By Victor Betancourt, Associate Provost for Global Engagement

At Neumann University, our commitment to fostering global learning and engagement is deeply rooted in the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition. This summer’s issue of Accent magazine, themed “Learn by Doing,” perfectly encapsulates our philosophy that true education transcends the classroom. It is through practical, real-world experiences that students develop the intercultural competencies and career readiness essential in today’s interconnected world.

Global Learning and Career Readiness

Employers today seek individuals who can complement their academic qualifications with cultural awareness, adaptability, and global competency. These are attributes that can be honed only through immersive experiences and active engagement with diverse cultures and ideas. Our global engagement initiatives provide students with opportunities to study abroad, participate in international internships, and engage in service-learning projects across the globe. These experiences not only broaden their horizons but also enhance their professional profiles. Students return with a deeper understanding of global issues, improved language skills, and a new-found confidence in their ability to work in diverse environments.

The Franciscan Tradition and Understanding the Other

The Franciscan tradition, emphasizing humility, respect for all creation, and service to others, provides a unique framework for global learning and engagement. St. Francis of Assisi’s historic meeting with Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil in 1219 during the Fifth Crusade, marked by mutual respect and dialogue, underscores our commitment to understanding and embracing the other.

St. Francis did not approach the Sultan with hostility or a desire to convert, but with an open heart and mind, seeking dialogue and common ground. This encounter is a powerful reminder of the importance of intercultural dialogue and the potential for peace and understanding that comes from genuine engagement with those who are different from us.

Learn by Doing: The Franciscan Intellectual Tradition in Action

St. Francis and his followers emphasized the importance of living out their values through action. They believed that knowledge gained through experience is more profound and transformative than that gained solely through study. At Neumann University, we strive to embody this spirit of openness and dialogue in our global engagement efforts. Our students are encouraged to approach other cultures with curiosity and respect, to seek out opportunities for meaningful interactions, and to learn from those who have different perspectives and experiences. This approach not only enriches their educational journey but also prepares them to be compassionate and effective leaders in a diverse world.

Our global engagement programs are a testament to the power of learning by doing. By immersing themselves in different cultures and contexts, students develop a deeper understanding of global issues, enhance their intercultural competencies, and become more prepared for their future careers. They learn not just by observing, but by actively participating in and contributing to the global community.

Neumann University Global Engagement Initiatives

During the 2023-24 academic year, our students participated in various enriching programs around the globe. They engaged in semester-long programs in Thailand, language learning courses in Ecuador, and internships in Sevilla, Spain. Nursing students traveled to the Dominican Republic for a community-based learning program, working alongside the local community to serve the underserved. Cybersecurity students gained insights into global IT and cybersecurity business practices during a week-long field experience in Dublin, Ireland. Communication and Digital Media students explored issues of race and diversity in Madrid, Spain, using the city itself as their classroom.

As Associate Provost for Global Engagement, I am proud of the strides Neumann University has made in integrating global learning into our educational framework. By embracing the Franciscan tradition of understanding and respecting the other, we provide our students with the tools they need to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world. Our commitment to “Learn by Doing” ensures that our graduates are not only academically accomplished but also globally competent and ready to make a positive impact wherever their careers may take them.

In the spirit of St. Francis, let us continue to foster an environment of openness, dialogue, and mutual respect, and inspire our students to be lifelong learners and global citizens.

Main photo caption: Eric Kenny ’24 (black shirt, white hat) spent an entire semester in Thailand.