Students at the University of Dayton have many opportunities to shape their Education Abroad and Away experiences to align with their academic and personal goals. Whether through a semester, summer, or short-term program, each option offers a meaningful opportunity for growth. This past spring break, the university offered five integrated programs in Germany, Argentina, France, the Netherlands and Costa Rica. Across every program, faculty dedication makes these experiences truly transformative.
Faculty leaders bridge the gap between curriculum and the real world by moving beyond the textbook. Courtney Stangel, leader for Accounting in Paris, coordinated a visit to an international firm where students gained direct insight into how global negotiations and business decisions take shape. "We wanted to increase understanding of what accounting really is in the business world, because it’s totally different from the classroom," Stangel said.
This focus on industry application continued in Germany and the Netherlands. In Germany, Emily Shreve organized days around urban sustainability, where students visited fashion, food and brewing businesses to see how sustainability intersects with different industries. Similarly, Henry Willmore connected students in Amsterdam with a former UD exchange student who operates several successful restaurants. The entrepreneur provided a masterclass in the specific processes of managing finance, hiring and supply chains in a foreign market.
This dedication to field-based learning extended to social and environmental sectors as well. In Argentina, students analyzed teaching approaches at local schools, while in Costa Rica, they studied sustainable infrastructure within tropical ecosystems. Each activity was chosen to provide a competitive edge, allowing students to bring global solutions back to their future careers.
The impact of this faculty investment is most visible back in Dayton. Beth Hart, leader of Engineering in Costa Rica, noted the classroom dynamic changes significantly. "When we come back, the class gets so much louder," she said. This represents a long-term increase in engagement; students return as a cohesive community, ready to collaborate in new ways.
Success begins with faculty members’ intentional design months before departure. By curating site visits and connections, they ensure every moment has a clear academic purpose. Henry Willmore noted that seeing students' curiosity makes this engagement worthwhile, while Kate Lawless, leader of Education in Argentina, said active participation in the design process is the key to success.
These experiences cultivate a professional confidence that stays with students long after they return. Through the vision of UD faculty, a single week becomes a foundation for a lifetime of global leadership.
If you are a faculty member interested in learning more about leading a Faculty-Led Program, email gia@udayton.edu for more information.