STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Study Abroad

Ever since UD launched the world’s first study abroad program in 1923, these experiences have empowered students to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

For as long as he can remember, Alejandro Trujillo-Reyes has had a passion for learning about Latinx and Hispanic cultures. But when UD’s study abroad program in Costa Rica caught his attention, he wasn’t sure whether his family could afford the trip.

In 2023, Alejandro received the Eliete Grimble Study Abroad Scholarship—established by former UD Vice President and Treasurer Stephen M. Grimble, BE66—and the result was life-changing. As a leadership major, Alejandro’s experiences in Costa Rica helped him to visualize his future career: 

“The more I learn about different cultures, the better leader I’ll be in the future.”

Experiential Learning

Expertise is created when classroom learning is reinforced by real-world experience.

For aspiring construction engineers, UD’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Cooperative Education program helps translate theory into practice. Through the generosity of partners like BPGS Construction, students are matched with firms to conduct field-based learning alongside industry leaders.

The results have been undeniable:

• 100% of students would recommend the program to a friend
• 75% were offered full-time positions by their co-op employer
• 95% found post-graduate employment in the construction engineering field

In the words of one program graduate, “I could not be happier with my co-op experiences. Each employee treated me as an equal, which gave me confidence in my work and a better understanding of the industry.” 

Career Readiness

Career exploration and preparation is a vital part of every Blue Hen’s college experience.

Yet for some students, financial concerns can put internships out of reach. In 2019, our donors’ generosity allowed UD to launch its Internship & Career Experience (ICE) Grant program. In just five years, this donor support has delivered grants to 300+ students, compensating them for hours spent working in unpaid internships.

For Sharon Kung, this ICE support made all the difference: “I was able to intern in a local physician’s office, organizing two blood drives that collected enough donations to save 180 lives. As an aspiring healthcare provider, I’m confident this internship has given me the necessary skills to succeed in my future career. I’m so grateful.”

Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

A positive student experience requires an environment where every Blue Hen feels a sense of belonging. By supporting the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) fund, UD donors have empowered students to create new forms of community on campus.

As a facilitator for UD’s Social Justice Peer Educator program, Kya McIntyre has witnessed the impact of JEDI funding firsthand. By hosting training sessions and workshops for UD students, McIntyre and her fellow Peer Educators have opened venues for vital campus conversations:

“There wasn’t a lot of conversation happening before, and hopefully [this program] is creating the communication we were missing,” she explained. “It can be intimidating because it's a predominantly white institution,” but this only raises the importance of empowering “marginalized groups to find a safe space.”