Experience an expanded viewpoint, one that can only be gained on a global education: study abroad program or through the eyes of a University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz learner.

Guests at the spring Study Abroad Photo Showcase, an annual event celebrating students, faculty, staff, and friends of the study abroad community, were treated to a delicious dinner, an engaging panelist discussion, and a front-row seat to a display of stunning visuals, vibrant imagery that was captured by students during their study abroad programs throughout the world.

“Through the University’s study abroad programs, CU Denver | Anschutz students have experienced learning adventures on every continent except Antarctica,” said Nicole Herrin, Global Education Program Manager. “The annual Study Abroad Photo Showcase allows us to see the beautiful, the silly, and the cherished through the photos taken by the students.”

By popular vote, several students received awards for their photographs in the 2026 photo contest.

From Brazil to Ireland to Japan to Spain to Uganda, exciting study abroad programs enable CU Denver | Anschutz learners to take a deep dive into international studies, clinical opportunities, research, and transformative experiential education. The Global Education: Study Abroad team, faculty, and other colleagues are keenly focused on bringing these programs within reach for all students, including first-generation, veterans, transfers, and students with financial needs.

“The impact of studying abroad is profound,” explained Andrew Wingfield, Director of Global Education: Study Abroad. “When students immerse themselves in another culture—through coursework, research, or clinical rotations—they return with confidence, adaptability, intercultural fluency, and a deeper appreciation for our beautiful and diverse world. These experiences shape their perspectives and often change the trajectory of their lives.”

Study abroad experiences inspire students to achieve better grades, graduate on time, and look to the future with a global mindset. These learning experiences also strengthen career outcomes. A recent national study from The Forum on Education Abroad found that graduates who study abroad gain measurable advantages in the job market. They enter a wide range of fields—often high‑earning sectors such as engineering, marketing, and public relations—with stronger communication, problem‑solving, and adaptability skills. Across industries such as IT, education, healthcare, and finance, they are more likely to take on leadership roles than peers who did not study abroad. These lead to lasting impacts for students and for the communities they will serve.

“My study abroad program was a consulting program; it taught me now to work with business leaders and teams,” voiced one of the evening’s student panelists. “It helped me to learn and grow.”

Another student panelist reported, “I really wanted to learn to work with engineers. The insights on my program helped me in ways that I see for my future career; I’m already applying what I learned in my current job.”

In the 2024-2025 academic year, 423 CU Denver learners studied abroad across the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. The most popular program destinations were in Belgium, Czechia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

During the 2024-2025 academic year, 142 CU Anschutz learners traveled abroad for international coursework, research, and clinical training. The top destination was at the Trifinio Clinic in Guatemala. Other top destinations included Canada, Costa Rica, Brazil, and South Africa. In addition, 101 CU Anschutz learners participated in independent clinical work or research abroad, representing Dentistry, GME, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Public Health.

New programs have rolled out for academic year 2025-2026, including those focused on political science and history in Ireland, wellness and psychology in Italy;  and the launch of a summer version of the long-standing semester in Beijing program in China.

Faculty and staff play a pivotal role in the success of study abroad programs. The Global Education Advisory Committee (GEAC) reviews, approves/denies all faculty-led Global Study proposals, provides feedback on policies and procedures relevant to global study programs, promotes internationalization of the curriculum, and supports and fosters high-impact practices generated through global education programs.

Several faculty leaders were honored at the spring Showcase event. Through student voting, they received top awards as Study Abroad Outstanding Educators:

• Yvette Bueno Olson, PhD. Olson's immersive, hands-on experiences in the Dominican Republic—from hospital visits to community engagement—challenged students' perspectives on global health and cultural understanding.
  
  
• Robert Hobbins, PhD. Students highlighted Hobbins’s meticulous and intentional program design which created an executive-level learning experience that connected theory directly to real-world practice in sustainable business models.
  
  
• Tim Lei, PhD. Lei's unparalleled expertise in Taiwan's semiconductor industry and Japanese robotics, combined with his personal connections, gave students rare, hands-on access they couldn't have found elsewhere.
  
  
• Tony Robinson, PhD. Robinson’s deep knowledge of Korea, combined with his approachable nature and genuine passion for the experience, made the trip both academically enriching and personally memorable for every student.
  

The student panelists expressed appreciation for their faculty program leaders, the structure of their respective programs, and the knowledge and advanced leadership skills they gained from studying abroad.

“Challenges will come during your time abroad; being open-minded about meeting new people and working with interculturally diverse teams can enhance your leadership skills.”

Much of the discussion centered around how to budget and pay for a student’s desired study abroad program. For many students, cost remains the greatest barrier. Expenses such as airfare, passports, and time away from work puts global learning out of reach without additional support.

A panelist explained, “I am a first-generation student, so I was eligible for a scholarship; I am VERY grateful.”

In support of this, Robinson spoke about the importance of the university’s Study Abroad Scholarship Fund. “This experience only happens for some of the students if others of us choose to share,” he said. “I encourage you to give a little back.”

Sharing advice to fellow students who were considering applying for a study abroad program, the panelists offered parting words of advice:

“We all have our comfort zones. If you’re afraid, think about what you’d gain.”

“CU Denver has many resources. Think about the return on your investment and all the knowledge that you’ll bring back.”

“My advice to other students who are hesitant to study abroad is to just do it. Honestly, it’s the most impactful learning I’ve had during my MBA program because it takes what you study in the classroom into practice.”

Learn more:

View the last six years' winning photos here! Study Abroad Photo Contest.

Read student stories and view their imagery through the Humans of Global Education campaign.

Hear what faculty and academic advisors say about the importance of studies abroad.

Learn more about studies abroad in Brazil, CU Anschutz.

Learn more about studies abroad in Spain and France, CU Denver.

Give to the Study Abroad Scholarship Fund.