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 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 spring 2024 recipients:
Sara Alvidrez, a third-year theatre arts major from Romeoville, Illinois, is studying abroad on the USAC Torino program.
“Studying abroad has always seemed incredibly out of reach and unaffordable until I learned about the University of Iowa’s amazing study abroad process and scholarship/financial aid opportunities. Now that I can do it, I intend to make the most of it, and truly learn from those I meet and what I see. Through this, I might even learn a little more about myself. I’ve never really been out of the country, and am eager for exposure to cultures, perspectives, and mindsets outside of those with which I am familiar. I chose USAC Torino because it seemed incredibly affordable, thorough, and nurturing.”
Samuel Buman, a third-year political science and history major from Harlan, Iowa, is studying abroad on the CIEE Kyoto Open Campus program.
“I am excited to immerse myself in a new language and culture while in an area of the world that has for so long been both a personal and academic interest of mine. With an interest in international relations, East Asia has always been a fascinating part of the world, so when looking at programs, the region was one of my first choices. Additionally, the CIEE block program was appealing because it allows me to finish a full semester in mid-March allowing some time for personal travel. Given this, the CIEE Kyoto program was an easy decision. Long term, I hope to have an international-focused career. While I expect this opportunity to be excellent for personal and academic development, I also recognize the necessity of international experience if I want to make a career out of it. By studying in Japan, I will have the opportunity to expand my language skills, and my cultural awareness, and practice immersing myself in a foreign environment — all necessities if I ultimately want a global career.”
Kate Burns, a third-year marketing major from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is studying abroad on the IES London program.
“I chose my program and destination recognizing that it is a major hub of business in Europe. This program offers the opportunity to make connections with a diverse community that is strong in its entertainment and financial services industries, with English as its native language. From a marketing perspective, entertainment and financial services are two industries that interest me for a future career. By studying abroad, I feel there will be more job opportunities after graduation. London is a major hub of business in Europe. I am studying marketing and international business, and this experience, I feel, is invaluable and gives me an advantage with hiring companies.”
Lindsey Heidal, a fourth-year English and creative writing major from Shakopee, Minnesota, is studying abroad on the IES Dublin Writers program.
“I wanted a program with a specific focus on creative writing, and I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland. I think traveling is a great way to learn more about the world because it allows people to view other cultures through a more concrete and intimate lens than can be offered by simply reading, watching documentaries, etc.”
Zayla Loftsgard, a second-year nursing major from Tripoli, Iowa, is studying abroad on the IES Barcelona program.
“Spain is somewhere that has always been very interesting to me. Studying abroad is extremely important to me because I am a first-generation student and being able to experience this great opportunity is something that I am very grateful for. I believe that seeing people and having experiences from all around the world is very important in developing a global perspective.”
Becca Melero, a second-year communication studies major from Riverside, Illinois, is studying abroad on the IES Barcelona program.
“I picked the IES Barcelona program because my grandmother was born in Spain and has always raved about the beauty of it. I also really wanted to learn more about my culture and get firsthand experience. Studying abroad is important to me because it pushes me out of my comfort zone. I was hesitant about leaving school and being so far away from home, but I know it is an opportunity that I cannot miss and will not regret.”
Maryam Mohammed, a third-year international relations major from Urbandale, Iowa, is studying abroad on the SIT Jordan Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action program.
“I am most excited to improve my Arabic skills through language immersion. I want to use my time abroad to reach a high level of proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic and Levantine dialects. After finishing a minor in Arabic at Iowa, I knew that I wanted to continue my language studies abroad. While browsing through study abroad opportunities in the Middle East, I was lucky to find a program that offered courses and work with refugees, public health, and international human rights systems—exactly aligning with my major, certificate, and career interests. Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity to explore the world and test one's limits. Regardless of what obstacles I face, I know that I will grow as a person.”
Elle Murphy, a third-year English and creative writing major from Kansas City, Missouri, is studying abroad on the IES Dublin: Trinity College Dublin program.
“I am the most excited about traveling to new places and making new lifelong friends. I really can't wait to explore Ireland's countryside and the city of Dublin. I've heard great things about their art and music scenes. I picked my program because Trinity College Dublin ranks very highly for its English literature, and to become a better writer, I need to understand the craft. The campus is just absolutely beautiful. I also really liked the extra support I will get from IES.”
Kayla Petry, a fourth-year marketing major from Bettendorf, Iowa, is studying abroad on the CIEE Barcelona Business & Culture program.
“I am most excited to get the opportunity to travel and meet other students. I chose CIEE Barcelona because it allows me to take both business and Spanish classes that count toward my major and minor. I also love the city of Barcelona, so it made a big impact on my decision-making. Studying abroad is important to me because I want to learn about other cultures and meet students from around the world. Especially in my fields of study, having worldly knowledge will be incredibly impactful.”
Michael Rambousek, a fourth-year music, Spanish, and communication studies major from Dubuque, Iowa, will be studying abroad on the CIEE Seville Advanced Liberal Arts program.
“I am most excited about hearing the music, tasting the food, and viewing the landscapes of Seville, Spain, as I fully immerse myself in a foreign culture for the first time. I chose CIEE's Advanced Liberal Arts program in Seville, Spain through the university's travel abroad search as I wanted to enroll in courses with native Spanish speakers to enhance my fluency in Spanish exponentially. I firmly believe we must immerse ourselves in another culture and learn what life is like through the lens of others to obtain a legitimate understanding of the world.”
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.