An Incredible Investment in Global Education

May 22, 2026 - 04:53

A major donation is set to remove one of the biggest barriers to international education: the high cost. Louis and Mary Kay Smith have given $20 million to fund a program that will allow students to participate in a semester-long study abroad experience for the same price they would pay to attend classes at their home university.

The gift is designed to level the playing field. For many students, the additional fees for flights, housing abroad, and international program tuition can make a semester overseas feel like a luxury. This new initiative covers those extra costs, meaning a student's financial commitment remains identical whether they are studying in a foreign country or on their regular campus.

University officials say the goal is to make global learning a standard part of the undergraduate experience, not a privilege for the few who can afford it. By eliminating the financial penalty of going abroad, the Smiths hope to encourage a wider and more diverse group of students to take the leap.

The program will cover all program-related expenses beyond standard on-campus tuition and fees. This includes airfare, accommodation, and local transportation. The hope is that students will return with a broader worldview, better language skills, and a stronger sense of independence. The Smiths believe that these experiences are not just a nice addition to a degree, but a critical part of preparing students for a connected world.