A New Center for Global Education

International study and international recruitment have been independent efforts at Moravian University. Recognizing the synergies and efficiencies that are possible by bringing these two programs together under one roof, the college opened the doors in September to Moravian University’s Center for Global Education at 1140 Main Street. It now houses the offices of Global Programs and Initiatives, International Enrollment, and Global Inclusion.

Students interested in studying abroad work with the Global Programs and Initiatives team to explore opportunities, identify the right fit, discuss financial assistance if needed, and prepare for their adventure.

“A small portion of our work is helping students from our partner institutions overseas come to Moravian to study for a couple of weeks or a semester,” says Director Christian Sinclair, “but the majority of what we do is create opportunities for Moravian University students to go abroad.”

Those opportunities include semester and yearlong programs as well as one- to three-week faculty-led trips, which have traditionally taken place during spring break or May term. This year, the college will be offering a new Winter Term program, debuting a trip to Tanzania led by Akbar Keshodkar, associate professor of anthropology.

Roughly 23 percent of our students participate in a study-abroad program. The national average for colleges and universities is 10 percent. President Grigsby’s wish is for every Moravian University student to have a study-abroad experience, and Provost Cynthia Kosso is working with the Center for Global Education on strategies to make opportunities for international study accessible to all undergraduates.

For any student who, for whatever reason, cannot engage in study abroad, the college brings international experience to campus through student exchange and the students who come from countries all over the world to earn their degree here at Moravian through International Enrollment. Studying and socializing side by side throughout the year with students from Nepal, Portugal, Tanzania, and other countries who have chosen a Moravian University education provides homegrown Greyhounds an opportunity to learn about another culture from someone who lives it, and to see the US experience through that student’s eyes.

As more young men and women come to Bethlehem from around the world, that international presence sparks an interest in study abroad among our US students. “When you bring a sizable percentage of international students to your campus, it pushes US students to make friends and to grow their perspectives,” says Manuel Gonzalez, executive director of international enrollment.