In Fall 2013, the Office of International Programs announced a new scholarship specifically for first year students called the Freshmen Education Abroad Scholarship. The goal of this scholarship is twofold; it is meant to encourage enrollment in Global Issues and Perspectives classes on campus and to encourage participation on study abroad programs, especially for those who may otherwise be unable to afford such an experience. Interim Associate Provost of Kansas State University International Programs, Dr. Marcelo Sabates, believes initiatives such as this scholarship are key in providing opportunities for educating competitive and globally aware Kansas State graduates. Dr. Sabates continues in saying, “In the 21st century global competencies are essential to becoming a competitive and educated college graduate. Exposing freshman to international classes and study abroad opportunities is a strategic way of ensuring that those global competencies are achieved during a student’s time here at K-State. This scholarship is a novel way of making students aware of the international opportunities at K-State from day one.”
The Freshmen Education Abroad Scholarship is to be awarded to 10 – 12 students each year and is only awarded during the Fall semester. “We are starting with a few scholarships this year,” Dr. Sabates says, “with the hope that we can expand the program in the near future through fundraising.”
To be eligible, students must have completed 29 or fewer credit hours toward their K-State undergraduate degree and be currently enrolled as a full time, first semester Freshman at K-State. Preference is given to students who receive federal financial aid.
The scholarship awards $750 to recipients to go toward the tuition cost of enrolling in a Global Issues and Perspectives class (as defined by K-State 8 guidelines). Students then are awarded an additional $2,000, if they study abroad, to go toward the costs of a study abroad program. Studying abroad is not a requirement to receive the $750 scholarship, but it is required in order for students to receive the additional $2,000.
Once awarded the $750 scholarship, recipients will meet and work with their study abroad advisor to devise a proposed study abroad plan. The study abroad program can take place during any term and any year. The recipients of the Fall 2013 Freshmen Education Abroad Scholarship were announced in mid-November.
The 2013-2014 Freshman Education Abroad Scholarship recipients are (in alphabetical order by last name): Casey Bertelsman, St. Louis, MO; Ashli Cumming, Overland Park, KS; Natalie Davis, South Hutchinson, KS; Kira Finn, Maize, KS; Kylie Hardman, Topeka, KS; Sophia Harms, Manhattan, KS; Ann Hoang, Wichita, KS; Madison Johnson, Manhattan, KS; Mariah Kieffer, Clifton, KS; Zachary Ray, New Haven, MO; Georgina Rubio, Grand Island, NE; Alonso Talamantes, Hutchinson, KS.
For more information about Kansas State University Study Abroad programs and scholarships visit our website www.k-state.edu/studyabroad/, call us at 785-532-5990, or stop by our office in 304 Fairchild.