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As universities worldwide boost their international efforts to help ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs engage with diverse cultures, languages, perspectives, global trends, and commerce, Miami is building on a tradition of more than a half-century rooted in Luxembourg.

Miami established its ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ Dolibois European Center (MUDEC) in 1968, amid social and political turbulence in both Europe and the United States, to give ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs meaningful international experience.

The initiative, led by then-provost Charles Ray Wilson, chose Luxembourg at the urging of Miami alumnus John E. Dolibois, the vice president of advancement and U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg.

Dolibois highlighted the country’s unique cultural landscape, manageable size, and central location that enables weekend exploration of neighboring countries.

The center is housed in Differdange Castle in the southwest. MUDEC ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs have witnessed such historic events as the return of American hostages from Iran and the funeral of French President Charles de Gaulle.

”This experience is critically important to prepare our ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs for life and work in the world of the future,” Miami President Gregory Crawford said. “Engagement with people of other nationalities reveals the indispensable truth of human commonality, equality, and dignity. The once-strange ‘other’ becomes known as a person worthy of respect, solidarity, and participation in the common good.

“Such an experience accelerates the central goal of higher education – preparing individuals for life and work where everyone can flourish in a world of global commerce and connection.”

More than 450 ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs annually study at MUDEC, and 12,000 ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs have participated in the program.

Each fall, spring, and summer semester, over 100 MIami ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs travel to Luxembourg to attend classes. In the fall 2024 semester, 143 ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs are in Luxembourg, and 168 more are enrolled for next spring.

Students can also extend their stay with summer internship opportunities, deepening their engagement with Luxembourg’s culture and professional environment.

Miami has awarded honorary doctorate in law degrees to members of the Grand Ducal family: Grand Duke Jean (1979), Grand Duke Henri (2017), and Prince Guillaume, Grand Duke Heir (2018).

Cheryl Young, associate vice president of Global Initiatives, said the value of education abroad for ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈs is found in “the enhanced learning experience focused on an intensive opportunity with expert faculty who provide in-depth knowledge and enrich the program with their insights.”

“Our relationship in Luxembourg is extraordinary,” Young said. “We work closely with the government, the Grand Ducal family, and our alumni, creating a unique international experience rich in cultural and academic opportunities.”