Global Learning Immersion for Dynamic Experiences

STEM GLIDE Study Abroad

The STEM GLIDE Study Abroad program offers COSAM students a fully funded opportunity to explore global water quality challenges through academic coursework, service learning, and cultural immersion. Designed for students with little or no international travel experience, STEM GLIDE removes financial barriers and provides a meaningful first study abroad experience.

What Is STEM GLIDE?

STEM GLIDE is a short-term study abroad program focused on understanding water quality issues from a global perspective. Students examine how water availability, purification, and conservation affect communities, ecosystems, and human health while engaging directly with these issues abroad.

The program combines a spring semester preparatory course with an international travel experience, allowing students to connect classroom learning to real-world challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

STEM GLIDE gives students the opportunity to study global water quality issues while gaining international experience in a supportive, structured program. Participants explore how water access, purification and conservation affect communities around the world, while building cultural awareness and applying STEM concepts beyond the classroom.

Students in the program gain new perspectives on public health, environmental sustainability and global problem-solving, while developing skills that support future academic and career goals.

STEM GLIDE combines coursework with an international travel experience. During the spring semester, selected students enroll in a preparatory course that introduces key topics related to water quality, including purification, wastewater treatment, conservation strategies, health disparities and water-related policy issues in the United States and abroad.

After completing the course, students travel to Belize, where they participate in service-based learning, site visits and cultural activities. While abroad, students engage with local communities, explore environmental systems and see firsthand how water challenges impact daily life.

Students must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply:

  • Be majoring in a College of Sciences and Mathematics discipline

  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0

  • Be a rising junior at the time of participation

  • Have never traveled outside the United States

The program is designed to support students who may not otherwise have access to international study abroad opportunities.

STEM GLIDE is fully funded for selected participants. Program support covers:

  • Program fees

  • Academic coursework associated with the experience

  • Most travel-related expenses

By removing financial barriers, STEM GLIDE makes global learning accessible and allows students to focus fully on their academic and cultural experience.

Hear From Past Participants

After this trip, I have a different mindset and see the world through a different lens than I did before. My eyes were opened to reality because, while I had always heard about it, seeing and experiencing it firsthand confirmed it for me. This was truly a life-changing experience, and I will forever be grateful for being able to participate.

Tamira Henexson

This trip made me realize the importance of water, the environment, natural habitats and animals. Everything is interconnected, and that's why trips like these are essential for broadening our knowledge and learning how to help maintain our wildlife and ecosystem.

Maiya Felder

The STEM GLIDE Study Abroad trip was one of the best experiences I could have asked for. Studying abroad had always been a thought in my head, but due to financial costs, I knew it would not be feasible. From the first day of learning about the opportunity to stepping off the plane, I knew it would be a great experience to be a part of.

Chailyn Robinson

In Belize, I learned about the connections between nature, culture, and conservation. The encounters with wildlife, the beauty of the landscapes, and the warmth of the local community all contributed to a deeper appreciation of all aspects of life.

Sakiyah Jenkins
Questions?
Contact Dr. Kimberly Mulligan