Two hundred years after Thomas Green Clemson studied abroad in France, Clemson University continues to expand global learning, partnerships and professionally relevant international opportunities.
As the University kicks off the Fall semester, an estimated 2,000 students will travel abroad in 2026-27 to study in more than 100 locations worldwide. Over the past three academic years, Clemson student participation in education abroad programs has increased by more than 32 percent.
“Education abroad experiences provide students with an opportunity to explore their global citizenship and to set themselves apart academically and professionally,” said Meredith Wilson, director of Education Abroad. “In addition, these opportunities offer experiential learning activities — a key component of Clemson University’s core mission and part of the No. 1 Student Experience.”
Education abroad opportunities at Clemson include a wide range of disciplines across the entire calendar, from semester-long exchanges to faculty-directed Spring Break programs. Students can explore opportunities that span undergraduate research in Japan to studying bioethics in Spain, discovering life-changing experiences that will benefit them personally, academically and professionally.
As Clemson reflects on the next 200 years of global education, the University will focus on expanding the scope and availability of innovative new international programs.
“There are tremendous opportunities to work more closely with our global industry partners to create innovative, professionally relevant programs,” said Brian Watkins, Associate Vice President for Global Programs and Partnerships. “We look forward to continuing our work with Clemson faculty to create these opportunities for the next generation of Clemson students.”
Honoring Clemson’s Global Connections, Past and Present
The University’s global connections date back to when its founder, Thomas Green Clemson, studied abroad at the Paris School of Mines in 1826.
“That time had such an incredible impact on our founder because he learns French, he starts collecting European artwork, and he participated in the French Revolution in 1831,” said University Historian Otis Pickett. “A lot of that experience studying abroad gave him, I believe, a window to the future.”
On February 23, Clemson marked National Study Abroad day with a celebration of the faculty and alumni who have supported the University’s 200-year global engagement journey. Honoring a long-standing commitment to international partnerships, global learning, and multicultural collaboration, the event brought together faculty, students, alumni, and global partners, including representatives of the French Consulate in Atlanta.
As part of the celebration, the Office of Global Engagement was honored to welcome the French Consul General in Atlanta, Anne-Laure Desjonquères, to celebrate these shared connections and look towards the future of international collaboration.
“On this anniversary, let us honor the legacy by reaffirming our shared commitment to global education. Let’s continue to encourage our students to travel, to learn, to engage with the world,” said the Desjonquères. “And let us strengthen the partnerships that unite France, South Carolina, and this remarkable University.”
A Legacy of Global Education
In celebrating its global education legacy, the University has honored the lasting impact of the Hendrix Family, whose generosity and passion for international education have supported the Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad and expanded opportunities for Clemson students to study, conduct research, and engage with communities around the world.
Bill Hendrix, his brother Guy Hendrix, and his son, Jim Hendrix, helped commemorate their family’s legacy and enduring support of Clemson’s global initiatives
“We are so pleased with the continued growth and leadership of the Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad and have enjoyed the opportunity to see Clemson students engage in global learning first-hand,” said Jim Hendrix.
The University recognized of five outstanding faculty who have helped to make this explosive growth possible. Awards presented included:
- Pamela Maddex Hendrix Legacy Award (Judson Jahn, J.D.)
- Emerging Global Educator Award (Shannon Owen and Christianna Novakovic, DrPH)
- Global Classroom Teaching Award (Kelly Willemssens, Ph.D.)
- Excellence in Global Experiential Learning Award (Jiro Nagatomi, Ph.D.)
Learn More
The Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad will host the annual Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday, September 16, at the Hendrix Student Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information about education abroad is available at the PHCEA website.
