For many students, studying abroad is a dream often hindered by financial and logistical barriers. Here at TCU, a new trailblazing initiative is breaking down those barriers. The Inaugural Associate Provost’s Paul Laurence Dunbar Study Abroad Experience is designed to provide students who have never traveled outside of Texas or the United States with an opportunity to expand their global perspectives.
With a background in African American literature and Milton Studies, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Affairs Reginald A. Wilburn, Ph.D., has long been fascinated with the intersections of literature, identity and history.
“As I was reading the 1898 essay by Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the most prolific African American poets of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, I noticed he quoted John Milton without attribution,” Wilburn recalls. “What stood out to me was how Dunbar was subtly making a case for the value of African Americans, particularly Black men, studying abroad just three decades after emancipation.”
The program’s inspiration stems from Dunbar’s essay “England as Seen by a Black Man,” in which he explores how race and identity often shift outside of the United States.
“Dunbar recognized that Black individuals were viewed differently abroad,” Wilburn explains. “His essay suggests that stepping outside of the U.S. could offer African Americans a new perspective on their identity, which is still relevant today.”
To be selected for the experience, students participated in an essay competition, responding to a prompt asking how the claims made by Dunbar in his essay resonated with them. In addition to demonstrating intellectual curiosity, applicants had to be in good academic standing and submit two letters of recommendation. The winners not only secured a place on the trip but also earned an opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Unlike traditional study abroad programs focused on earning course credit, this initiative emphasizes experiential learning, cultural immersion and personal growth. Wilburn outlines the key objectives as introducing students to Paul Laurence Dunbar and his cultural significance, encouraging students to think about their identities outside of the U.S., reflecting on how global experiences shape self-perception.
Additionally, the program aims to expose students to the value of studying abroad, hopefully encouraging them to consider and pursue full-credit study abroad programs in the future. The program will connect students to historical and literary contexts that continue to shape society.
During spring break, nine students will begin their journey across the pond. None of the students have traveled beyond the country, at least two students expressed they will be the first in their families to travel internationally, and for one, this will be their first time on a plane.
The trip integrates academic components alongside cultural experiences. Students began their preparation with a pre-departure orientation, where they explored Dunbar’s biography, analyzed his essay and engaged in discussions about race and global identity.
“At the airport, the students will examine sonnets by Shakespeare and Milton, including one Dunbar referenced in his essay,” Wilburn says. “While in England, we will have two class sessions in which each student will serve as a master content facilitator, leading discussions on a curated selection of sonnets, including works by African American poets.”
In addition to literary discussions, students will immerse themselves in British history and culture through a rich itinerary. They will attend a Shakespeare play at the Globe Theatre and visit Oxford, the British Museum and Westminster Abbey. Students will also indulge in high tea and possibly recite sonnets at the Speaker’s Corner.
This program was made possible with the support of TCU Global, which provided scholarships to make the program accessible, and as its international collaborators at Accent Global Learning who share the mission of advancing global thinking and assisted in designing and implementing the experience’s curriculum.
“I initially envisioned raising just a few thousand dollars to help one or two students,” Wilburn says. “Thanks to AnneLiese Busch, Ph.D., and her team at TCU Global, we were able to make this experience fully subsidized for every student.”
TCU Global fosters internationalization of the TCU community, both on campus and abroad, through global education and initiatives that challenge student and faculty perspectives and inspire global involvement.
Wilburn hopes that the Associate Provost’s Paul Laurence Dunbar Study Abroad Experience will become an annual opportunity. He also envisions growing a connection with Fort Worth Independent School District's Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, creating a pipeline for future students to see themselves in global academic spaces.
“I want this program to show students that studying abroad is not out of reach,” he says. “Once you’ve had that first international experience, the world feels different. You see possibilities you didn’t before.”
The Associate Provost’s Paul Laurence Dunbar Study Abroad experience is more than a trip. Rather, it is an opportunity for students to see themselves in a global context, engage with literature and history in new ways and return home with a deeper sense of self.
Through the vision of Wilburn, the generosity of TCU Global and the legacy of Paul Laurence Dunbar, this program is paving the way for the next generation of global scholars and ethical leaders. Associate Director of Admission Ray Person serves as co-advisor to this inaugural experience.
The success of this initiative relies on continued funding and support. Those interested in contributing to future iterations of the program can reach out to Reginald Wilburn to help expand opportunities for more students.
Macy Bayer ’28 studies journalism and marketing at TCU with a minor in political science, and is from Muenster, Texas. She is a social media and marketing intern for the Office of Admission.