have not only redefined understanding of the Bahama Oriole’s nesting habits but have also opened up new conservation strategies. Collaborative efforts with the Bahamas National Trust are aiming to incorporate more of the bird’s pine forest habitats into national parks.
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USM Institutions Among Top Producers of Fulbright U.S. Scholars and Students for 2020-21 Cycle
Feb 24, 2021
The University System of Maryland (USM) has been distinguished as a Fulbright Top Producer for the 2020-21 academic cycle, reflecting its robust commitment to academic excellence and international collaboration. This year, three USM institutions made the prestigious Chronicle of Higher Education list of “Top Producers of Fulbright U.S. Scholars and Students,” highlighting the system’s global influence and the high-quality achievements of its members.
The University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) led with 16 Fulbright U.S. Students followed by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) with 11, and Salisbury University (SU) with six awardees. This recognition underscores USM’s role as a leader in producing Fulbright scholars and students who represent a diverse array of academic disciplines and backgrounds.
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