A new program initiated by the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) Study Abroad Office will expand and enhance the college’s portfolio of short-term faculty-led study abroad programs for undergraduate students. 

“Through this program, we are creating and supporting a community of faculty and staff who are working to develop exciting and unique international opportunities for our students that will be available as part of our curriculum as early as winter break 2025,” said Ali Freter, Director of ACES Study Abroad.

Four College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) faculty members have been awarded funding to establish or support an international collaboration as part of the longstanding ACES International Seed Grant Program.

The internal grant program, coordinated by the Office of International Programs, accepts applications each semester and awards grants to projects that show the most potential to build sustained, impactful international engagements. 

In February, the USAID-funded Feed the Future Soybean Innovation Lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was told to stop work, bringing an abrupt end to 12 years of progress toward developing a global soybean value chain supporting Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Australia.

Two College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) affiliates who are inspiring examples of using the opportunities presented by our global campus are being honored as 2025 Illinois International Achievement recipients. 

These prestigious annual awards recognize outstanding University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumni, faculty, and students whose exceptional work or service has made a significant, global impact.

An international sabbatical promotes professional and personal development and can increase an individual’s value to the university, as demonstrated by several College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) faculty who have pursued such opportunities to study and conduct research in a foreign country. 

The College of ACES supports its faculty taking an international sabbatical in line with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign guidelines and for the purpose of acquiring additional knowledge and competency in their respective fields.

Dr. Bhavani Shankar, an alum from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was recently honored with the prestigious Gates Foundation Goalkeeper Champion Award. Shankar was selected for his work in increasing access and affordability of nutrient dense foods to rural markets.

Twenty-five members of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program participated in two days of seminars at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on Feb. 6-7 to broaden their international perspectives and understanding of Illinois’ place in global agriculture. 

Globally, women’s workforce participation is about 25% lower than men’s, often due to barriers such as domestic responsibilities and cultural norms. Vocational training can increase employment opportunities, but women may not be able to attend training programs that require them to be away from home.