Huntington Times

Marshall University and BridgeValley Community and Technical College have been awarded a joint grant of $50,000 to create a study abroad consortium for their students. This grant is part of 37 awards given this year aimed at enhancing American student mobility overseas in support of U.S. foreign policy goals.

The program will expand educational opportunities abroad for West Virginia students, particularly in STEM fields. The initiative includes the establishment of a faculty-led study abroad program in Ireland for both institutions, scheduled for the summer of 2025. This effort aims to increase capacity at both schools and pave the way for future innovative study abroad programs.

The primary objective of the consortium is to enhance access to short-term study abroad programs and strengthen the education abroad support system at Marshall and BridgeValley. Dr. Zelideth Maria Rivas, assistant provost for global education in the academic affairs office, serves as the principal investigator on the grant.

“Marshall University is excited to enter into this study abroad partnership with BridgeValley,” Rivas said. “While Marshall continues offering study abroad options for students, this will be the first study abroad opportunity to Ireland. Our collaboration with Dundalk Institute of Technology will emphasize Ireland’s rich cultural heritage, preparing students to enter an increasingly global workforce. Marshall is proud to lead West Virginia by pursuing partnerships with our community colleges which currently do not have the capacity to offer study abroad options.”

Since 2016, the IDEAS Program has awarded 216 grants to 205 institutions across 49 U.S. states and territories to establish or expand their U.S. study abroad programs in over 95 countries worldwide. Besides the IDEAS grant competition, it also offers opportunities for international educators at U.S. colleges and universities through free virtual and in-person capacity-building activities.

For more information about other study abroad resources and exchange programs offered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, visit https://eca.state.gov. The IDEAS Program is funded by the United States Government and supported by World Learning.