Global learning often starts in a new place and grows through experience, curiosity, reflection and connection.  

That spirit drives Missouri State University’s Education Abroad Faculty Fellows Program.  

Two faculty members from the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) were among eight faculty members selected for the 2026 cohort: Dr. Leslie Echols, professor of psychology in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, and Alison Alaimo, clinical assistant professor in the School of Nursing. The group includes representation from each of the university’s colleges.

This initiative supports faculty in developing, implementing and leading faculty-directed education abroad programs. It offers a dynamic learning opportunity for faculty members to enhance their global engagement, foster cultural immersion and create meaningful educational experiences for students. 

A chance to expand students’ learning 

For both faculty members, the selection is more than a professional milestone. It creates new opportunities for MCHHS students to explore how culture, systems and daily life impact health and well-being through a global lens.

According to Alaimo, this program supports the kind of learning she values most. 

In nursing, experiential learning helps students grow through labs, clinicals and simulations. Alaimo sees education abroad as a natural extension of that approach.  

“Education abroad aligns with my personal educational philosophy, considering the importance of experiential learning,” Alaimo said. “This type of learning develops critical thinking skills and deepens understanding.” 

While Echols shares that excitement, she also feels a deep sense of responsibility. For her, the program is a chance to learn the process up close before taking students abroad. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to see how a great program is run before leading a group of students on my own,” Echols said. 

For several years, she hoped to offer psychology students an education abroad experience. Participation in the Education Abroad Faculty Fellows Program will give her the confidence to move forward. 

Why it matters for students 

Both faculty members view education abroad as more than travel. It is a chance to broaden perspectives, deepen understanding and prepare students for a changing world. 

“The students we’re training now will become the health care leaders shaping policy in the future,” Alaimo said. “Hopefully, seeing how health care works in another place will influence them to make it more affordable and accessible in the United States.” 

Echols believes experiences like education abroad enable psychology students to step outside their usual way of thinking and explore different ways of approaching problems. 

“When you go abroad or even if you just go to another town or region, you get outside of whatever your norm is,” Echols said. “You see people doing things differently than you do.” 

That kind of perspective matters in every field connected to human care. It helps students become more reflective, adaptable and globally aware.  

What the program entails  

Now in its second year, the Education Abroad Faculty Fellows Program includes: 

• A series of interactive workshops designed to connect fellows with essential education abroad resources and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to develop impactful global learning experiences 
• An eight-day travel experience to Barcelona, Spain, that is focused on sustainability. 

At a recent sustainability workshop, Echols realized the concept was broader than she had imagined. She was especially struck by the 17 themes aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting not just environmental resources but also human well-being, including mental health.

“We’re thrilled to support these faculty members in their journey to create global learning experiences that not only enrich students’ academic careers but also foster greater global awareness and responsibility,” said  Elizabeth Strong, director of the office of education abroad. “Through the Fellows Program, we aim to empower faculty to create programs that have a lasting impact on students’ education and personal growth.” 

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