Mandatory International Education Fee Wednesday, November 11, 2015

More students, more need UTSA has had a steady increase in the number of students participating in study abroad. In AY , we project more than 500 students will study abroad, an increase of more than 62% over the AY numbers.

For the cost of a movie ticket, how many more students can we help with an academic experience abroad every year?

Background The International Education Fee was established and approved by the Texas Legislature in 1991 to provide funding for study abroad and exchange program scholarships Currently, each enrolled UTSA student pays $2 per semester to the International Education Fee –Student referendum in 2006 raised the fee from $1 to $2 per student per semester During FY16, approximately $136K will be awarded in student scholarships to study abroad

FY14 and FY15 Recap  In , $158,800 was awarded  In , $177,400 was awarded  $136,600 will be awarded in Fall 2015 for students who will study abroad in Spring 2016 and Summer 2016

Tier One research and education, abroad The Belize program is a prime example of a UTSA faculty led study abroad that allows students to participate in hands-on research during their study abroad. Many students have been IEF recipients.

Life-changing experiences This trip has given me so much more insight on the world. Being tossed directly into an entirely different culture did not make me feel worried or scared. Rather, it only excited me and gave me more knowledge and awareness of how others are. No one acts the same, we are all different; and I have grown to appreciate this. - Richard Garrod, Italy

Proposed increase Current $2, per student, per semester Proposed, FY18 $4, per student, per semester

How do students benefit from this fee?  IEF scholarships increase financial accessibility to study abroad experiences  Eligibility is not contingent upon financial aid status  Targets students with little to no international experience  Students and faculty abroad raise the profile of UTSA  UTSA has more Hispanic/Latino students study abroad than the national average, per Institute of International Education 2012 data. This group is typically underrepresented.

Thanks!!

Award Statistics 122 students have been awarded scholarships since Fall 2014 –AY avg. award was $2,500 –AY avg. award was $900 –78% of applicants awarded in AY –91% of applicants awarded in AY

Accountability Selection committee continually reviews its processes to ensure fair selection of students, eliminating bias faculty members who may knows students Awarded students must submit a report of their study abroad experience within one month of returning to the United States

IEF Scholarship Committee IEF committee members comprised of faculty representatives and two study abroad alumni All student applications are reviewed by the committee using a global assessment form Awards are based on overall quality of application and length of program Maximum award is generally $3,600 for Fall or Spring semester-length programs

Life-changing experiences The program benefited me personally because I had never been to Europe and it was a great experience to view society outside of the United States. Because of that, I have a new appreciation for the United States and especially Texas. - Melissa Apodackis, Germany My personal and academic benefit was well worth the cost of this semester, being that the value of the confidence I gained is utterly incalculable. - Brandy Burow, Granada

Life-changing experiences This scholarship benefits me in so many ways. First of all I can have the opportunity to live in another country by myself. The experience of studying in South America will help me to learn about the culture and traditions. - Shary Cardona, Argentina