The University of Michigan has recently become the number one public university in the United States for study abroad programs by the Institute of International Education. This ranking shows that the university is dedicated to enriching students’ global learning experiences. The University of Michigan has continued to empower students to engage with diverse cultures and perspectives around the world because of its strong emphasis on international education.
A Commitment to Global Learning
Valeria Bertacco, vice provost for engaged learning at the University of Michigan, describes this commitment. She said, “To be ranked the No. 1 public university and the No. 2 in the nation for education abroad is a testament to our commitment to provide students with ample and diverse opportunities to engage globally.” It is reflected in these statistics for the academic year 2022-23: 3,340 U.S. students from the university participated in study abroad programs, which is a big 70% increase over last year. These students visited 124 countries, including France, Italy, and Spain.
Transformative experiences in China
Among the countless study abroad programs, a delegation of five students from the School of Music, Theatre & Dance recently traveled to China for a dance exchange. The students spent ten days engaging in performances and workshops into local culture, learning about unique teaching methods and techniques in choreography. Dance major Robert Farr-Jones reflected on his experience: “Being fully immersed in a different culture was enlightening. I saw varied teaching styles and began incorporating them into my work back home.” Another student, Rileigh Goldsmith, shared the idea that movement could be used to bridge language barriers.
Exploring AI for strategic decision-making
In addition to focusing on global learning, the University of Michigan is also the forefront leader in research in AI. The professor at the Ross School of Business, Felipe Csaszar, studied the extent to which AI may complement strategic decision-making within an organization. He mentions the point that humans need to remain involved in the process of making decisions until such AI systems prove to be more safety-prone than human judgment. Csaszar also suggests the use of AI to democratize access to services, like personalized education, which so far has only been available to those who can afford it.
Conclusion
The University of Michigan is positioned as an innovative leader in global education as well as strategic decision-making concerning the dedication to study abroad programs and new research. Transformational international experiences for the students and leading-edge inquiry in AI technologies will shape the leadership for the future. Meanwhile, the students continue into the world, and the environment remains committed to learning and exploration at the University of Michigan.
