As an undergraduate student, Lauren Jacobs studied abroad for a semester in Denmark. Through this experience she learned how to navigate a different culture, problem solve and gained friends from around the world. Now as assistant director of the Office of International Programs & Study Abroad (IPSA) in the Haslam College of Business, Jacobs encourages students to seek out the same opportunities. She does this by advising students on their study abroad options. Each student has unique academic, career and budgetary needs to consider when choosing a study abroad program.

“Our office devotes a significant amount of time to advising each student,” Jacobs says.

She also assists in managing the Haslam faculty-directed study abroad programs. These short-term programs are led by Haslam faculty and offer students the opportunity to earn University of Tennessee credits abroad. This year’s programs include global supply chain in Panama and Greece; international business in Latin America, Spain, Italy and Germany; management in the United Kingdom; international marketing in Iceland; and nonprofit, social, and micro enterprises in South Africa.

These and other study abroad programs offer a chance for students to get out of their comfort zone and learn something new about themselves and others.

“Not only is this important for personal growth, but also, learning to work across cultures is essential for today’s business professional in an interconnected, global economy,” Jacobs says. “We’ve also found that Haslam students who study abroad are earning a $5,000 premium on their first salary after graduating. That’s a pretty impressive ROI.”

During the advising process for study abroad, Jacobs guides students through program options, application processes, eligibility requirements and other considerations. When they return to UT, she is ready to welcome them home.

“It’s most rewarding to work with students over the whole cycle of their study abroad, from that initial idea freshman year to returning to UT after their study abroad experience,” says Jacobs. “I hear stories of what they learned and the impact the experience has had on their lives.”

She is excited that many of the barriers to study abroad experienced due to COVID-19 are lifting this year.

“We are seeing record numbers of students in advising sessions this fall, and our goal is to surpass our pre-pandemic study abroad numbers,” She says