John Rogers elected to the Royal Society
May 20, 2025
Northwestern’s Global Learning Office (GLO) is opening a new gateway to study abroad thanks to a gift from the Intrax Foundation.
Committed to cultural exchange and global impact, the foundation’s Yokota and Wilhelm Scholars Global Horizons Trek Fund will provide support over three years so more than 50 first-generation students from low-income backgrounds can enjoy international travel learning experiences.
“This program will enable Northwestern students to develop international travel literacy skills while experiencing a sampling of what study abroad can offer,” said Sara Tully, director of GLO. “This is a valuable addition to our portfolio of more than 150 study abroad programs across 50 countries and an important step in our efforts to reduce barriers for all undergraduates.”
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The Global Horizons program will comprise short-term, non-credit bearing, nine-day study treks during spring break. The treks will give first-year students who are first in their family to attend college the chance to build close connections with faculty, advisers and peers while immersing themselves in another country and an academic topic aligned with the faculty leader’s expertise.
The inaugural cohort in the spring of 2026 will focus on exploring modern Taiwan under the direction of Wen-pin Hsieh, an assistant professor of instruction in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences.
“Taking time out to study abroad brings positive changes in self-awareness, decision-making, independence and even career prospects,” Tully said. “About half of Northwestern undergraduates participate in study abroad now, and a hands-on learning opportunity like this will help expand awareness and access to many others.”
Intrax, a leader in cultural exchange, work, travel, volunteer and learning programs, has offered international programs to over a million people in more than 100 countries since its founding in 1980.
“Our mission has always been to connect people and cultures,” said Marcie Schneider, president of Intrax Inc. “Through the Intrax Foundation’s donation to Northwestern, it is our hope that these opportunities will expose the students to the multiple benefits of becoming global citizens.”
