A historic gift positions the U of A as the 'study abroad university'
Students learn about the art of cheese-making during the University of Arizona's Mediterranean Diet and Health study abroad program. A transformative $20 million gift commitment from the Garcia Family Foundation will make international learning experiences like this accessible to more students.
For the past decade, the University of Arizona's Mediterranean Diet and Health study abroad program has taken students beyond the classroom to explore food preparation, agriculture and nutrition by living and studying for four weeks in one of the world's food capitals.
Jenny Lee
Arizona International
"In Verona, Italy, we lecture in the mornings, then students cook together or visit olive oil and cheese-making facilities," said Ken Wilund, director of the School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness and leader of the program, which was created by professor Donato Romagnolo. "They don't just learn about nutrition. They experience food culture, preparation and community. You can't replicate that in a classroom."
A student looks at the Uffizi Galleries while studying abroad in Florence, Italy.
A transformative $20 million gift commitment from the Garcia Family Foundation – a philanthropic organization promoting cultural, educational and artistic appreciation of the world – will expand access to credit-bearing study abroad opportunities like this by helping to make them more financially accessible.
Jenny Lee, dean of Arizona International, says the gift is a catalyst for success for every student – one of the university's strategic imperatives.
"Study abroad promotes student success," Lee said. "Students who participate show higher GPAs, higher retention rates and stronger leadership skills. They also gain confidence, cultural competency and adaptability – skills essential in today's global society."
The Garcia Family Foundation was established by Arizona philanthropist and businessman Ernest Garcia II and his wife, Joanne. Its mission includes expanding educational access and economic opportunity for underserved populations. The foundation's gift reflects a shared vision with university leadership to ensure every student can benefit from global experiences.
An opportunity for all
The funding will fuel an ambitious goal: tripling study abroad participation from about 1,700 students per year to more than 5,000 students by 2029. The first scholarship awards will be made in spring 2026.
"Success in this bold initiative will position the University of Arizona as the nation's leading destination for students who see study abroad as essential to their college experience, and I invite the entire university community to join in this effort," said university President Suresh Garimella in a video shared with the university community (watch below).
Harmony DeFazio, executive director of the university's Study Abroad program, said the gift will embed study abroad into the academic, financial and cultural fabric of the university. She added that it sends the powerful message that international experiences are possible for every student.
"Financial barriers have always been the largest obstacle," DeFazio said. "But the challenge of aligning our curriculum with courses abroad has historically been a daunting task for students, one that my office is actively working with academic units to address. By aligning programs across majors, students will be able to take courses abroad without delaying graduation or increasing the overall cost of their degree."
Harmony DeFazio
The university offers more than 80 international experiences, including exchange programs, study abroad opportunities, international internships and research opportunities. The programs at the U of A span a wide range of formats, from short-term, faculty-led courses to semester and yearlong programs in more than 30 countries. For example, students can study art and architecture in Barcelona, Spain, take classes on business entrepreneurship and ethics in Sydney, Australia, or learn about conservation science in Namibia.
Spreading the word
DeFazio hopes the gift can raise student awareness of the opportunities available to them, adding that employees play a key role in spreading that message.
Amanda Kraus, vice president for student affairs (seated on left, in sunglasses), poses with students and instructors outside Emiliana Design Studio in Barcelona, Spain during an Honors study abroad program.
"The number one way students hear about study abroad programs is from their friends," DeFazio said. "But number two is from faculty and staff. That guidance is critical. Champions across campus will help us make study abroad a reality for more students."
The university will soon launch a campuswide campaign to ensure all students, especially those from high-need backgrounds, are aware of the new opportunities this scholarship fund provides.
'The study abroad university'
John-Paul Roczniak, president and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation, said the gift will enhance the university's reputation with students, employees, the community and international partners.
"With this incredible support from the Garcia Family Foundation, we're telling our students and our community that the University of Arizona is 'the study abroad university,'" Roczniak said. "This is a place where you don't have to choose between affordability and global opportunity. You can have both."
The gift is also part of the university's $3 billion campaign, which has strengthened student success efforts, faculty research and more. More information about study abroad programs and scholarships is available on the Study Abroad website.