At the University of Illinois Chicago, study abroad is no longer just a dream for many students - it’s becoming a passport-stamped reality for more students than ever, thanks to some seriously innovative programming. Leading the charge is the Navigator Scholars program, UIC's flagship initiative that provides an education abroad planning scholarship and global leadership development opportunities to first-gen UIC students. It’s like a GPS for global learning, helping students chart their study abroad journeys with confidence, flexibility, and a whole lot of support (minus the annoying recalculating voice).  

And with CEA CAPA as a powerhouse partner, the program has doubled in size - now supporting up to 50 students a year with scholarships and international opportunities that are as exciting as they are transformative. 

The program’s roots trace back to Dr. Kyle Rausch, Executive Director of Study Abroad at UIC as well as Program Creator and Principal Investigator of the Navigator Scholars Program, whose doctoral research explored how first-gen students engage with international education. That work sparked a program that’s now changing lives, giving students the freedom to study abroad when it works for them, not just when the calendar says so. Whether it’s a semester in Spain, a summer in Costa Rica, or a faculty-led trip somewhere in between, UIC Navigator Scholar students are charting their own course. 

In 2024, CEA CAPA had the pleasure of partnering with UIC to become the funding partner for UIC's Navigator Scholars program, committing $54,000 per year to double the number of scholarship awardees every year. 
 
On September 20, UIC kicked off the fall with its annual induction reception, welcoming the newest cohort with speeches, snacks, and some serious inspiration. Provost Karen Colley, Vice Provost Neal McCrillis, and Dr. Kyle Rausch shared words of encouragement, and student alum Claire Dombrowski stole the show with stories from her semester abroad in Costa Rica with CEA CAPA. Another Navigator Scholar alumni, Devonte West, also shared stories and words of advice for the next cohort of scholars from his time in Brazil. 

Then came the Global Leadership Summit on October 18, themed “Career Readiness.” More than 20 students and their families joined for a day of workshops, reflection, and future-focused fun. CEA CAPA’s Regional Director Sean McCarthy gave a plenary session on connecting study abroad to career goals, and Career Development & Internships Team Lead Keona Gardner led a breakout session on SMART goals and mindful planning. It was basically a career prep bootcamp with a global twist. 

With its growing impact and student-first focus, the Navigator Scholars program is helping UIC shine as a trailblazer in inclusive global education. And for these first-gen students? The adventure is just getting started! 

If you're curious about how CEA CAPA can team up with your institution - whether you're building something new or boosting existing efforts to make study abroad more accessible - we’d love to chat! Reach out to your Institutional Relations representative to explore how we can collaborate. 

Want to learn more about how CEA CAPA champions Access, Opportunity, and Impact? Please visit: Access and Opportunity in Study Abroad Programs | CEA Inclusion Policy