Study Abroad grew to recordbreaking numbers with 1,753 students participating in an experince abroad, generating more than $1.1 million in tuition revenue for the institution.
Outside traditional study abroad programs, CGE facilitated 1,595 trips by students, faculty, and staff to conduct UT-supported research, work and academic study outside of the United States, surpassing pre-Covid travel levels.
International partnership is defined as a formal collaborative agreement between a university and foreign institutions, organizations, or governments.
International faculty, researchers, and post-docs connect UT to a global research network of 302 institutions across 49 countries, including 45 of the top 100 ranked institutions in the world
*Tennessee is the second highest state for FDI job creation
Global Vision
To enrich Tennessee through international development, global awareness, and service on the world stage so that the University of Tennessee fulfills its promise as a modern R1 land grant university.
CGE fulfills its mission through four primary goals
Preeminent Goal | Development and support of a university culture in which global engagement is prioritized and encouraged
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Goal One | Student Success: Educate students to transcend national and cultural boundaries
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Goal Two | Support faculty, staff and students’ ability to extend their research across the world with international partnerships
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Goal Three | Cultivation of relationships with our international alumni and key stakeholders of the university
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Paths Forward | CGE looks to new initiatives that further support global engagement
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2023-2024 Highlights | A look back at the success of the past academic year.
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FROM THE DESK OF THE VICE PROVOST
Dear Friends,
It is my pleasure to present the University of Tennessee’s Center for Global Engagement (CGE) Annual Report. This report is more than a collection of data; it’s a reflection of our university’s transformation as it continues to solidify its position as a university on the rise. CGE plays an integral role in this progress, not only expanding UT’s global footprint but by embedding the value of global citizenship into our students’ educational journeys.
This past year, the CGE team has developed and implemented programs that immerse our students in global learning, underscoring their role as future leaders and engaged global citizens. From English language courses to specialized study abroad programs that span multiple disciplines, CGE has worked tirelessly to make meaningful international experiences accessible and relevant. Our commitment to cultivating a sense of global citizenship in our students has never been stronger, and we are proud to report this year a record 1,753 Volunteers studied abroad.
Another area of notable impact has been our efforts to develop and strengthen international partnerships. The Global Research, Innovation, and Partnerships (GRIP) team crafted a strategic plan to build collaboration between UT and key institutions in Rwanda,
opening new channels for research, exchange and joint program opportunities. This work exemplifies our dedication to sustainable and strategic partnerships that benefit not only our students and faculty but also the communities with which we engage.
CGE has experienced marked success in the retention of international graduate students, who enrich our campus community and drive our research mission forward. This growth underscores a seamless experience from recruitment to graduation, providing a supportive and thriving environment for our international students at every step of their journey.
As we look ahead, our focus remains on expanding UT’s global reach by connecting more purposefully with our alumni, corporate partners, embassies and other key stakeholders. We aim to refine our services to better support the campus community, evolving from good to great. We aspire to be the trusted strategic advisors for faculty and university leadership on international matters and are actively working to strengthen our infrastructure for enhanced support.
Our commitment to global engagement is not only about UT — it extends to our community in Tennessee and to the world. The contributions of our international students and the connections we foster have far-reaching effects, illustrating what it truly means when we say, “It takes a Volunteer.” Together, we are building a university that impacts lives, crosses borders, and exemplifies Tennessee’s Volunteer spirit on a global scale.
Warm regards,
Dr. Gretchen Neisler, Vice Provost for International Affairs
Preeminent Goal
Development and support of a university culture in which global engagement is prioritized and encouraged
CGE is dedicated to creating a campus environment that embraces global engagement as a core value. Empower and facilitate cutting edge research that meets community, state and global societal needs.
Developing Infrastructure and Cultivating Relationships to Advance Global Engagement
The Programs Abroad Office spent much time during the 2023-2024 academic year working on building relationships — within our team, across campus and with our nonUT partners — as well as reviewing and strategically rebuilding systems and processes integral to international student mobility at UT. During this process, we were still able to support more than 60 Faculty-directed programs and send a total 1,753 students abroad.
Supporting and Safeguarding International Travel
During the 2023-2024 academic year, Global Security, Risk and Resilience (Global Risk) supported 1,595 international trips beyond traditional study abroad programs. For each trip, the Global Risk team ensures minimal administrative burden while simultaneously safeguarding the university’s interests in risk and emergency management. This includes providing comprehensive resources, guidance and assistance services to all travelers.
Economic Impact of International Students
International students provide valuable talent in critical disciplines, drive regional economic development and add an opportunity for domestic students to engage with global perspectives without leaving Knoxville. International students at the University of Tennessee, sponsored by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), contribute $42.8 million to Tennessee’s 2nd Congressional District and support 462 jobs.
On-Campus Global Engagement
Programming hosted by International House promotes integrative global learning, intercultural development and cross-cultural engagement. It enriches the educational experiences of students so they can deepen their cultural awareness and understanding and thereby participate as members of a global, culturally diverse society. Friendship Program and the International House student employment program are two examples of the opportunities for meaningful global engagement on campus. Programming frequently addresses the following career-readiness competencies identified by NACE: career & self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity & inclusion, leadership, professionalism and teamwork.
Streamline the International Agreements Process
In a rapidly evolving world, partnerships are the bedrock of progress. At the University of Tennessee, we recognize the transformative power of global connections. That’s why at the Center for Global Engagement, we are committed to facilitating international collaborations that redefine education, research, and our collective future. Now you can visit the CGE Intranet to learn different types of agreements, obtain agreement templates, initiate an agreement, view the agreement process map, renew agreements and submit annual report all in one place. Visit International Partnerships or email ut_grip@utk.edu
Note: numbers shown are agreements submitted through the Center for Global Engagement. To better track and facilitate our global activities, we encourage all international agreements and MOUs to be submitted through the portal. Please contact ut_grip@utk.edu to learn more.
International Student Belonging
International House serves as “home sweet home away from home” for UT’s international student community and supports the wellbeing and inclusion of its international population. International House’s physical presence on campus signals the university’s value of international students and commitment to their success. Both the physical space and programming of the International House connect students in a transnational community and provide intentional opportunities for relationship building and meaningful connections. Programming equips international students to learn about university, local and U.S.-American culture; positions them as partners in cultural exchange; and encourages them to purposefully co-create a meaningful community. International Coffeehouse, International Festival and World Showcase center international students to strengthen their sense of belonging and amplify awareness of their contributions to UT. American Cultural Experiences promote cultural exploration while ensuring opportunities for shared community experiences.
Bridging Gaps and Engaging in Partnerships
The English Language Institute has served multilingual international students and the local community for more than 45 years and continues to provide premier English language programs and services in a dynamic learning environment. From local walk-ins who are looking to sharpen their English skills on a part-time basis to F-1 visa students who are pursuing a degree plan full-time, we serve a wide range of students. The value of the English Language Institute goes beyond our doors; we are an innovative hub for bridging cultural and linguistic gaps, empowering students, fostering global partnerships and engaging in research in the field of TESOL. Contact us at eli@utk.edu.
Goal One
Student Success: Educate Students to transcend national and cultural boundaries.
CGE works to provide opportunities for our students through academic and experiential learning to prepare them to adapt to a changing world and contribute to bettering it.
Academy for Global Scholars
The Academy for Global Scholars (AGS), an initiative tailored for first-year, first-generation students, offers an unparalleled opportunity for global engagement and personal maturation during the first year on campus at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As it enters its fourth iteration, AGS welcomed 19 members into the 2023-24 cohort.
Study Abroad 101 and Global Guides
Study Abroad 101
Study Abroad 101s were piloted in AY 23-24, with the goal of 3-4 offered each semester. These sessions allow students who don’t know where to begin their study abroad journey to come and hear the basics.
Global Guides
In addition to the general information students hear during Study Abroad 101, the Programs Abroad Office also offered 3-4 Global Guides each semester, where students are invited to dive deeper into a specific topic related to studying abroad. Past topics include: Money management and finances abroad, and transferring credit from your study abroad program.
Cocurricular Programming
International House programming is designed to encourage students to apply their learning from inside the classroom in cocurricular settings. Students connect experiences with concepts from across disciplines to integrate their learning formally and informally. Programs such as Language Practice, World Showcase, International Coffeehouse and American Cultural Experiences provide opportunities for students to make direct connections with classroom content. They also foster reflection on cultural identity of self and others to enhance intercultural development.
Programming frequently addresses the following career-readiness competencies identified by NACE: career & self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity & inclusion, leadership and teamwork.
Fostering a Safe and Supportive Environment for Successful Learning
Education is not possible if students are not healthy, safe and in a supportive learning environment. Global Risk leads emergency response efforts to address student, faculty and staff incidents and crises abroad, helping ensure this important learning and work can take place. During the 2023-2024 academic year, the Global Risk team successfully resolved 189 major and minor incidents involving UT international travelers on the ground.
Support at Every Stage of the Study Abroad Journey
The Programs Abroad Office expanded intercultural awareness and reflection in its pre-departure orientation training while still offering necessary health and safety information and logistical considerations in order to more holistically prepare students for their study abroad experience. In spring 2024, an in-person, post study abroad experience event was piloted where students were guided through reflection activities, including how to navigate reverse culture shock, how to stay involved in the international community and how to best highlight the skills and competencies employers are looking for through the lens of their study abroad experience.
Engaging Experts around the World
Ian Kelly is an award-winning author, playwright, and actor, but what he calls “the smallest, shortest job” he’s ever done may be the one for which he is best known. That job was playing Hermione Granger’s father in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Students in the Department of English’s Playwriting course benefitted from Mr. Kelly’s experience and expertise, as he became the department’s first-ever visiting writer for playwriting. The ISSS team worked with the Department of English to make this incredible learning opportunity possible using the Exchange Visitor program. Exchange visitors like Ian Kelly play a crucial role in connecting UT to the world by teaching, conducting research, and facilitating cultural exchange.
Equipping the World with English Language Skills
Through an expansion of institutional partnerships and innovative programs, the English Language Institute (ELI) is leading the way forward. With local program expansion through additional language courses, we support our community and embody the volunteer spirit to our neighbors in Knoxville. Additionally, our campus partners are critical to our success. We have sustained relationships with the ESL department and UTCVM, and delivery of the OPIc for graduate students and programs. As we continue our reach to Knoxville and beyond, we welcome you — our campus partners — to join us.
New Scholarship Opportunity for Semester-Long Study Abroad Program Participants
The Programs Abroad Office and the CGE Office of Communications piloted a scholarship given to students who agree to create social media content (videos or blogs) that highlight their study experience on a semester-long program during the fall or spring semester. The opportunity was created to increase visibility for and interest in longer term study abroad projects by highlighting positive student journeys.
Goal Two
Support faculty, staff and students’ ability to extend their research across the world with international partnerships.
CGE promotes a culture of collaborative innovation in research, learning, and engagement. Through these efforts, CGE fosters global cultural diversity and inclusiveness to benefit our university stakeholders and the residents of Tennessee.
Advancing Global Research and Building Global Networks
Global Research, Innovation and Partnerships Office (GRIP) works closely with the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development (ORIED), to monitor and match global funding opportunities with our faculty and expertise. GRIP also provides pre-award support such as proposal development, connection and facilitation of multidisciplinary teams, and partner networking.
From November 2023 to July 2024, GRIP shared 67 globally focused grant opportunities with faculty and facilitated 6 grant proposals.
Research Network
Immigration sponsorship led by ISSS connects UT to a global research network of 302 institutions across 49 countries fueling collaboration and research projects across campus. Partnerships built through this research network tie UT to 45 of the top 100 ranked institutions in the world. The Exchange Visitor Program further connects the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the University of Tennessee System and the Cherokee Research Farm to subject matter experts from around the world and enables their placement and collaboration with research and innovation projects and startups.
Research Support and Innovation
ISSS provides direct immigration sponsorship support to academic colleges and units at the University of Tennessee through the H-1B visa and other programs. This enables UT to recruit talented researchers, post-docs, faculty and staff from around the world. The Exchange Visitor Program allows academic units to engage in special programs that facilitate exchange partnerships, complete student and public-private partnership internships and conduct research.
Research Security Compliance
UT faces a growing number of regulations from state, federal and international governments and compliance bodies, including in research security. During the 20232024 academic year, Global Risk extended its partnerships across campus to address these ever-changing requirements head on, including new regulations in the forms of NSPM-33 and the CHIPS and Science Act. Global Risk’s role in these international compliance efforts, including partnership vetting, ensures that faculty, staff and students can pursue research opportunities around the world while ensuring the institution meets its compliance obligations.
Catalyzing Innovation
The Global Catalyst grants are a re-envisioning of the Ready for the World grants and support activities in the areas of faculty international research and partnership development, international programs on the UT campus and student international research and conference travel. Congratulations to the 2023-24 grant recipients. Semester
Andrea Lear
Assistant Professor - Large Animal Clinical Science UT Institute of Agriculture
Xiaopeng Zhao
Professor - Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering
Tickle College of Engineering
Hojung Kim
Assistant Professor - College of Architecture & Design School of Interior Architecture
Gregor Kalas
Associate Professor, College of Architecture & Design School of Architecture
Dimitris A. Herrera
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography & Sustainability College of Arts & Sciences
Jan Musfeldt
Professor, Department of Chemistry College of Arts & Sciences
Unique Partnerships with Future Leaders
Through key government leaders in Tennessee and Panama, ELI has engaged in a partnership with SENAFRONT in Panama. This puts ELI is at the forefront of equipping future leaders with English language skills in a geo-political and -economical region. Further, ELI hosted a group from Muroran, Japan, in Spring 2024. Muroran is an international sister-city with Knoxville. This partnership was developed with key stakeholders across the city and on campus and was designed to introduce high school students to life in an English-medium university in the United States.
NEW MOU SIGNED: 3
Panama: SENAFRONT
Panama: UTP
Colombia: UCEVA
NEW LOI SIGNED: 2
Japan: Kobe University
Establishment of Overseas Office
Japan: Kansei Gakuin High School
Goal Three
Cultivation of relationships with our international alumni and key stakeholders of the university.
CGE connects with partners and stakeholders around the globe in order to extend the impact of our work with international and national partnerships that reflect our university vision and global values and increase the visibility and reputation of the university.
Empowering Vols All Over the World
CGE is dedicated to empowering our international alumni, creating meaningful connections that span continents. Japan is a key focus in this mission, serving as a steadfast link between Alumni Affairs and UT alumni abroad. In 2019, alumnus Yoshi Momoki attended the international alumni reunion and shared with the CGE team his vision of opening a Tennessee-themed bar in Tokyo. Since then, CGE and Alumni Affairs have actively supported Yoshi, connecting him with essential contacts at UT and across Tennessee to make his dream a reality. In February 2024, the Good Ole Tennessee Bar opened its doors, welcoming thousands of visitors from Tennessee and beyond.
Creation of Student Organization of Abroad Returnees (SOAR)
This student organization was started in AY 23-24 as a place for returnees from programs abroad to remain connected to one another and to demonstrate their global volunteer spirit they by helping the Programs Abroad Office with programming, classroom presentations, and sharing their abroad experiences with interested students.
Global Engagement Summit
CGE held its first Global Engagement Summit in spring 2024, drawing roughly 200 guests from around the UT campus for what is set to become an annual event.
The Summit provided an inspiring and interactive day dedicated to promoting international education and research by connecting university employees, students and the wider community through a series of engaging workshops, keynote speeches and networking opportunities.
Alumni & Stakeholder Network
Since International House was established in 1969, it has been a touchstone for thousands of international alumni as well as their families and friends. As a hub for social and community activities, it has provided a physical space to gather, resources to equip, and programming to support sociocultural adjustment and community connections. When alumni visit International House, they share stories that emphasize the traditions that inspired them, the community that nurtured them, and the relationships they developed as part of its global community. Their experiences with International House broaden their identification as Volunteers and Torchbearers.
Paths Forward
Looking ahead for the 2024-25 Academic Year
CGE has launched a series of new initiatives for the 2024-25 academic year that further support global engagement through student success, research support, experiential learning and alumni engagement.
Internationalize Campus through Transnational Programs
Transnational programs in higher education refer to academic programs and initiatives that cross national borders, typically through collaborations between universities in different countries. These programs can take various forms, such as but not limited to joint/dual degree programs, online/distance learning programs and research collaborations. Transnational programs are often implemented to internationalize the campus, enhance undergraduate and graduate enrollment and foster innovation in key fields. Additionally, the global networks established through these programs drive research collaborations that can lead to economic development, job creation and the growth of international partnerships, further elevating Tennessee’s status in the global academic community.
Currently there are programs under development in the Herbert College of Agriculture and the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. If you are interested in learning more about the current program or developing new programs, please contact ut_grip@utk.edu.
Grant Awards that Expand Our Reach
The English Language Institute has recently been awarded a US Department of State Grant Award of $146,000 in FY25. Through this people-to-people cultural grant, ELI will provide online language programming with Nanjing Agricultural University. The scope of the project includes online language teaching in the areas of environmental sciences and health sciences, respectively. This opportunity will be included in our portfolio of online courses, allowing more students to access online English language courses.
Connecting Campus Through Global Strategy Commission
The Center for Global Engagement is spearheading an effort to create a unified vision and strategy regarding global engagement for University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
To accomplish this goal, the Office of the Provost and CGE created the UT Global Strategy Commission, which includes various stakeholders from all 14 colleges across UT’s campus. The commission officially launched on August 27, 2024.
Empowering Tennessee and the World with Global Talent
International Student and Scholar Services is collaboratively working with campus partners to expand access to international talent through increased support for staff and non-academic unit H-1B sponsorship. The UT Exchange Visitor Program has been updated to enable placement at the Cherokee Research Farms and locations across the UT System. This enables UT to bring in the best global talent and fuel research and economic initiatives state-wide. For more information on how to engage with global talent, contact us at international@utk.edu to schedule a training workshop.
Programs Abroad and VolEdge
Programs Abroad is playing a major role in the launch of the Global Transformation Pathway of the recently formed VolEdge Program. VolEdge is a career-readiness program that encourages students to think about how their classes, majors and outside experiences contribute to their chosen career path. PAO will contribute to helping students establish the skills necessary to maximize the career impact of their study abroad experience through innovative pre-departure training on intercultural competency while also deepening their post-trip evaluation to enhance students’ abiliity to market their experiences abroad to future employers.
Increasing Support in Global Research
With the launch of Global Research, Innovation and Partnerships office in March, 2024, CGE worked with ORIED to unveil a strategic reorganization aimed at enhancing global engagement and fostering innovation on campus. You can contact GRIP at ut_grip@utk. edu for pre-award support such as proposal development, connection and facilitation of multidisciplinary teams and partner networking.
International Funding Opportunities Newsletter
In October, CGE launched the International Funding Opportunities newsletter to help UT faculty access global research grants, expand their financial resources and enhance their research impact. These grants not only support cutting-edge projects but also boost Tennessee’s economy by creating jobs, driving innovation and fostering international collaborations that can lead to further investment in the state.
Connecting Alumni All over the World
Newsletter Sign Up
Whenever and wherever CGE travels abroad, we are always thinking about connecting with Vols all over the world. In August 2025, CGE and Alumni Affairs Office co-hosted an Alumni Reunion in Tokyo, Japan. A third reunion in Japan and the sixth reunion in Asia in the past 5 years.
Providing Opportunity to International Alumni
International Student and Scholar Services is collaborating with International House and the Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration to create a series of workshops building international alums understanding of visa sponsorship options available to them post-graduation. This includes a pragmatic explanation of the sponsorship process, differences in private sector and academia sponsorship and guidance on the best practices for receiving sponsorship.
A Year of Highlights
A look back at our successes.
CGE had a very successful academic year in 2023-24. Several major accomplishments stand out highlighting a university on the rise!
Launching COIL Initiative
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a transformative pedagogical approach that integrates global learning experiences into the curriculum through online collaboration. In late 2023, with support from the Provost, CGE launched a designated COIL office, a first among SEC institutions.
By connecting students and faculty from different cultural and academic backgrounds, COIL fosters mutual understanding, enhances digital literacy and prepares students for the complexities of a globalized world. The virtual exchange format also enhances access to global learning for students in impactful ways.
Five faculty have served as COIL champions to launch the initiative, with multiple additional projects now in development. Reach out to dwalter4@utk.edu to learn how you can participate.
Implementation of Online Language and Culture Courses
The English Language Institute is positioning itself for the future. Three language learning and cultural orientation courses are now available for anyone in the world to access. The launch of online courses using AI-generated avatars exhibits our capacity to be nimble in the changing landscape of English language instruction. The courses include fundamentals of academic English, business communication and orientation to American culture. All the resources are accessible worldwide through UTK’s Canvas Catalog. For more information on how we can collaborate, please reach out to us at eli@utk.edu.
Support for UT Talent Acquisition
In support of Chancellor Plowman’s cluster hiring initiative, four of the nine hires completed have been sponsored by the ISSS office. In addition, ISSS has saved Colleges and Divisions $250,400 in cost through H-1B sponsorship support.
Leveraging partnership funding to support students
The Programs Abroad Office received more than $45,000 in funding from affiliates and direct enroll partners that was used for for student facing initiatives in Programs Abroad. This includes things such as scholarships, passport giveaways and workshops, Global Ambassador (peer advisor) position cost-sharing, and pre-departure orientation and re-entry programming sessions.
Launching of the First 2+2 Transnational Program
At UT, we launched the first 2+2 dual degree program in 2022 and welcomed the first cohort of our students this fall as third year undergraduate students in the College of Communication and Information. As a university on the rise, UT continues to lead the way in becoming a destination for global education.
