Study abroad scholarships are crucial for enabling access to international education, fostering cultural exchange, promoting global understanding, and empowering students to pursue enriching experiences beyond their home countries.
With support from the Stanley-UI Foundation Support Organization, the Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program provides up to ten $1,000 Global Access Ambassador Scholarships for the spring and fall semesters or academic year, and up to ten scholarships for the summer and winter sessions.
The scholarship is intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon their return to the UI campus, with special consideration given to students with a history of overcoming adversity to pursue personal, academic, or professional goals.
Meet the 2023 winter recipients:
Jaki Bass, a fourth-year business analytics and information and dance major from Chicago, Illinois, is studying this winter on the International Business London program.
“I am excited about immersing myself in the London community and culture. I picked this program because it is my last year at the university, and I have always wanted to study abroad. I think what stood out was the client of Wrexham and my interest in football. I had always wondered about the inner workings of a football club and saw this as an amazing opportunity. Studying abroad is important to me because I think it is important to explore other countries' cultures and observe a new global perspective. Exposure to different cultural, social, and economic contexts provides a broader understanding of global issues. This global perspective is increasingly important in a world where interconnectedness is a key aspect of various fields, including business, politics, and technology.”
Charlie Docherty, a fourth-year history major from St. Paul, Minnesota, is studying abroad this winter on the USAC Havana program.
“I value the opportunity to study internationally while at Iowa and wanted to choose a country that I felt would provide me with a unique learning experience. With increasing globalization, I think it's more important than ever for students in the United States to learn more about the world around them. You can only learn so much from the internet, and nothing beats a firsthand experience.”
Halle Eisfelder, a third-year environmental engineering major from Lindstrom, Minnesota, is studying abroad this winter on the Water Poverty in Rural India: A Freshwater Crisis program.
“I am most excited to apply the knowledge I have learned in my coursework as an environmental engineering major to real-life application. I heard about this program from my tour guide when initially touring Iowa in high school. I knew that if I was provided with the same opportunity to go, I would have to take advantage. Water is a universal need and by studying abroad in India, I will be able to learn innovative treatment methods to apply them to my learning in the U.S. Sharing research throughout cultures expands everyone's ability to have higher-quality water.”
Kyra Lester, a second-year finance and accounting major from Colfax, Iowa, is studying abroad this winter on the International Business in Sydney program.
“Studying abroad is important to me as someone who has grown up for most of my life in a small, rural Iowa town. Before that though, I was born in China and adopted at the age of one, so my outlook is heavily influenced by those global origins. As such, studying abroad was a huge priority of mine coming to college. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be able to do so relatively early in my undergraduate years.”
Naina Miranda, a third-year biomedical engineering major from Denver, Colorado, is studying abroad this winter on the Water Poverty in Rural India: A Freshwater Crisis program.
“I picked the India Winterim program after researching engineering study abroad programs and attending the Study Abroad Fair this fall. After speaking with the program director, Professor Bradley, I knew this was a program I wanted to pursue. I picked this program because it offers the opportunity to observe and contribute to an engineering solution that directly improves the lives of the people in the communities we will be working in.”
Suraj Moorjani, a fourth-year finance and economics major from West Des Moines, Iowa, is studying abroad this winter on the International Business in London program.
“I am excited to witness firsthand the real-world application of my knowledge in global finance. After many years of learning various concepts here at Iowa, I'm ready to delve into the opportunity to experience how finance operates on a global scale. London being a global financial hub and having a substantial Indian population, has always fascinated me. I am drawn to the environment hoping that I can explore and understand the intersection of Indian culture with the finance sector. Being in such a setting offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Indian perspective on finance and to engage with individuals who embody these dual capabilities.”
Sarah Onysio, a third-year environmental engineering major from Sussex, Wisconsin, is studying abroad this winter on the Water Poverty in Rural India: A Freshwater Crisis program.
“I have never been out of the country before, so I am looking forward to volunteering in and experiencing a new community. I am very interested in working in the water quality field. This course will give me more hands-on experience in that field and help me develop skills that will be useful in future jobs. It also gives me more exposure to the field of water poverty, which I haven’t had any experience in yet. Having a part in providing clean water access to those who don’t have it, whether that is by building wells, water filtration systems, or resource allocation, will be very eye-opening and fulfilling. I think studying abroad is important to give yourself perspective on your own life and culture. It exposes you to a different way of living, which helps you better understand the country you are visiting and your own lifestyle.”
Paige Turner, a third-year business analytics & information and marketing major from Indianola, Iowa, is studying abroad this winter on the International Business in Sydney program.
“Traveling the world has always been a lifelong goal of mine, especially considering I've barely left the Midwest. So, this is not only the start of a personal goal of mine, but also a chance to have my first experience abroad occur in a structured manner. I hope to one day take my career abroad or work in a space that allows me to collaborate with others on a global scale, and this is a fantastic step in that direction. I'll also have the chance to take international marketing while being outside of my home country. This is an opportunity to take what I learn in the classroom and apply it directly to life right when I step outside of the classroom.”
Safeya Siddig, a fourth-year marketing major from Iowa City, Iowa, is studying abroad this winter on the International Business in London program.
“Studying abroad is important to me as it represents a transformative experience that goes beyond academics. It is an opportunity to challenge myself, broaden my worldview, and gain cultural understandings that I wouldn’t have before. As a Global Access Ambassador, I am committed to using this experience to encourage others to embrace the enriching journey of studying abroad. Additionally, I see London as a global fashion hub, which aligns greatly with my aspirations of working in the beauty and fashion industry. This makes for a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the heart of my field and explore diverse perspectives.”
Jessica Valois, a third-year marketing major from Villa Park, Illinois, will be studying abroad this winter on the International Business in Sydney program.
“Studying abroad as a first-generation Latina, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to represent and honor my cultural heritage while engaging with new cultures abroad. I see this as a chance to bridge cultures, fostering understanding and appreciation between different communities. By embracing and sharing my Latina identity while immersing myself in a new environment, I hope to contribute to greater diversity and inclusion in the global academic arena. This experience allows me to be an ambassador, showcasing the capabilities, resilience, and aspirations of first-generation Latinas. It's an opportunity to demonstrate that with determination, hard work, and support, individuals from underrepresented backgrounds can access and thrive in global educational settings, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for more inclusive opportunities for others.”
Learn more about The Global Access ambassador scholarship
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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.