Fall course launch and spring highlights from Gallaudet Education Abroad

Education Abroad and General Education Inspire Global Curiosity in VEE 102 Students

On March 26, the Education Abroad and International Fellowships (EA) team from the Office of International Affairs delivered a presentation titled “Bison Abroad: Your Study Abroad Journey” to approximately 150 VEE 102 students, in partnership with Assistant Director of General Education Roberta Lynn Daniels, ’97 & EdS ’07, and the General Education faculty and staff.

The session was led by EA Manager Fiona Grugan and Coordinator Tracy Dunlap, ’21, with support from student assistants Jeffrey Levitt, Estelina Kovacs, and Maria Serra Pereda. Students were introduced to Gallaudet’s global learning opportunities — including faculty-led study abroad programs in Madrid, Siena, Peru, and London, and global internships — all designed to be signing-accessible and delivered in American Sign Language (ASL) or through partnerships with Deaf educators and signing instructors.

Why Study Abroad? A key takeaway from the Bison Abroad presentation is that study abroad isn’t just about travel — it’s about building essential life and career skills. At Gallaudet, students grow as bilingual communicators and culturally aware leaders, ready to engage in both Deaf and hearing communities around the world.

Students who study abroad often develop:

• Critical Thinking: Problem-solving in unfamiliar cultural settings and adapting creatively.
• Global Citizenship: Intercultural understanding and collaboration across languages and identities.
• Career Readiness: International experience plus confidence, adaptability, and networking skills.
• Bilingualism in Action: Using ASL and English globally while navigating multimodal communication.

EA student assistants — including alumni of EA programs — shared stories, tips, and reflections from their time abroad. A highlight of the session was Levitt’s reflections as the first student to participate in all three major programs (Madrid, Siena, and Peru). He spoke candidly about how each experience shaped his academic growth, cultural confidence, and connection to global Deaf communities. To thank students for their participation, the team handed out Education Abroad t-shirts and stickers — a small but meaningful reminder that global experiences are within reach.

This event was a strong example of cross-campus collaboration and early engagement with global education. We’re proud of our EA team and grateful to the General Education faculty and staff for helping make this session possible. The presentation encouraged students to think critically about their futures, embrace their global identities, and begin imagining themselves not just as travelers, but as future Bison abroad — emerging global citizens prepared to lead with purpose and represent Gallaudet in communities around the world.

New Fall Course: Global Citizenship in Practice

Taught by Fiona Grugan, EA manager, this new 1-credit course prepares students for meaningful, responsible, and inclusive participation in international programs. It focuses on developing professional, academic, and intercultural skills that support long-term career goals.

Students will engage in readings, discussions, and hands-on planning while exploring how identity and lived experience shape cross-cultural interactions. They’ll also gain practical tools for finding funding, completing competitive applications, and managing travel logistics.

The course centers accessibility and inclusion, particularly for Deaf students, those with disabilities, and first-generation college students, and promotes ethical, informed, and career-aligned global engagement. Recommended for students interested in study abroad, international internships, fellowships, or globally-focused graduate programs.

Course Snapshot:

• Course Title: Global Citizenship in Practice
• Course Code: VEE 295 (Undergraduate) / VEE 595 (Graduate)
• Credits: 1
• Semester: Fall 2025
• Time: Wednesdays, 3:00–3:50 p.m.
• Instructor: Fiona Grugan
• Enrollment: Via Workday Student portal (accessible through Okta Dashboard) or by contacting their academic advisor

Support Student Scholars – Fulbright Applications Now Open

In April, the EA team hosted a Fulbright Application Workshop — a valuable opportunity for students to receive feedback on their project ideas, connect with other applicants, and start building a support network.

Now, EA is encouraging faculty and staff to help keep that momentum going. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides recent graduates and graduate students with the opportunity to study, research, or teach English abroad for one academic year. This prestigious, fully funded program supports cross-cultural exchange and global leadership development.

Right now is a great time to refer students — especially those graduating this spring or summer, as they are strong candidates for the next application cycle. Students who aren’t yet graduating are also welcome to meet with EA early to begin planning for a future application.

Key Dates:

• Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time
• Campus Deadline: Students should consult with the EA team for Gallaudet’s internal deadline, which is typically earlier than the national deadline.

Who is eligible?

• U.S. citizens
• Seniors graduating in spring or summer 2025, graduate students, and recent alumni
• Applicants must not hold a Ph.D. at the time of application

How you can help:
Please encourage high-achieving students with a passion for global engagement to explore Fulbright opportunities, and contact the EA office early.

Next steps for students:

• Visit us.fulbrightonline.org to learn more
• Contact abroad@gallaudet.edu to meet with the EA team for application support.