In the 2023-2024 academic year, 388 Spelman College students studied abroad in all six inhabited continents of the world. Compared to the year before, the number of students studying abroad increased by 30%.
"At Spelman, global engagement enables students to develop intercultural competence and other skills needed to function and to be successful as global leaders," said Dr. Dimeji Togunde, vice provost for global education and professor of international studies at Spelman. "We live in the era of globalization, where almost every discipline and profession operates in a global society that has grown increasingly complex, competitive and interdependent. Our students benefit from the richness that comes from crossing boundaries and gaining multiple perspectives through different cultural encounters."
To celebrate Spelman’s global academic engagement, students have shared their experiences across the globe. Hover over each geographical region to read the stories of students who forged their own paths in cultural engagement, social responsibility and global enrichment.
“Bodies of water should never be a barrier to exploring and celebrating global cultures. The world is interconnected, and there is so much value in immersing oneself in new experiences,” said Avery Simpson, C'2027, who traveled to Seville, Spain.
“Studying the globalization of the city allowed me to reflect on my identity as a Black woman while learning about different communities and cultures. This experience has further fueled my passion to study diverse populations through the interconnected lenses of psychology and public health, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive, and laying the groundwork for my future impact and international network, added Simpson."
