Mission Statement

• The Center for International Studies:  TCU Abroad supports international academic programs that foster an understanding of the global community.

Core Values of the Center for International Studies

• Resource: to provide information, support agencies, and guidance in the development of international study abroad programs.
• Communication: foster discussion between faculty, students, staff, and community leaders on issues related to international education.
• Creativity: support imaginative and new approaches to study abroad.
• Exploration: support innovation and creativity through exploring various modes of developing international exchange and interaction within the academic environment.
• Collaboration: interact with the TCU, Fort Worth, and North Texas communities in fostering an understanding of the global community.

Intended Outcomes of Study Abroad

• Increased understanding of international & cultural issues: gain knowledge of the world’s peoples, economies, environments, and political and social systems, and their interdependence; gain understanding of culture, its values and norms, and differences between cultures.
• Increased flexibility: develop flexibility and adaptability in new environments; develop comfort with people of diverse backgrounds.  
• Increased open-mindedness and curiosity: learn from challenges to values and beliefs, develop respect for self and others; understand value of cultural diversity; develop a sense of curiosity and discovery about others.
• Enhanced critical skills: develop skills in creative thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, visualization, socialization, negotiation, leadership, and teamwork, in cultural diverse settings.
• Enhanced sense of self: increase self-esteem, self-management, and responsibility.