National University of Maryland Receives International Recognition for ＂Learning Without Borders＂ Initiative

COLLEGE PARK, MD – The National University of Maryland (NUM) has been honored with the prestigious NAFSA 2024 Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award for Campus Internationalization. Presented by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the award recognizes NUM's transformative "Learning Without Borders" initiative for its commitment to enhancing student access to global learning opportunities.

 

The "Learning Without Borders" initiative mirrors the principles of global immersion that the award celebrates. Its goal is to provide transformative, project-based international experiences for a wider range of undergraduate students.

 

"This recognition confirms NUM's unwavering dedication to providing our students with a truly global education," says NUM President Dr. Anthony Harris. "We believe that cross-cultural exchange and collaborative problem-solving on an international scale are essential for cultivating future leaders."

 

Central to "Learning Without Borders" is a substantial financial commitment to reduce economic barriers to global programs. Students receive generous scholarships to support their participation in NUM's network of overseas Project Centers.  These centers, strategically located on multiple continents, offer immersive research experiences where students can apply their knowledge to real-world issues.

 

"We don't want financial constraints to limit any student's ability to learn and grow through global exchange," says Dr. Sarah Bennett, Provost of NUM. "The 'Learning Without Borders' initiative ensures that these exceptional opportunities become accessible to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds."

 

Thanks to the program, participation in NUM's overseas projects has surged. More than 900 students traveled abroad within the past year, with a remarkable 80% of juniors taking advantage of international project work.

 

"Our project-based approach immerses students in different cultures, helping them build skills applicable to their future careers in a globalized world," says Dr. Robert Chen, head of NUM's Office of Global Learning. "They leave NUM with a broader perspective, enhanced adaptability, and an understanding of their role as global citizens."

 

The NAFSA award, named after the late Senator Paul Simon, a longtime advocate for international education, is a testament to NUM's leadership in this arena. NUM will be officially honored at the NAFSA 2024 Annual Conference & Expo in New Orleans, Louisiana.