|
|
June 2026
URochester Global Leadership Message
This edition of Global Connections highlights the University of Rochester's global mobility and partnerships, emphasizing their central role in advancing internationalization. URochester's global engagement strategy is framed by a comprehensive approach that prioritizes partnerships, research, and student mobility. These elements foster collaboration, expand educational opportunities, enhance cultural exchange, and promote global learning.
In an era of unprecedented mobility and transformative shifts—technological, climate-related, and geopolitical—global strategies must be reimagined to address emerging challenges (Benjamin & Skjerven, NAFSA, May/June 2026). Partnerships, once peripheral to internationalization, are now essential for achieving the University of Rochester's global learning mission, advancing impactful education abroad programs, and supporting student mobility. URochester boasts over 100 mission-aligned partnerships across 31 countries, signaling its commitment to addressing global challenges while enhancing its academic and medical enterprise.
Global Mobility Trends
Global mobility trends underscore the importance of international engagement. According to the United Nations, over 300 million people live outside their country of origin, with nearly 7 million studying internationally (UNESCO 2025). The U.S. hosts over 1 million international students, contributing $42 billion to the economy and supporting over 355,000 jobs (NAFSA/JBI Economic Analysis, 2024-2025). Locally, in congressional district 25, international students contributed $357 million and supported over 3,000 jobs, with the University of Rochester accounting for $242 million and 2,300 jobs. Beyond financial impact, international students enrich the academic and co-curricular environment with diverse perspectives, knowledge, and lived experiences.
Student mobility is also reflected in education abroad programs. While U.S. students studying abroad tripled between 1985 and 2000, reaching a peak of 350,000 in 2018, numbers declined during COVID but are now recovering.
Student Mobility
In 2023-2024, 298,000 U.S. students participated in education abroad programs. At the University of Rochester, 449 students (approximately 7%) engaged in such programs this past academic year, with top destinations in the UK and Europe. Efforts to diversify student experiences include a signed mobility agreement with OP Jindal University in India and ongoing discussions with institutions in South and Southeast Asia. Studying abroad enhances critical skills such as problem-solving, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability—qualities highly valued by employers (QS Global Employer Survey; British Council).
Commitment to Global Mobility and Partnerships
The University of Rochester's commitment to global mobility and partnerships reflects its dedication to fostering collaboration, cultural exchange, and global learning. By embracing internationalization, URochester not only enhances its academic and research enterprise but also prepares students to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world. As global challenges continue to evolve, the University of Rochester's strategic focus on partnerships and mobility ensures it remains Ever Better in addressing the needs of a dynamic global landscape.
Meliora,
Ravi Shankar
|
|
Global Engagement by the Numbers
|
|
Student Fellowships Office
University of Rochester Students Earn Prestigious Global Fellowships and Awards
University of Rochester students and alumni achieved remarkable success during the 2025–26 academic year in a wide range of nationally and internationally competitive fellowship and scholarship programs. These opportunities will enable recipients to pursue research, language study, teaching, cultural exchange, and leadership development across the globe.
Among this year's accomplishments, four students were selected for the China Deep Dive: Global Young Leaders Program, receiving scholarships to participate in an immersive two-week summer experience exploring China's social and cultural history, governance, development, globalization, and technological innovation.
URochester also celebrated success in several highly competitive scholarship programs. One Rochester student who was nominated for both the Churchill Scholarship and the Rhodes Scholarship was named an alternate for the former and advanced to finalist status in the latter.
Language and cultural exchange opportunities were another area of distinction. Through the Critical Language Scholarship Program, three University of Rochester students reached semifinalist status, with one student selected to study Mandarin in Taiwan this summer and two named alternates. Additionally, two seniors were selected for the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) and will serve as English language teaching assistants in French public schools during the 2026–27 academic year.
URochester students also demonstrated exceptional success in international research opportunities. Through the DAAD RISE and RISE-Professional Programs, 13 students—including 12 undergraduates and one graduate student—were selected from a pool of 53 University of Rochester applicants to conduct research in academic and industry settings throughout Germany this summer.
URochester’s strongest showing came through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Of 39 candidates who applied through the University of Rochester, 19 advanced to semifinalist status, and 12 students were selected to receive 2026–27 Fulbright grants for graduate study, independent research, and English teaching opportunities in countries across Asia, Europe, and South America while serving as cultural ambassadors for the United States. Two additional candidates were named alternates.
Students pursuing study abroad opportunities were also recognized through the Gilman International Scholarship Program, with two recipients receiving awards to support study abroad experiences during summer and fall 2026.
In the area of peacebuilding and global engagement, both University of Rochester submissions to the Projects for Peace Summer Grant competition received funding. The grants will support student-led grassroots peacebuilding and conflict transformation initiatives in Morocco and Rwanda this summer.
Finally, two URochester students were named finalists for the Princeton in Asia Fellowship, further highlighting the University of Rochester's commitment to preparing globally engaged leaders.
These achievements reflect the talent, curiosity, and global outlook of URochester’s students and alumni. Through fellowships, scholarships, and international experiences, they continue to advance the University of Rochester's tradition of fostering leadership, research excellence, and meaningful engagement across cultures and communities worldwide.
|
|
Celebrating Global Learning at Commencement: Education Abroad Stoles Recognize Class of 2026 Graduates
Education Abroad Stoles
More than 120 members of the Class of 2026 proudly wore Education Abroad stoles during commencement ceremonies this spring, representing over 30 education abroad programs across the globe. Each stole symbolized far more than time spent overseas—it reflected a transformative learning experience that broadened perspectives, strengthened intercultural skills, and deepened students' understanding of an increasingly interconnected world.
The Education Abroad Graduation Stole Program provides a meaningful way to recognize students who have participated in an education abroad experience while celebrating the lasting impact of global learning. Through the program, students engage in reflection on their international experiences and connect with post-study abroad opportunities that help them integrate their learning into their academic, professional, and personal journeys.
Importance of Global Mobility
The stole serves as a visible reminder of the growth that occurs beyond the classroom. Whether students studied in major global cities, conducted research abroad, completed internships, or immersed themselves in new cultures and languages, their experiences contributed to the development of skills that will serve them throughout their lives and careers.
The program also strengthens the sense of community among education abroad alumni. By creating a shared symbol of global engagement, the stoles connect graduates who have challenged themselves to learn across borders and cultures. At commencement—one of the university's most visible and celebrated traditions—the stoles help showcase the University of Rochester's commitment to experiential learning, global engagement, and preparing students to lead in a complex global society.
Globally Minded Graduates
In addition to recognizing student achievement, the program encourages meaningful reflection on education abroad experiences and supports assessment efforts that help URochester better understand the impact of global learning on student development. The visibility of the stoles also raises awareness of education abroad opportunities among students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni attending commencement.
As these graduates begin the next chapter of their lives, they carry forward the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives gained through their international experiences.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 graduates who proudly wore their Education Abroad stoles at commencement. Their achievements highlight the important role education abroad plays in fostering globally minded graduates and enriching the University of Rochester community. We look forward to seeing how they apply their global experience to future careers, communities, and opportunities for engagement around the world.
|
|
Monthly Observances
Each month, the Office for Global Engagement will highlight holidays observed around the world, fostering greater awareness of celebrations across cultures and communities.
June 5 – World Environment Day
June 14 – Race Unity Day
June 12 – Loving Day
June 12 – World Day Against Child Labor
June 16 – Muharram Islamic New Year (Islamic) - Still estimated according to sources - based on moon
June 19 – Juneteenth
June 20 – World Refugee Day
June 21 – Litha, Summer Solstice (Pagan)
June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day (Canada)
June 24 – St-Jean-Baptiste Day (Quebec)
June 28 – Pride Day (LGBTQ+) - Varies by city
|
|
Find URochester Global Offices
Staff are available to support students, scholars, faculty, and partners with international education, global programming, immigration services, and study abroad opportunities in the Center for Education Abroad, the International Services Office, and the Office for Global Engagement.
|
|
Stay Connected with URochester Global
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
