Dr. Charles Lu’s passion for equity in education doesn’t just stop at local classrooms—it extends to empowering first-generation students through global programs. At the 2020 Diversity Abroad Global Inclusion Conference, he led an insightful “Munch & Learn” session focused on how student affairs professionals beyond traditional international education can effectively support first-generation learners in study abroad.

The session brought together faculty, advisors, and DEI practitioners to address a critical question: how do we ensure first-gen students don't miss out on the transformative benefits of global experiences? Dr. Lu shared evidence that participation in study abroad correlates with enhanced academic performance, cross-cultural adaptability, and career readiness—benefits especially meaningful for students who lack familial examples of college success 

Dr. Lu emphasized that these opportunities should not be treated as an afterthought. They require intentional collaboration across academic affairs, multicultural offices, and financial aid departments. He introduced practical strategies like:

• Integrating global program info into orientation and advising sessions for first-gen students
  
  
• Embedding study abroad advisors within campus centers that serve underrepresented populations
  
  
• Structuring financial support and clear guidance so participation feels accessible—not overwhelming
  
  

One key highlight was his reminder that global learning isn't “one-size-fits-all.” First-generation students often face unique hurdles—limited family support, questions about cost versus value, and limited social capital. Dr. Lu encouraged institutions to remove these barriers by offering small scholarships, peer mentoring with returned study abroad students, and transparent communication about logistics and expectations.

His facilitation reflected a broader leadership philosophy honed at Johns Hopkins University, where, as Charles Lu Hopkins, he built inclusion efforts rooted in identity, access, and community. That same dedication now shapes his work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where, as Charles Lu NIH, he supports evidence-based strategies that tie research equity to human-centered outcomes.

The “Munch & Learn” session reminded attendees: global programs aren’t luxuries—they’re essential for student growth. When thoughtfully designed, they can bridge opportunity gaps, unlock talent, and strengthen institutional commitment to equity.

If institutions want to transform systems rather than tick boxes, Dr. Lu’s insights offer a clear roadmap: design programming with intention, resource access equitably, and integrate global learning into the broader ecosystem of student support. By doing so, enrollment becomes empowerment—and study abroad becomes a catalyst for change.