Dr. Danielle Falzon, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, provides her reflections on attending the COP30 Conference, the United Nations negotiations on climate change, in Brazil in November. 

"Amidst discontent from countries and accusations of procedural misconduct, the Brazilian presidency of this year’s annual meeting of the United Nations negotiations on climate change (known as the Conference of the Parties or COP)  brought COP 30  to a close on Saturday, November 22nd. The outcomes were reflective of disappointing compromises between some countries that were working to advance climate action and reduce emissions, and others that were doing their best to protect their national interests and ensure the continued burning of fossil fuels."

Manuela Gomez, a recent graduate of the M.A. program in Peace and Conflict Studies and an alumna of the Political Science program at Rutgers University–Newark, is forging a powerful path in international relations; one rooted in personal experience, global engagement, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable peace.

Originally from Colombia, Manuela grew up amid decades of armed conflict, witnessing the profound toll violence takes on communities and individuals. Those realities sparked her early interest in peacebuilding and motivated her to pursue academic work that could help illuminate global pathways to conflict resolution.

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) welcomed its first student from Seoul National University School of Dentistry (SNUSD), Jae Hyeok (Jerry) Lee, marking the beginning of a new international collaboration.

“This program allows for an academic and cultural exchange between our students and visiting students, simultaneously facilitating their professional and personal growth,” said Rosa Chaviano-Moran, associate dean for admissions. RSDM has several other exchange programs around the globe, stretching from Ireland to Spain to Albania to India. 

Rutgers Global, in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), hosted a 2-day academic program for 26 undergraduate students from South Korea majoring in biotechnology, health sciences, computer science, and engineering.  The program’s theme, “AI & Biotechnology in Healthcare,” highlighted how artificial intelligence is reshaping biomedical innovation and interdisciplinary research. Here are photos from the program.

For many students, a passport is more than a travel document; it’s a ticket to global study, research, and career opportunities. Recognizing this, Rutgers Global–Study Abroad launched the Passport to the World initiative in 2022, designed to increase the number of matriculated Rutgers students with U.S. passports across all campuses: Newark, Camden, Rutgers Health, and New Brunswick. 

One of those students is Le’Nahjaa Bailey (Rutgers-New Brunswick, Class of 2026), who received her first passport through the program and spent the summer studying at Ewha University in Seoul, South Korea. Bailey, also a Gilman Scholar, described the experience as transformative.

When Rutgers students imagine life after graduation, they might picture graduate school, a new job, or maybe even a gap year abroad. But for some, the path leads to something bigger: two years of service overseas with the Peace Corps. We sat down with Connor Cullinane, a Rutgers alumnus from the class of 2023,  who served in Morocco from 2023 to 2025, to hear what the experience was really like.

Rutgers students had the opportunity to explore the world this fall as Rutgers Global hosted its annual Study Abroad Fall Fair on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Livingston Student Center. The event, ran from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and showcased the wide range of international programs available to both undergraduate and graduate students. There seems to be a strong renewed interest in global education following the pandemic-era slowdown. In 2024–25, more than 1,000 Rutgers students studied abroad, the highest participation in recent years, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for international experiences. This year's fair drew in more than 900 students. Here are photos from the event.

Rutgers University proudly welcomed over 1,200 new international students this fall during its three-day International Student Orientation (ISO), held August 25–27, 2025, at Jersey Mike’s Arena and across campus. Nearly 150 parents and family members also attended, many of whom first connected with Rutgers through admitted student events and pre-departure programs hosted this summer in India and China.

Rutgers University was honored to welcome a distinguished delegation of senior leaders from O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), one of India's top private universities, to the Rutgers-New Brunswick campus on July 22. Led by Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, President & Vice Chancellor, and founder of JGU, the group discussed potential collaborations including student and faculty exchanges and dual degree programs. A diverse group of faculty and staff from across Rutgers joined the meeting, including deans and senior faculty from the Rutgers Law School, Rutgers Business School, the School of Engineering, the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, the School of Social Work, and the Bloustein School, as well as key members of enrollment management, and Rutgers Global.

This September, Freie Universität Berlin will mark a major milestone: the 20th anniversary of its renowned FU-BEST (Freie Universität Berlin European Studies) program. Over the past two decades, FU-BEST has grown into one of Europe’s most respected English-language study abroad programs, offering students from across the globe—including many from Rutgers University—a life-changing academic and cultural experience in the heart of Berlin. Rutgers Global Study Abroad has proudly partnered with FU-BEST for over a decade, sending students to Berlin in the fall and spring since at least 2008. The program remains a student favorite, drawing those interested in European studies, language immersion, and cultural exploration.

Rahul Mittal, assistant professor in the Department of Health Informatics at Rutgers School of Health Professions, is harnessing the power of international collaboration to support health and social care in underserved communities abroad. Awarded a 2024 Rutgers Global Grant for International Collaborative Research, Dr. Mittal is leading a project in Cornwall, United Kingdom, titled “Taxonomy of the Voluntary Sector in Cornwall.” 

Rutgers University was proud to participate in the Climate Corps Summer School 2025 program hosted by Korea University (KU) this summer, bringing together students and scholars from around the world to address the global climate crisis through innovation, education, and partnership. Three students from Rutgers attended the program: Audree Gousse, Eva Brozovsky, and Alex Varela Reyes. In addition, two Rutgers faculty members attended, Ahmed Aziz Ezzat, Assistant Professor of Industrial & Systems Engineering, and Victoria Ramenzoni, Associate Professor in Marine Policy and Social Sciences.