Global Initiatives
State colleges and universities equip students to navigate an interconnected world. AASCU builds partnerships that make it possible.
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We empower our members to shape graduates who think, act, and lead globally.
Global Citizens
Upon graduation, students will have experience:
- Analyzing the historical, political, and cultural contexts of global issues.
- Interacting with and learning from different perspectives and cultures.
- Developing an empathetic, responsible ethic of global citizenship.
- Collaborating and taking action to address complex problems and drive change.
- Engaging in spaces where curiosity, openness, and humility are valued.
Global Institutions
To prepare their graduates, institutions must:
- Provide and promote study abroad and exchange opportunities.
- Establish global partnerships for instruction, research, and service learning.
- Integrate international perspectives across disciplines.
- Embed global engagement in the institution’s mission, goals, and action plans.
- Cultivate a campus culture that values different perspectives and global citizenship.
Ways to Get Involved
Programs
Participate in experiences that connect students, leadership, and faculty to their global communities.
Research & Events
Find timely insights from the AASCU community.
Committees & Awards
Share insights and celebrate your peers’ contributions.
Policy & Advocacy
Advance policy priorities critical to international education.
Current Programs
Experiences that connect students, leadership, and faculty to their global communities.
Impact
Globally-connected institutions. World-ready graduates.
Troy University – Alabama’s International University
The physical presence of 200 permanently exhibited Terracotta Warriors in the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park on campus is proof of Troy University’s campus and cultural transformation.
Programs
- Sino-US CHEPD 1+2+1 Program
Impact
20+ years
Founding member of the Sino-US CHEPD 1+2+1 Program
1071
Chinese students participating in the program since 2001
$32M USD
Funds acquired by campus through participation into program
“UMES recently collaborated with AASCU to conduct a review of our ongoing efforts to internationalize our campus. They did a great job engaging our campus community during the onsite visit and prepared a very thorough report. We found their recommendations regarding curricular and co-curricular activities, recruitment initiatives, and study abroad to be very helpful. These suggestions will be included in our strategic plan.”
“I deeply value and appreciate the long-term friendship and partnership with AASCU for sustaining the collaboration of the Sino-American CHEPD 1+2+1 Program. You may never know what new opportunities and adventures will come out of this unique program by working with all the participating institutions. I am always excited when I hear the successful stories of the students and witness their wonderful performance and achievements.”
“I was fortunate to assist AASCU’s delegation to Cuba in 2016 & 2018. I worked with member institutions to develop institutional partnerships and facilitate faculty-led programs. I recall the enthusiasm of AASCU’s leadership and delegates when we met in Havana. I fondly recall learning about the various institutional goals over daily meals, and collaboratively devising ways to best approach them. The connections made with member institutions from SUNY and CUNY, have shaped how we focus on access, which is a mission also held by Cuban universities.”
“I visited AASCU as part of a mission organized by the U.S. Embassy in Argentina. A group of eight internationalization managers from Argentinian universities traveled to the U.S. to meet leaders related to higher education, to strengthen institutional links and develop joint activities. We have since developed two programs sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Argentina. AASCU has been the perfect ally in finding suitable partners and academics to get involved in all these initiatives.”
Events
Jul. 15-17, 2025
Indianapolis, IN
Conference
Register today.
Featured News & Resources
Meet our Partners.
Helping students develop a globally conscious ethic takes a shared commitment from institutions, nonprofits, and associations.
Policy Agenda
AASCU’s commitment to preparing global citizens extends to the policy arena, where we champion the federal and state policies that expand international education opportunities, support global engagement, and strengthen institutions’ capacity to foster cross-cultural learning.
Promote International Education
- Advocate for international exchange programs and reasonable international student and scholar visa policies.
- Oppose inappropriate restrictions on travel to the United States by international students and scholars.
- Oppose disruptive and unnecessary restrictions on legitimate international engagements by colleges and universities.
Support Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and “Dreamers”
- Support the enactment of the Dream Act.
- Protect work authorization for DACA recipients.
- Support legislation that allows “Dreamers” to be eligible for federal student aid and other financial support programs.
- Support legislation to create a pathway for legalization and citizenship for eligible individuals brought to the United States as children.
Committees & Awards
Committee on International Education
A passionate, diverse team of presidents and chancellors shaping the direction of AASCU’s global initiatives.
Get involved.International Education Award
Awards celebrating the innovative ways our members demonstrate their commitment to institutional globalization.
Apply for an award.Students who think and engage globally will lead the future. Let’s talk about how your institution can prepare them.
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