TCU study abroad alumni had the opportunity to reconnect and learn how to use their global experiences to further their education here on campus.

The TCU Global Ambassadors Organization worked alongside TCU Global to host their first Study Abroad Re-Entry Reunion Dinner of the semester on Tuesday, Sept. 23, for returning study abroad students.

This event gave study abroad alumni the opportunity to reflect and learn surrounded by individuals who understand the transition of returning to campus after being abroad.

“The Study Abroad Re-Entry Reunion is important because returning from a semester or summer abroad is a major transition, and students often want to stay connected with the friends they made and the unique experiences they shared overseas,” Madison Pastrick, program manager of TCU Global, said.

TCU Global works to keep study abroad alumni connected, encouraging them to carry their lessons learned abroad back to campus.

“Staying connected ensures that students don’t see study abroad as a one-time experience, but rather as part of their long-term growth — academically, personally and professionally,” Pastrick said. 

The reunion dinner featured two guest speakers: Tracy Rundstrom, director of nationally competitive scholarships, and Jacque Balderas, president of TCU Global Ambassadors and a junior Spanish major.

The speakers discussed topics ranging from ways to go back abroad, how to apply such experiences to job interviews and how to maintain global engagement on campus.

Overseas opportunities continue after abroad, with grants accessible to students. 

“The Fulbright offers a number of grants to American citizens to spend a year abroad, and the goal is to increase cultural understanding around the world,” Rundstrom said. “So what’s more exciting than that, like you really are going abroad to have cross-cultural experiences, to integrate with local communities and have meaningful bonding relationships.” 

TCU Global provides additional resources to stay engaged, including TCU Global Ambassadors. This student organization promotes study abroad on campus by having students share personal abroad stories and highlighting students’ passion for global experiences.

“We’re kinda like an additional step onto that where people who have already studied abroad can come back and still have great opportunities to not only learn about their country that they went to study abroad, but back on campus are able to use those opportunities and skills all around the Fort Worth community, as well as the TCU community,” Balderas said.

Although informational, this event also honored study abroad alumni and the program, celebrating their time abroad and growth, Pastrick said.

The program and reunion also emphasize transparency in all aspects of life abroad. 

“While the highlights of study abroad – travel, friendships and unique experiences – are easy to identify, it’s important to recognize the more challenging aspects as well,” Pastrick said. “Many students navigated life in a culture very different from their own, often in a place where they did not speak the native language.”

TCU Global aims to host additional reunions this semester and in the spring.