Meet Our 2026 Summer Scholarship Winners

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

My main reason for going to Spain is to do language immersion for my Spanish degree. I chose Madrid because it's not only a cultural center full of art and history, but also a place where I can speak the specific variety of Spanish from Spain, which is something I encounter a lot in my studies.

What are you most looking forward to?

I think I'm most looking forward to the food there. While paella and churros are the most famous examples, I want to try other dishes, such as gazpacho or the wide variety of tapas available. I am also looking forward to the architecture of the various cathedrals and castles in the country, as there is an inherent sense of wonder about them. Even though language immersion is my primary objective, there are still plenty of things that I'm looking forward to and will find joy in during my trip.

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I wanted to travel to South America because it felt the most authentic and comfortable. Some other countries, like Costa Rica and Chile, felt more popular, and I wanted to experience a country most people don't visit. Peru is home to many sights and such a deep culture, so I am lucky to get to visit. 

What does your scholarship mean to you?

This scholarship means belief. Believing that things will work out even when it seems rough, believing that you don't have to go through everything alone. It can be easy to feel discouraged when struggling with finances, but there are people everywhere willing to help when they can to make your dreams come true. I can't wait to pay it forward someday.

What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to the people I will meet. From what I have heard, Peruvians are so kind and welcoming, which is calming when traveling abroad. I will be really close to the ocean, so I hope to visit frequently with friends I make along the way. 

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I chose Dublin because it offers a strong global business environment that aligns with my international business and future law goals. I was also drawn to the opportunity to experience a new culture while gaining real world perspective.

What does your scholarship mean to you?

This scholarship means opportunity, because it allows me to study abroad in a way that would not have been possible otherwise. It also motivates me to fully invest in the experience and make the most of every moment.

What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to gaining hands-on experience and applying what I have learned in a real-world setting. I am also excited to explore Dublin, meet new people, and create memories I will be talking about for years.

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I have been trying to learn Spanish for years. When researching the best method to learn, immersion kept coming up. I could not think of a better way to learn then going to a country which speaks Spanish and staying with a host family. Being able to study in Salamanca is the cherry on top. I cannot wait to see the city’s beauty. 

What does your scholarship mean to you?

This scholarship means quite a bit to me. One of the many things receiving this scholarship has done is give me some peace of mind. It has taken a bit of the financial burden off my shoulder. This scholarship allows me to be more excited for my study abroad program than anxious. 

What are you most looking forward to?

There is a long list. In short, I am excited to meet my host family! I cannot wait to get involved in a new community, learn what matters most to them, and learn a new language. Additionally, I’m excited to study in a university founded over 800 years ago. 

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

As an Interior Design major, I was drawn to Italy because of its unparalleled architectural history. Italy offers thousands of years of design evolution, and within that, Florence stands out as a global center for art and architecture. Known as the birthplace of Renaissance design, Florence provides an immersive environment where I can study the origins of many principles that still influence interior design today. Being surrounded by this history will allow me to experience design in its most authentic and inspiring form. 

What does your scholarship mean to you?

This scholarship means a great deal to me because it makes studying abroad more possible for me. Financial barriers almost prevented me from this opportunity, so receiving this support is incredibly meaningful. It also feels like a recognition of the value of interior design as a discipline that has the power to make a difference and shape how people live, feel, and interact with spaces. That acknowledgment motivates me even more to continue growing and making an impact through design. 

What are you most looking forward to?

I am especially looking forward to the courses I’ll be taking abroad. Unlike my home university, where hands-on opportunities are limited, these classes emphasize experiential learning. I’ll be taking a sketching course that allows me to develop my artistic skills in real time, as well as a class on the history of gardens in Italy that takes place largely outdoors. The chance to learn directly from my surroundings and observing, sketching, and experiencing design firsthand is something I am incredibly excited about

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I am pursuing an economics major on a pre-med track because I am passionate about the need for improvements to be made to countries’ healthcare systems. I chose Costa Rica because I want to understand the barriers that limit access to healthcare worldwide. I will have the opportunity to grow my Spanish language skills and through my community engagement I will work with individuals in need, helping me better understand their experiences.

What does your scholarship mean to you?

This scholarship makes it possible for me to study abroad and experience something I’ve been working toward for a long time. I feel grateful because it lessens the financial barriers and lets me focus on learning and exploring a new culture. I hope to use what I learn to grow academically and personally, and to share those experiences with others when I return.

What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to experiencing Costa Rican culture and daily life, while also improving my Spanish-speaking skills so I can communicate with a wider range of people around the world.

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

Granada's history makes it a city of various blended cultures from Moorish to Christian influence, that ultimately reflect on its architecture and its traditional daily life, making it a great spot to learn about community and diverse perspectives. I also of course couldn’t ignore how beautiful Granada is! From the Alhambra to your everyday streets, Granada is a city that truly draws you in. 

What does your scholarship mean to you?

My scholarship means opportunity and purpose. I hope to use this scholarship to support my growth both academically and personally. In this program, we are representing our own community while learning from others and given the chance to deepen our awareness of different cultures and languages. 

What are you most looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to immersing myself into such a culturally rich environment while building new connections! Learning directly from the community and experiencing the blend of traditions firsthand and stepping out of my comfort zone is truly something to be excited about.

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I knew I wanted to go to Italy ever since I learned about studying abroad, but I was unsure which city to choose. When I came to college, my Italian professor constantly talked about Florence’s beauty and her unforgettable experiences there. That’s when my interest in Florence sparked, and it only grew deeper and deeper afterward. After researching the city’s history and famous sites, I am eagerly looking forward to seeing the architecture while living there. I truly believe Florence will be the perfect city for me, both culturally and academically.

What does your scholarship mean to you?

The WorldStrides Summer Pathways Scholarship represents the countless resources this program provides for its students. It genuinely means the world to me to be a recipient, as it relieves some of the financial stress that comes with studying abroad. Most importantly, it serves as a reminder that dreams do come true and that anything is possible with determination. I am forever grateful for this scholarship for helping one of my lifelong dreams become a reality!

What are you most looking forward to?

Apart from living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, I am looking forward to the courses I enrolled in. Education is one of the most valuable opportunities a person can pursue, and I have not been able to stop thinking about how much I will enjoy advancing my academic studies in Florence. After taking four semesters of Italian language courses, I am excited to put my skills to the test and finally use them in a real-life setting. Lastly, it is impossible to go to Italy without being ecstatic about trying all the Italian food, I seriously cannot wait to be amazed by the delicious pasta and gelato!