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 10, $1,000 Global Access Ambassador Scholarships for the spring and fall semesters or academic year, and up to 10 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.
Our spring 2025 awardees have chosen diverse programs across the globe, each aligning with their academic goals and personal interests. From exploring the rich history and resilience of Ireland to delving into the vibrant culture of Argentina, these students are set to embark on transformative journeys. Their experiences abroad will not only enhance their academic knowledge but also foster personal growth, cultural understanding, and a deeper appreciation for global diversity.
Meet the 2025 spring recipients:
Angela Boateng, a third-year political science major from Phoenix, Arizona, is studying this spring on the Iowa Regents in Ireland: University College Cork program.
“I’m most excited to immerse myself in a culture I’ve long studied but have never had the chance to experience firsthand. I chose this program because Ireland, one of the most successful countries in the world, has a history marked by oppression, persecution, and hardship. Despite centuries of adversity and widespread Hibernophobia, the Irish people have risen above all to establish themselves as a global success. Their resilience and triumph in the face of such challenges deeply inspire me, and I am incredibly proud of their strength.
Studying abroad is important to me because it offers the chance to explore a world beyond what I've been taught and the experiences I’ve had. It allows me to expand my perspectives, connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and immerse myself in new cultures and experiences. More importantly, it allows me to share my American and Ghanaian heritage. Through cultural exchange, I hope to contribute to humanity by fostering a deeper appreciation for our differences and inspiring greater understanding and unity among us all.”
Aliveah Brinegar, a third-year health studies major from Eddyville, Iowa, is studying this spring on the Iowa Regents in Scotland: University of Edinburgh program.
“I am most excited about everything. The experiences and memories I will make, but also the stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and the unique differences from life in America. When choosing my study abroad program, I knew I wanted a destination that combined academic excellence with a rich cultural and historical experience. Edinburgh stood out to me because of its stunning medieval architecture and picturesque landscapes. What captivated me the most was the university's unique setting. Many of the college's courses are taught in historic buildings that date back to the 1700s, offering an experience that I know I wouldn't find anywhere in the U.S. As a first-generation student and aspiring healthcare professional, I view studying abroad as a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the world. I am eager to expand my perspectives, gain deeper cultural insights, and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. This experience will not only enhance my personal growth but also shape me into a more well-rounded individual, both professionally and personally.”
Aysia Franck, a fourth-year psychology major from Fort Madison, Iowa, is studying this spring on the USAC Studies in the Czech Republic program.
“I am extremely excited about getting to explore and learn in another country. I'm thankful I got the opportunity to do this, and I am interested in seeing how different Europe will be compared to what I am used to in America. I am completing my psychology degree requirements this fall and chose this program because I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn about another culture. It was also very affordable, allowing me the opportunity to study abroad in a more practical manner.
Studying abroad is important to me because it offers me the chance to grow personally and academically. This experience will teach me to adapt to vastly different environments and help me appreciate the opportunities I have worked very hard for. This is something I never thought I would get the chance to do, so it is very meaningful to me that I get to study abroad.”
Tyler Horn, a third-year marketing and journalism & mass communication major from Fort Madison, Iowa, is studying this spring on the American College of Thessaloniki program.
“I am most excited about the opportunity to spend an entire semester in Greece and immerse myself in a new culture. I can't wait to explore Europe and meet various new people! I selected the American College of Thessaloniki because its academic courses closely align with the remaining courses required for my degree. Greece has always been one of the top countries I have wanted to visit, making it a perfect location for my study abroad. Having grown up in a small town with few opportunities for travel or cultural exposure, studying abroad feels like an incredible chance for personal growth. It's a chance to reflect on my goals, expand my network, and better understand diverse perspectives.”
Noa Jones, a fourth-year majoring in French, English and creative writing, and sociology from Ankeny, Iowa, is studying this spring on the USAC Lyon program.
“The thing I’m most excited for in studying abroad is experiencing a place with as much history as Lyon, and France in general, and the culture and society that has resulted from that compared to the United States. The U.S. has a self-referential and self-contained nature that makes it hard to look at from an exterior perspective while inside and makes it harder to examine other societies and cultures in detail. It sounds very academic, but mostly I am excited for the experience of it all, seeing what it is like, and immersing myself in another language and culture compared to what I am used to.
I chose USAC Lyon specifically for academic reasons. The USAC programs allow for more credits to transfer back towards a single major than some of the other programs. I’m doing study abroad primarily as a way to grow my language skills and get ahead in the French major, since I have made much more progress towards my BAs in sociology and English & creative writing compared to it. The Lyon program itself has some specific classes I want to take, and the city is one with a lot of history to it, which is why I picked it over the other USAC programs in France.
The ability to live and immerse myself in another language both inside and outside the academic setting and thereby become much more skilled in communicating in and understanding the language than I would staying here, is the most important thing about studying abroad to me. It is something I have been considering since coming to college to grow my skills in French beyond just progressing in my studies. It also will allow me to experience a different culture, history, place, and people than I am used to, thus growing my view of the world and experience with it. This will shape what constitutes me as a person, my views of myself, and my expression through language and other forms of art by extension.”
Anna O’Connor, a second-year majoring in international studies and social work with a Spanish minor from Dubuque, Iowa, is studying this spring on the SIT Argentina Social Movements and Human Rights program.
“I am most excited about learning about Argentinian culture through music and dance! I picked my program, SIT Social Movements and Human Rights, due to the focused structure of the program surrounding my interests in human rights and social justice. I want to advance my Spanish abilities through the Spanish immersion classes as well as by interacting with locals and my host family. This program will help to expand my knowledge in my majors of international studies and social work while advancing my interests in political science. Studying abroad is important to me to understand that my singular perspective is not all-encompassing. There is so much to learn from the world and its cultures, and listening is key.”
Jack Renn, a third-year marketing and entrepreneurship major from Waverly, Iowa, is studying this spring on the CIEE Madrid Open Campus program.
“I’m most excited about seeing my old foreign exchange friends who went to my high school! I picked this program because I have been very interested in Spain’s culture and lifestyle after hearing about it from foreign exchange students in high school. I also love soccer and have a goal of becoming bilingual in Spanish. Studying abroad is important to me because I think it is extremely important to get out of your comfort zone and try new things, especially exploring other cultures. You have the opportunity to see the world from a whole new perspective and improve yourself accordingly.”
Annalie Ruehle, a second-year biochemistry and molecular biology major with a Korean studies minor from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is studying this spring on the TEAN South Korea: Korea University program.
“I am very excited to meet new people and explore South Korea with the new friends I make. I am also excited to visit the palaces and villages. I picked my program because I wanted to go to South Korea and there were only three options, so it was narrowed down pretty quickly. I also took into consideration that this will be my first solo trip abroad and I might need more support in a country where English isn't the primary language, and my program will provide more support while abroad than the other program options. I also picked Korea University because I heard that they are known for business, and I wanted to take some business classes while abroad. I chose Korea because I want to improve my Korean skills, and I have been fascinated with Korea's pop culture and want to experience it firsthand. Studying abroad is important to me because I like to explore, and going abroad is a great adventure. It also allows me to experience other cultures and bring them back with me to share with others.”
Phillip Samaniego, a fourth-year marketing and entrepreneurship major with a Spanish minor from West Des Moines, Iowa, is studying this spring on the CIEE Barcelona Business & Culture program.
“I am most excited about growing my Spanish skills. Being immersed in the language is super important to my personal growth. I'm also very excited about travel opportunities during my free time! I picked CIEE Barcelona because of its great course selection along with the rich culture and history of Barcelona and Spain as a whole. Studying abroad is important to me so I can grow my personal skills, experience the world, and stand out to employers.”
Kalleigh Young, a third-year English and creative writing major from West Des Moines, Iowa, is studying this spring on the Iowa Regents in Ireland: University College Cork program.
“I’m most excited to see new places and meet new people! I’ve never been to Europe before, but I’ve always wanted to go! I wanted to go to Ireland for its beautiful landscape and my Irish heritage, and I wanted a direct exchange program to experience the place and its culture to the fullest. Cork seemed like the perfect place to go! It’s a great opportunity to see more of the world and learn about different places and cultures! I also think it’ll push me to grow as a person by helping me step out of my comfort zone!”
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.