Meet Our 2026 Spring Scholarship Winners

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I chose to study abroad in Florence because it offers an incredible mix of culture and academics in a walkable, student-friendly city, and I’m so excited for the experience. Growing up in the suburbs and attending college in Southwest Virginia, I’ve been craving exposure to city life, and Florence feels like the perfect place to step outside my comfort zone. Since I’ve never been to Europe before, I’m especially excited to make Florence my home base while also having the opportunity to travel and explore new places!

What does your scholarship mean to you?

Receiving my scholarship means so much to me because it makes this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity more accessible and less financially stressful. It allows me to focus fully on immersing myself in a new culture, growing academically, and stepping outside my comfort zone without constant worry about costs. I’m incredibly grateful for this support, as it helps turn my goal of studying abroad into a reality and motivates me to make the most out of every experience that comes my way! 

What are you most looking forward to?

What I’m most looking forward to about studying abroad is sharing the experience with my childhood best friend while also gaining independence in a completely new environment. I’m excited to attend classes in another country, travel to new places, and immerse myself in different cultures. Most of all, I can’t wait to make meaningful new friendships and create unforgettable memories that will stay with me long after the experience ends!

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I chose to study abroad in Limerick, Ireland after visiting the country a couple times and absolutely falling in love with the culture and the people! The community is so welcoming and I really enjoy their approach to academics. I felt like I could really grow as an individual while also making amazing memories. 

What does your scholarship mean to you?

This scholarship offers me the ability to study abroad without financial constraints. I love to explore and travel and get the most out of my time abroad. This scholarship gives me full freedom to embrace this opportunity without additional stress. 

What are you most looking forward to?

I am super excited to explore the hidden gems of Ireland and make memories with people in the program along with the locals. I can’t wait to gain a more global perspective on life which I can directly apply to my academic and personal goals. 

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I chose to study in Salamanca for its academic identity and its rich and vibrant culture. I wanted an experience in an environment where learning exceeds the classroom–where the streets, the people, and the daily life itself all become part of my education. 

What does your scholarship mean to you?

This scholarship would give me the financial freedom to fully embrace my study abroad experience! Beyond covering tuition and essentials, this enables me to travel and engage with different countries and cultures, allowing me to experience their histories and traditions directly rather than only through textbooks. 

What are you most looking forward to?

I’m most looking forward to exploring different cultures and heritages across Spain and Europe. But honestly, what excites me most is engaging with locals–having meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, or just connecting in everyday moments. I think those authentic interactions will end up being the most meaningful part of my time abroad.

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

My interest in Spain was first sparked by my high school Spanish teacher, whose stories about studying abroad made it feel like something I couldn’t miss out on. From there, my goal of becoming fluent in Spanish made studying in Spain a natural fit. Valencia ultimately stood out to me as a coastal city, and having grown up in coastal Maine, being near the ocean feels like home. As I continued researching, I only fell more in love with the city. 

What does your scholarship mean to you?

This scholarship means a great deal to me. I pay for my education through money I’ve saved from working, and while studying abroad has been a long-time dream, the financial stress often overshadowed the excitement. Receiving this scholarship lifted a huge weight and allowed me to fully embrace this opportunity with gratitude and confidence.

What are you most looking forward to?

I’m most looking forward to fully immersing myself in daily life - strengthening my Spanish, experiencing local traditions, learning the culture, trying new foods, and gaining an entirely new perspective through living abroad.

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I chose Korea because I admire the country’s values of respect and integrity, and I grew up influenced by Korean television and music. Studying abroad there allows me to immerse myself in a culture I’ve long respected while gaining a global perspective.

What does your scholarship mean to you?

This scholarship makes my study abroad experience possible by easing the financial burden and allowing me to fully focus on learning and cultural immersion. It provides invaluable support that helps turn this opportunity into a reality.

What are you most looking forward to?

I’m most excited to study finance from a global perspective and understand how business operates outside the United States. I also look forward to exploring Korea’s culture, food, and historic landmarks such as Namsan Tower and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I chose the Florence University of the Arts program because it offers the perfect balance of academics, cultural immersion, and support. The wide range of courses in business, hospitality, and the arts allows me to stay on track with my degree while also exploring new interests. I was especially drawn to the program’s emphasis on experiential learning, including internships and community engagement opportunities. Additionally, the flexibility in program lengths and cost options made studying abroad more accessible for me. Living in Florence, surrounded by history, art, and innovation, makes it an ideal place to grow both personally and academically.

What does your scholarship mean to you?

This scholarship means so much to me. It has helped ease the financial burden of studying abroad and allowed me to fully focus on making the most of this experience. Beyond the financial support, it represents encouragement and belief in my goals, which motivates me to continue pushing myself academically and personally.

What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to immersing myself in the local culture, meeting people from around the world, and gaining a global perspective that I can carry into my future career. I’m excited to learn both inside and outside the classroom and create experiences that will shape who I am moving forward.

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I picked Madrid because of its rich culture, history, and environment. As a Spanish-speaking first-generation student, I found Madrid to be the perfect place for me to adapt to a new culture while also challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone. 

What does your scholarship mean to you?

This scholarship represents trust and belief in my potential and has enabled me to pursue my study abroad dreams. This investment also reinforces my commitment to academic excellence, service, and leadership. 

What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to immersing myself into the culture and lifestyle of Madrid as a student and attending a few soccer games!