ASU health, nutrition students get more support to study abroad

Studying abroad just got easier for students in the School of Nutrition and Health Promotion at Arizona State University.

ASU was one of seven higher education institutions selected to receive the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund grant for students in health and nutrition fields of study.

The grant, in the amount of $25,000 – issued by the U.S. Department of State, Partners of the Americas and NAFSA: Association of International Educators – provides funding for undergraduate and graduate students with a focus on identifying solutions to help prevent and reduce obesity.

The project – called “Engage Globally: Nutrition and Health Promotion Student Mobility to the Americas” – is a collaboration between the School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, the ASU Study Abroad Office and Monterrey Institute of Technology, also known as Tecnológico de Monterrey. The opportunity is open to nutrition and health promotion students at both institutions.

ASU has a long-standing relationship with Tecnológico de Monterrey. The two institutions have partnered on several initiatives, including entrepreneurship and innovation programs, and programs on biotechnology and online education. ASU and Tecnológico de Monterrey jointly launched the Latin America Office of the Global Institute of Sustainability.

“Our goal is to increase the number of students and faculty from Arizona and Mexico City who are exposed to international education and the opportunities that exist therein by building on an established exchange program between the two institutions," said Adam Henry, director of the ASU study abroad office. “Recognizing that students in the fields of health promotion and nutrition will serve a diverse population of individuals, this opportunity can prepare these future professionals by [teaching them] how to adapt to a new culture and communicate in a cross-cultural context.”

ASU students selected for scholarships with the program will conduct research on combating obesity-linked behavior through physical activity and nutritional education, examining health beliefs and practices, and will use technology to maximize cultural awareness and education.

The goal of 100,000 Strong in the Americas, one of President Obama’s signature education initiatives, is to increase the number of U.S. students studying in the western hemisphere to 100,000, and the number of western hemisphere students studying in the U.S. to 100,000 by the year 2020. The initiative is aimed at enhancing competitiveness, prosperity and preparing a globally aware workforce.

The scholarships are for first-generation students within the School of Nutrition and Health Promotion who apply to a semester exchange program. Students who are interested in participating may contact studyabroad@asu.edu.