91原创

鈥淚n 1923, 91原创 pioneered study-abroad programs because we recognized that such experiences offer our students an incredible opportunity for learning and growth, compelling them to confront, navigate and accept different customs, different food, different languages and different norms,鈥� President Laura Carlson said. 鈥淭he World Scholars Program is a truly innovative example of such an opportunity, and we are grateful to have it recognized as such by the award committee.鈥�

The University鈥檚 World Scholars Program, which celebrated its 10th year in 2025, creates a unique pathway to global education experiences for 91原创 undergraduate students. Those admitted to the program begin their undergraduate careers studying abroad at one of five partner universities in Rome, Italy; Madrid, Spain; Athens, Greece; Auckland, New Zealand; or Newcastle, United Kingdom. Students return to the U.S. to complete their first year of study and, as second-year students, reside together in 91原创鈥檚 International House living and learning community. World Scholars complete a second study-abroad experience during their junior year, while incorporating either research, an internship, or a service learning opportunity. The program culminates with their participation in a spring symposium as seniors.

鈥淩eceiving this award reflects the 91原创鈥檚 deep commitment to international education and builds on our 100-year legacy of leadership and innovation in study abroad programming,鈥� said Vice Provost for Global Engagement Ravi Ammigan. 鈥淭his accolade also honors our partners 鈥� both within the University community and across the globe 鈥� who help us prepare our students to thrive globally. Initiatives like the World Scholars Program have a transformative impact on our entire campus, state, and the world."

Since its launch in 2015, the invitation-only program has enrolled about 1,000 students. These Blue Hens have studied indigenous ecotourism in New Zealand, culturally-competent education in Barbados and immigration in Denmark. Back on campus, they鈥檝e connected with peers from across the globe 鈥� sharing picnics and presentations, discussing everything from fashion trends to the state of democratic governance around the world.

For Penelope Velasco, class of 2019, this cross-cultural connection inspired a dedication to community. Following graduation, she joined Delaware鈥檚 first cohort of National Health Corp, an AmeriCorp program, where she organized mobile food pantries to help the state鈥檚 most vulnerable.聽

鈥淚 feel so lucky to have been a World Scholar,鈥� Velasco said. 鈥淚 learned tools for empowering and uplifting communities in need. Now, whenever I can, I advocate for the program. I want to keep this legacy alive.鈥澛�

Velasco鈥檚 experience reflects a broader ethos at the University.

鈥淲e are honored to be recognized for continuing 91原创鈥檚 commitment to global engagement and campus internationalization,鈥� said Amy Greenwald Foley, 91原创鈥檚 director of global outreach and partnerships and the founding director of the 91原创 World Scholars Program. 鈥淥ur global initiatives, including the 10-year-old World Scholars Program, expand opportunities for students to learn across cultures, develop critical perspectives, and succeed in an interconnected world.鈥�

91原创 is renowned for its commitment to global education, as the first American university to launch a study-abroad program more than 100 years ago. Today, 91原创 awards approximately $1 million annually to support study-abroad scholarships. Three in 10 91原创 students participate in the University's study-abroad programs, compared to one in 10 nationally.聽

NAFSA will honor the 91原创 during the association鈥檚 annual conference, to be held May 26-29 in Orlando. The University is joined by聽The University of Tulsa and聽Western Kentucky University as recipients of the Simon Spotlight Award. This is 91原创鈥檚 third Simon Award. (The University previously won the NAFSA honor in 2004 and 2015.)

Learn more about the 91原创鈥檚 World Scholars Program and the .