Recipients of new scholarship plan to study around the world

world map in blues and greens
Recipients of the Arlene Schnitzer Study Abroad Scholarship are traveling all over the world to study abroad, from Korea and Japan to England and Spain. 

Global Engagement Arc
The Arlene Schnitzer Study Abroad Scholarship is a new source of funding support for majors in the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages who plan to participate in any study abroad or global internship program sponsored by Global Education Oregon (GEO).Of the 45 students who applied to the first call for applications, 31 received scholarships to use at any time during their UO careers. They must be majors in the Schnitzer School by the time they go abroad. Financial need, academic merit and the scholarship application are all considered in the selection process.These students shared details on where they are headed thanks to the scholarship and why they have chosen to study abroad!
 
Nadia Ndibo
Major: Global studies
Study abroad program: Blanquerna School of Communication and International
Relations Exchange
Expected graduation date: 2028
Schnitzer Arlene schloarship recipient, Nadia Ndibo

Why did you choose to study abroad? 
I chose to study abroad because I wanted to experience something new outside of my usual environment and learn in a different cultural and academic setting. As a global studies major, being in another country will help me better understand how global issues and cultures connect in real life.

What are you most excited about studying abroad? 
I’m really excited to experience Barcelona’s culture and explore the city, especially the museums, historic monuments and architecture. I’m really looking forward to seeing places like the Sagrada Família and just being able to walk around and take everything in. I’m also excited to learn some Spanish, meet new people and make friends while I’m there. I’m especially excited to experience La Diada and see how the Catalonia national holiday is celebrated. Trying new foods and getting to experience a different way of life while studying something I enjoy makes the whole experience even more exciting for me.

Olivia Hodge
Major(s): Spanish and linguistics
Minor: Comparative literature
Expected graduation date: 2027
Schnitzer Arlene schloarship recipient, Olivia Hodge

Why did you choose to study abroad? 
I chose to study abroad because while I’ve been studying Spanish academically for the greater part of my life, my speaking skills are not where I want them to be. I realize that immersion is the most effective way to improve this, as it will force me to consistently converse with native Spanish-speakers in real-world contexts.

What are you most excited about studying abroad? 
I am most excited about living with a host family and absorbing their culture. I am thoroughly looking forward to trying their food, exploring their city, and appreciating their traditions.

Shane Eldred
Major: Japanese
Expected graduation date: 2027
Schnitzer Arlene schloarship recipient, Shane Eldred

Why did you choose to study abroad? 
I wanted to develop my skills more. I've been studying the Japanese language since high school and had never been to Japan before now. Being able to put into practice the Japanese language skills I've learned and strengthening my social network are the two big reasons I chose to do an internship in Japan.

What are you most excited about studying abroad? 
I'm excited to be able to use Japanese language skills in daily life situations with real Japanese people. The real-world experience I'm building gives me a foundation for success in daily life here in Japan. There are a lot of hurdles when abroad in Japan and learning to navigate them isn't always straightforward; there may be unexpected challenges and opportunities.

Haley Kealarose Trombley
Major(s): English and FrenchS
tudy abroad program: French Immersion in Angers
Expected graduation date: 2028
Schnitzer Arlene schloarship recipient, Haley Kealarose Trombley

Why did you choose to study abroad? I'm choosing the program in Angers because I believe it will be a great way to transition from an intensive, technical study of the French language and start applying it in a real setting that isn't too intimidating. I think studying in a smaller region like Angers will allow me to not only see a lesser-known part of France but provide a more approachable and intimate atmosphere compared to a bustling city.

What are you most excited about studying abroad? 
I'm most excited about the prospect of home staying during study abroad and gaining a deeper understanding of the everyday culture in France. For me, this means things like food, but also the mannerisms, social customs and even the different ways of dress of the country/region.

Hana Smith
Major: Global studies (with a focus on international business)
Minor: Japanese
Expected graduation date: 2026
Schnitzer Arlene schloarship recipient, Hana Smith

Why did you choose to study abroad? 
I chose to study abroad in London because I see it as an important step in building my future, both personally and professionally. Before coming here, I knew that London is a global hub for international business, marketing and hospitality, and being here allows me to immerse myself in an environment where these industries are constantly evolving. A key part of my decision was the opportunity to build meaningful connections and relationships. 

What are you most excited about studying abroad? 
What I’m most excited about studying abroad is continuing to build my network, because I’ve already seen how impactful it can be. London is such an international and fast-moving city, and it already feels like a place where I could realistically build my future. Seeing how far networking has already taken me makes me even more excited to keep growing, meeting new people and seeing where these opportunities can lead.

Margaret Grace
Major(s): Global studies and history
Minor: Spanish
Study abroad program: Sciences Po Exchange
Expected graduation date: 2027
Schnitzer Arlene schloarship recipient, margaret Grace

Why did you choose to study abroad? 
I have studied abroad in the past, and I found it to be one of the most fulfilling aspects of my university experience. Being able to live in a new country and meet people from different backgrounds can vastly change your perspective and open you up to completely new ideas. I have previously experienced the most personal growth when immersing myself in international environments, and I am hoping to experience this again at Sciences Po.

What are you most excited about studying abroad? 
Since I’m doing a university exchange, I’m excited to experience the environment of a European university. I’m also looking forward to meeting other international students and hopefully eating some good pastries.

Emily Hibberd
Major: Global studies
Minor: Korean
Study abroad program: K-Pop and Beyond in Seoul
Expected graduation date: June 2027
Schnitzer Arlene schloarship recipient, Emily Hibberd

Why did you choose to study abroad?
I have always wanted to study abroad because it seems like such a valuable experience for both academic studies and general life skills. I thought doing a program in Korea might help expand my Korean language skills since that's what I'm minoring in!

What are you most excited about studying abroad?
I'm excited to immerse myself in the culture in a way that I don't feel like I'm able to do if I were just taking a vacation there. I'm also excited to relate what I'm learning to my daily life interactions while there.

Gisselle Hernandez Ojeda
Major: Spanish and communication disorders and sciences
Minor: Latinx studies
Study abroad program: Spanish Language and Culture in Segovia
Expected graduation date: 2027
Schnitzer Arlene schloarship recipient, Gisselle hernandez Ojeda

Why did you choose to study abroad?
I chose to study abroad because I am looking for ways to step outside of my comfort zone. Traveling to a different continent and experiencing a different way of life firsthand was the best way I found to gain a new experience.

What are you most excited about studying abroad?
I am most excited to meet my host family! To immerse myself in Spanish culture by interacting daily with locals, learning about history and eating yummy food.

Caitlin Lackey
Major: Spanish
Major: Secondary Education
Study abroad program: Spanish Language in Oviedo
Expected graduation date: 2027
Schnitzer Arlene schloarship recipient, Caitlin Lackey

Why did you choose to study abroad? 
It has always been a dream of mine to study abroad. As a non-traditional student, I had counted myself out until I learned about the scholarships and opportunities offered at UO.

What are you most excited about studying abroad? 
I am excited to immerse myself in the culture of Spain. I am also excited to visit museums and be able to focus entirely on my studies while enjoying a different country. 

 

By Violet Ashley, College of Arts and Sciences