Exploring Beyond Borders: How TIEF Study Abroad Development Grants Are Shaping Future Global Leaders

Study abroad programs have long been celebrated as gateways to cultural understanding and global citizenship. For Dr. Eric Meringer, an Assistant Professor of Instruction in History at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), the Texas International Education Fund (TIEF) Study Abroad Development Grant has been a game changer in being able to offer this transformative educational opportunity. Through his program, Andean Journeys, the grant has created profound educational experiences for both students and faculty, reshaping perspectives and fostering deeper connections to Latin American culture.

In an interview, Dr. Meringer shared his insights on the TIEF grant’s impact. He described how the program has not only enriched his own professional development but has also opened doors for students who might have never considered studying abroad.

By Saleha Soadat

Impact on Professional Growth and Student Development

The TIEF Study Abroad Development Grant provides crucial support to universities and faculty-led programs, enabling the development of immersive and interdisciplinary study abroad opportunities. At UTEP, the grant has been instrumental in the success of the Andean Journeys program, which allows students to explore Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage and history while fostering personal growth and academic development. For Dr. Meringer, the grant has expanded his professional scope, enabling him to design and lead the interdisciplinary journey.

Centered in Ecuador, Andean Journeys integrates history, anthropology, and environmental science, offering students a holistic view of Latin American culture and history. The time spent in the Amazon jungle allows interaction with local Quichua speakers and engagement in unique cultural activities, like planting in traditional agroforestry gardens.

The program’s emphasis on Latin American history resonates deeply with UTEP’s predominantly Hispanic student body, many of whom identify as Mexican American. By drawing parallels between Mexican and Ecuadorian histories, the program helps students connect their own identities to the broader Latin American experience. "Our students see themselves in the people they meet in Ecuador. They recognize shared histories, from colonial exploitation to modern challenges, and come away with a stronger sense of their own heritage," Dr. Meringer explained.

Effectiveness in Promoting Cultural Exchange

One of the most transformative aspects of Andean Journeys is its ability to foster genuine cultural exchange. Unlike traditional tours, this program immerses students in the daily lives of Ecuadorian communities. Through activities such as agroforestry planting, pottery making, and cultural discussions with indigenous leaders, students experience the richness of Ecuadorian traditions firsthand. "One student told me how planting a garden in the Amazon wasn’t just about putting seeds in the ground — it was about understanding the cultural and spiritual connection the local people have with the land," Dr. Meringer recounted.

Students also engage with modern Ecuadorian culture. Visits to industrial sites like the Novacero Steel Mill provide insights into the country’s modernization and economic development, broadening students’ perspectives on Latin America’s evolving identity. "When students see the balance between ancient traditions and modern industry in Ecuador, it inspires them to think about how cultures can adapt while preserving their roots," he said.

The program also creates opportunities for cross-cultural reflection. Students are encouraged to document their experiences through digital storytelling, blending academic themes with personal insights. These assignments allow students to process and present their learnings in meaningful ways. "The digital story maps that students create are incredible. They combine historical themes with personal observations, making their cultural exchange experience more tangible and memorable," Dr. Meringer added.

This emphasis on reflection and engagement has a lasting impact. Students return with a broadened sense of global citizenship, recognizing their connection to a shared human experience. "One student mentioned how the trip made them realize that cultural exchange is not just about observing — it’s about participating and building relationships," he noted.

Direct Impact on Students’ Perspectives

The Andean Journeys program has a profound effect on students, many of whom leave with a newfound appreciation for their own cultural identities. For Mexican American students in particular, the program highlights the interconnectedness of Latin American cultures, promoting a sense of pride and belonging. "Students from the border region often tell me how much they appreciate the shared history between Mexico and Ecuador. It reinforces their sense of identity and shows them they’re part of something much bigger," Dr. Meringer shared.

The program has inspired students to pursue academic and career paths they hadn’t previously considered. For instance, one student is now considering graduate studies in linguistics after learning about the preservation of indigenous languages in the Amazon. "This student came back saying, ‘Maybe I could study linguistics and return to Ecuador.’ For someone who had never traveled before, that’s a huge shift in perspective," Dr. Meringer said.

These experiences are not limited to academic growth. By absorbing traditional agricultural practices in the Amazon, students develop a deeper understanding of sustainability and environmental stewardship. "One student was inspired to incorporate sustainable agriculture practices into his business in the Southwest after seeing how indigenous communities manage resources in the Amazon," Dr. Meringer explained.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Dr. Meringer hopes to involve indigenous students from the U.S. in the Andean Journeys program, particularly those from Native American communities in the Southwest. This initiative aims to create connections in North and South America, facilitating a deeper understanding of shared histories and challenges. "I want to give indigenous students here the chance to connect with their counterparts in Ecuador. It would be a powerful exchange of knowledge and culture," he said.

Dr. Meringer also envisions further interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing in faculty from fields like anthropology, environmental science, and Latin American studies to enrich the program’s offerings. "Each year, we try to add something new. The combination of different academic perspectives makes the experience more comprehensive and impactful," he added.

The results of the TIEF grant have been transformative for both Dr. Meringer and UTEP students. By helping break down financial barriers to the development of study abroad programs, the grant has turned Andean Journeys into a model for impactful international education. For students, it’s not just a trip to Ecuador — it’s a journey of self-discovery and connection to a larger world. "The TIEF Study Abroad Development Grant is more than just financial support — it’s a gateway to transformative experiences that reshape students’ perspectives, deepen their cultural understanding, and inspire them to see themselves as global citizens," said Dr. Meringer. As the program continues to grow, it serves as a testament to the power of study abroad programs to transform lives, bridge cultures, and build a more interconnected world.