McCoy College Expands Scholarship Support for Global Learning Opportunities

SAN MARCOS, Texas — Texas State University's McCoy College of Business is making study abroad opportunities more accessible through expanded scholarship support. This support will help more students gain firsthand international experience and develop a better understanding of today's global business environment. 

Over the past three years, the college has increased study abroad scholarship awards from approximately $4,000 per year, supporting four students, to more than $22,000 per year, supporting 16 students. The growth has been fueled by longstanding scholarship programs such as the Reichlich Scholars program and new donor-funded opportunities, including the Scott Emerson Global Scholars program and the Smith Global Scholars Endowment, established in 2023 by alumnus Bruce Smith and his wife, Kelly. The endowment provides grants to help students participate in international internships and study abroad programs. 

"The number one reason that students don't study abroad is because they cannot afford it," said Dr. Seth Frei, assistant dean and chief of staff at McCoy College. 

The scholarships are helping students like marketing alumna Nubia Saenz turn study abroad aspirations into reality. Saenz participated in the Business Communications in Europe program last summer, a three-week faculty-led experience that took students to Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands while earning degree credit. 

"When this program presented itself to me, it seemed like the perfect fit," Saenz said. 

Saenz received multiple scholarships through Texas State and a nationally competitive Gilman Scholarship. Together, the awards covered nearly all her program expenses. 

"I don't think it would have been possible [without the scholarships] if I'm completely honest," she said.

Frei said expanding scholarship opportunities remains a priority as the college works to provide students with global business experiences. 

"We know that there's value in global education," Frei said. "So I think giving students that opportunity and adding this financial assistance can be really helpful." 

For Saenz, the experience expanded her view of both business and her future career opportunities. 

"It locked me in to want to not only find a job, but maybe find a company where eventually there will be opportunities for me to go abroad," she said.✯ 

For more information, visit our Global Education program page.