Lamar University celebrates inaugural Study Abroad Week with student, faculty reflections

Lamar University (LU) launched its first-ever Study Abroad Week on Tuesday with a reception highlighting the impact of international experiences for students and faculty.

The reception, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Setzer Student Center Live Oak Ballroom, featured faculty leaders sharing information about upcoming programs, along with alumni presenting photo journals, research and creative projects from their travels.

Dr. Mustapha Jourdini, executive director of the Office of International Education and Services, opened the event by thanking faculty and staff for their role in making study abroad accessible to students.

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and every one of you who came to celebrate with us," Jourdini said. "This is the first time we have an entire week dedicated to celebrating the many wonderful programs our very talented colleagues have developed. These opportunities make it possible for students who might not otherwise think about going abroad."

Dr. Jourdini credited the Office of Study Abroad, Financial Aid, International Student Services, and the Center for Career and Professional Development for helping students navigate scholarships and resources to make studying overseas financially possible. He also noted Lamar's growing list of global partners, including new agreements in Italy and France.

Many of the day's speakers emphasized how study abroad had shaped their personal and professional lives.

Dr. Kristie Boyett, assistant professor of criminal justice, recalled her own first international experience as a graduate student in Croatia. She now leads LU students to participate in the same program.

"I was first-generation, low income, so I wasn't able to do study abroad as an undergrad," Boyett said. "When I finally went, it changed my life. That's why it's so important to me to make these experiences possible for our students now."

Boyett said 12 LU students joined her in Croatia in 2024, with several presenting original research. She described it as "life changing" for both her and her students.

Senior criminal justice major Brannen Slough, who studied in Croatia last year, spoke about the friendships he formed and the professional benefits of the trip.

"My class consisted of people from all over the world - from France, Germany, Canada, India and Africa," he said. "I met a lot of friends that I still talk to today. I'll have those connections forever."

Slough said he tailored his research project to reflect Lamar University's unique American Sign Language program, focusing on how deaf victims of crime have different needs from other victims.

"Going on vacation to Croatia is cool and all, but I wanted to make the experience beneficial to my future," he said. "I absolutely suggest everybody try to study abroad somewhere just to get that cultural experience."

Dr. Jourdini says he hopes Study Abroad Week will become a tradition at LU.

"The beauty of this country is its welcoming nature, and we want to share that spirit with our international students while creating opportunities for our domestic students to go abroad," he said.

To learn more about study abroad opportunities, visit https://www.lamar.edu/international-education/index.html.