By Violet Ashley, student writer, College of Arts and Sciences
Students from the first cohort of Arlene Schnitzer Study Abroad Scholarship recipients have embarked on their international journeys, pursuing language learning and global engagement.
In France, Spain and Japan, these Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages students have diversified their education through new cultural environments.
The Arlene Schnitzer Study Abroad Scholarship is an award of up to $5,000 (average award is approximately $3,000) available to University of Oregon majors in the Schnitzer School who plan to participate in a Global Education Oregon (GEO) -sponsored study abroad program or internship.
Selection is based on financial need, academic merit and a well-completed scholarship application. Students can apply for the scholarship as early as their first term at the UO. The funds can be used at any time during their college career and students do not need to know where they will be going abroad at the time of application.
Margaret in Paris
History and global studies student Margaret Grace chose to use her scholarship right away.
Grace is participating in the Sciences Po Exchange in Paris, France, where she takes classes in history, international relations and international law. She lives with a host family, and her classes include both French students and students from around the world.
“It has been exciting and informative getting to know people who come from places other than the United States,” said Grace.
Studying at a highly-ranked European university has opened numerous opportunities for Grace, from connecting with professors and professionals to learning about subjects such as critical race feminism and the constitutional validity of the UN Charter.
The Arlene Schnitzer Study Abroad Scholarship made her experience possible.
“I haven't had to worry about finances while also trying to adapt to life in a new country,” said Grace. “As a student financing my own college education, scholarships like this one are incredibly impactful, giving amazing opportunities for international education to students who may not have been able to find them otherwise.”
The scholarship’s limited eligibility criteria is intended to include as many students as possible. Students do not need to have declared Schnitzer School majors by the application deadline, but recipients must be majors in the Schnitzer School by the time they go abroad on their program or internship.
“After returning from Paris, I think that what will stick with me the most is my daily routine,” said Grace. “Going for a run along Canal St-Martin, getting a pain au chocolat from my local boulangerie, attending class in a 17th-century building and heading to a bistrot for dinner is a routine I won't take for granted.”
Enabling students to adventure beyond
Over the summer, Spanish, Latinx studies, and communication disorders and sciences student Gisselle Hernandez Ojeda studied Spanish Language and Culture in Segovia, Spain.
Ojeda decided to study abroad to “step outside her comfort zone” and experience a different way of life firsthand. She lived with a host family, spending her days eating local food and learning local history.
Pre-global studies student Karly Nelson participated in the Senshu University Exchange in Tokyo, Japan. Political science and global studies student Mika Yabana participated in the GlobalWorks Internship, also in Tokyo, Japan.
Discover all the programs sponsored by GEO.
Find a complete list of majors and minors in the Schnitzer School and information about declaring a major in the Schnitzer School.
The application for the next round of Arlene Schnitzer Study Abroad Scholarships is open and available here. The deadline is Dec. 15.