2024-2025 Global Learning
Annual Report
A year of expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and supporting student engagement across the world and on campus.
Explore Our Impact
Navigate by category to explore key areas of global learning at Kalamazoo College.
Study Abroad
Study abroad continues to be a significant experience for students and a signature element of the K-Plan. In 2024–2025, students engaged in academic and experiential learning across 25 countries, strengthening intercultural communication, independence, and inquiry-based learning. We are proud that K carries on the tradition of an immersive study abroad/away experience. Faculty, staff and students, whether they decide to go off-campus or not, benefit from the time spent in community in another location besides the K bubble. Getting a chance to practice a language, learn a different perspective on a global issue, or build self-confidence sets students up for their next step after graduation and beyond.
1 Quarter, Spring: Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen Nurnberg
1 Quarter, Spring: Universidad Antonio de Nebrija
Study Abroad Participation
Data below represents all Kalamazoo College students who studied abroad during the 2024–2025 academic year, including fall, winter, spring, and multi-quarter participants.
When Students Studied Abroad
Where Students Studied Abroad
Most students participated in multi-quarter programs, reflecting the strong appeal of full-immersion and extended experiences
Europe remains the most selected region, with steady participation in Asia and Latin America.
Academic Majors Represented Among Study Abroad Participants
Study abroad draws students from across the curriculum, with strong representation in STEM, social sciences, and the arts.
Study Away
Experiential Learning in the United States
The CIP supported 18 domestic study away students during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Domestic study away allows students to experience experiential learning in a new environment while staying in the U.S. Students spend the majority of their time in an internship while also focused on a particular area of study including the arts, environmental justice, or business and entrepreneurship.
1 Quarter, Fall Away: The Washington Center
Expanding Access Through Financial Support
Student Grants
The CIP awarded over $362,000 in grants and subsidies this year, ensuring equitable access for students pursuing study abroad/away experiences.
Show list of grants
| Grants/Funding | Description | Number of Awards | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beeler/Campbell/Collins | Typically funds up to half the projected cost of a S.I.P. overseas | 36 | $48,280 |
| Global Hornets Program | Initiative for first-generation study abroad participants at K | 8 | $4,000 |
| Kopecky/Stavig/Tiefenthal | Passport Fees & Photos as well as Culture & Language Immersion | 106 | $12,644 |
| Maynard Owen Williams | Student publishing of study abroad and away experiences | 10 | $1,050 |
| Todd Memorial Classics Fund | Provides support for field school studies | 3 | $18,000 |
| Travel Subsidy (various funds) | Round-trip airfare to the study abroad program site | 108 | $133,536 |
| CIP scholarships (various funds) | For work study qualified students and RAs | 64 | $88,665 |
| Various Funds | Supplemental funding for associated costs for study abroad | 80 | $44,145 |
| Weiner Fund | Vaccination & Immunizations | 33 | $11,872 |
Faculty Study Abroad Grants
Show list of grants
| Fund | Grant Recipient | Location |
|---|---|---|
| CIP Travel Fund | Dr. Ivett Lopez Malagamba | Site visit to Spain |
| CIP Travel Fund | Dr. Patrik Hultberg | Site visit to South Korea |
Global Hornets Program: Expanding Access for First-Generation Students
A Record Year of Participation
- 22 first-generation students studied abroad through the Global Hornets Program in 2024–2025; the largest cohort since the program launched in 2019.
This growth reflects CIP’s ongoing commitment to removing financial and informational barriers that disproportionately affect first-generation students.
What the Program Provides
GHP offers first-generation students:
- Financial support (airfare, stipends, passport fees)
- Dedicated advising tailored to first-gen needs
- A structured cohort experience focused on belonging, identity, and reflective preparation
Impact Highlights
- Students reported increased confidence in navigating complex logistics, a stronger sense of community, and deeper reflection on their experiences abroad. Many articulated new clarity around personal identity, academic goals, and global citizenship.
Looking Ahead
- CIP aims to continue expanding financial and mentor support to ensure even more first-generation students can access global learning opportunities.
Student Engagement & Campus Outreach
Student Outreach
The CIP hosted a range of programs designed to build early awareness, prepare students for global learning, strengthen belonging, and support identity-centered conversations. Engagement efforts focused heavily on reaching first-year students, first-generation students, and students of color, particularly those who may not initially see study abroad as accessible to them.
Engagement at a Glance
- 12 major programs offered
- 400 total student touch-points
- 4 identity-centered panels and dinners
- 3 campus-wide fairs with strong first-year attendance
- Multiple collaborations with student organizations
Access & Early Exploration
- Study Abroad/Away Fair (182)
- Japan Programs Info Session (9)
- First-Year Forum “Should I Stay or Should I Go Abroad?” Panels (167)
- K Study Abroad Programs Fair (45)
- New York Arts Info Session (22)
- Brain Tease & Freeze (Dorms) (32)
These early-year events continue to be our most impactful outreach point. First-year attendance at the forum reflects strong early curiosity and positions students earlier for advising planning.
Identity & Belonging in Global Spaces
- Young Men of Color Student Organization Study Abroad Dinner Conversation (19)
- Race & Ethnicity Abroad Panel (26)
- Queer Identity Abroad Panel (27)
- Women of Color Alliance Student Organization Study Abroad Dinner Conversation (30)
- Black Student Organization Study Abroad Dinner Conversation (20)
Identity-centered programs remain essential for supporting students who have questions about safety, belonging, and representation abroad. Attendance trends show that students of color and LGBTQ+ students are actively seeking guidance and community around the global learning experience.
Financial Access & Logistics
- Money Matters Sessions (3)
- Study Abroad Acceptance Party (85)
Students continue to seek clarity on finances and next steps. Attendance at the Acceptance Party demonstrates the need for continued celebratory and community-building support during the pre-departure phase.
What We Learned This Year:
- Early fall outreach drives the highest student engagement.
- Identity-centered programming is consistently requested and well attended.
- Students value support that addresses both logistics (finances, processes) and belonging (identity-based concerns).
- Collaboration with student organizations continues to broaden our reach.
What’s Next:
- Expand first-year outreach and cohort-based prep.
- Strengthen partnerships with identity-based orgs.
- Increase financial literacy programming earlier in the advising cycle.
International Students
Fostering Growth Through Encouragement and Involvement
We have 16 new J-1 students and 6 new F-1 students. The new F and J visa holders come from 11 different countries.
Many of the international students are teaching assistants for the language labs.
In addition to a comprehensive orientation, students are encouraged to participate in and supported with a variety of activities and events outside the classroom.
- Weekly check-ins
- Host family program
- Employment workshops
- Community reflections
2025-2026 Academic Year