Colorado State University is set to assume the role of EF Study Abroad’s official academic partner.

Through this collaboration, CSU will work jointly with EF (which stands for Education First) to design and implement innovative education abroad programs ranging from programs for first year students to thematic challenge-based programs on topics such as sustainability to specialized programs for Honors Program students. For non-CSU students who participate in this co-designed suite of program offerings, CSU will authorize academic credit, provide official transcripts and maintain quality assurance.

EF Study Abroad provides today’s students with curated programs that purposefully integrate both knowledge acquisition and competency development. These customized programs enhance learners’ intercultural fluency and prepare them to succeed in our increasingly interconnected world.

The partnership between CSU and EF Study Abroad is a natural fit, bringing together two globally focused and progressive institutions dedicated to shaping the next generation of global citizens.

“CSU is committed to ensuring all students have access to a globally relevant college curriculum, which is why we’re excited to partner with EF Education First,” said Kathleen Fairfax, CSU’s vice provost for International Affairs. “The combination of CSU’s academic excellence and credibility with EF’s programmatic reach and creative approaches to global learning represents a powerful partnership that can change the lives of thousands of students.”

This recently announced alliance highlights several areas for thought partnership and collaboration. One notable co-development is the Global Challenge Semester, a traveling 12-credit program that journeys from CSU’s Mountain Campus to Costa Rica and Panama, concluding at CSU Todos Santos in Mexico. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, this program is open those entering their first or second year of studies at CSU as well as eligible non-CSU students.

This program is targeted toward gap, first and second year students as participation in education abroad early in one’s academic career can have a profound and far-reaching impact on personal and academic development. Early engagement abroad offers a unique opportunity for students to gain a global perspective, broaden their horizons and instill a sense of international curiosity from the outset of their educational journeys.

Another unique component of this program is how purposefully integrated it is with the CSU Honors Program.

“We see the global challenge semester as an excellent opportunity for us to extend honors partnerships, increase our study abroad offerings and broaden recruitment to curious students who may not have considered CSU Honors but are up for a challenge,” CSU Honors Director Shawn Bingham said.

To learn more about the Global Challenge Semester, CSU students can visit the Education Abroad website. Non-CSU students can visit EF Study Abroad to learn more.