NEW YORK, NY - March 31, 2016 - Baruch College hosted the U.S. Department of State for “Study Abroad: An Investment in Your Future,” a discussion of the role of study abroad in U.S. relations and practical ways students can access global opportunities. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Evan Ryan spoke at the event that was attended by students, faculty, and staff from Baruch College and other schools within The City University of New York (CUNY).

Dr. David Christy, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Baruch, provided the welcoming remarks, and Dr. Vita Rabinowitz, Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost at CUNY, introduced the panel which included Secretary Ryan, Ambassador Kennedy, and two CUNY students, Latoya Bethune (Hunter College) and William Tsuda (LaGuardia CC), both of whom have studied abroad.

The event was part of a broad effort by the U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Study Abroad Office that was established in 2015, to increase and diversify participation in study abroad. CUNY’s study abroad programs, consortia initiatives, and commitment to identifying and supporting Gilman Scholarship Program scholars made it an ideal sponsor for this event.

“In the 21st century world of deeply intertwined global relationships, students need to be able to move easily both within and between cultures,” said Richard Mitten, director of Study Abroad at Baruch College. “One of the best ways of acquiring these skills is by studying abroad. While a considerable number of CUNY students already study abroad, many more want to, but face obstacles. We try to help them find ways to remove as many of the economic, academic and cultural obstacles as we can, by reaching out to more students, designing programs that are flexible and cost-effective, and making them aware of scholarship opportunities.”

Baruch College President Mitchel B. Wallerstein has set a five-year goal of sending at least 15% of Baruch students abroad each year for international experience.

“Let’s become one of the nation’s leading models for how an affordable college with limited resources is able to give its deserving students exposure to the world,” said Wallerstein in his 2015 State of the College address.

More on the White House Summit on Study Abroad and Global Citizenship

About Baruch College:

Baruch College is a senior college in the City University of New York (CUNY) with a total enrollment of more than 18,000 students, who represent 164 countries and speak more than 129 languages. Ranked among the top 15% of U.S. colleges and the No. 4 public regional university, Baruch College is regularly recognized as among the most ethnically diverse colleges in the country. As a public institution with a tradition of academic excellence, Baruch College offers accessibility and opportunity for students from every corner of New York City and from around the world. For more about Baruch College, go to http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/. 

Photos courtesy and copyright CUNY/Andre Beckles