What surprised me the most when I began looking into study abroad programs was the variety of funding opportunities available to students. One of my reservations about studying abroad was the ability to front the cost of such an inclusive experience, but so many scholarships and grants are available to students willing to hunt for them and create a thoughtful application. As a low-income student, I often feel like I have to miss out on experiences that my peers get to enjoy. However, being a diversity ambassador scholar allowed me to take advantage of this once in a lifetime trip.
"My future plans have now changed; I now want to make it a priority to use my skills to help others in efforts like Doctors Without Borders. I met a few key individuals that embodied the values of selflessness and devotion to charitable causes that will leave an impact on me forever."
For my very first time out of the country, a two-week study abroad trip to the Dominican Republic studying comparative health systems was the perfect first exposure. I am a biology major on a pre-MSTP track, so my interests are research and medicine. I was able to find a program that aligned so well with my career and academic focuses surrounded by people who shared similar goals. I ended up with a new group of friends and an appreciation for other cultures!
Throughout my time, I developed a new sense of adaptability in response to the challenges that arose. Traveling is always stressful, but even in the face of missing our flight, I kept my composure by feeding off the calm energy of my companions. In the United States, we are accustomed to a certain standard of cleanliness and comfort, but in a less developed nation like the Dominican Republic, I was forced to redefine my definition of suitable accommodations and learn humility and gratefulness. I used to be a bit afraid of traveling to such vastly different places, but now I see every place is special with something unique to offer.
My identity as low income caused me to look at things very differently. I saw people much less fortunate than me and found a great appreciation for what I do have. We visited HIV/AIDS prevention clinics where the providers dedicated their whole lives to these vulnerable patients. My future plans have now changed; I now want to make it a priority to use my skills to help others in efforts like Doctors Without Borders. I met a few key individuals that embodied the values of selflessness and devotion to charitable causes that will leave an impact on me forever.
Tegan Wharton (biology major on the pre-med track), a Diversity Ambassador Scholarship recipient, participated in Comparative Health in the Dominican Republic in winter 2022.
LEARN HOW YOU CAN APPLY FOR A DIVERSITY AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP
The Diversity Ambassador Scholarship program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support the diversification of students who study abroad. Upon completion of the study abroad program and return to UI, award recipients are asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students or suggest an alternate means of sharing with prospective students.
Please note that the opinions and views expressed by diversity ambassadors are solely those of the students and do not reflect or represent the views of International Programs or the University of Iowa.
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.