ISA Scholarship Winners – Spring 2023

Elisha T.

Home University: Montclair State University

Headed to: London, England

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

Picking London was the easiest decision I made throughout my study abroad experience. Without a language barrier and located in one of the world’s largest cities, I have already met people from all over the world. I also wanted to have the opportunity to travel during my time abroad and being in the UK traveling to another country entails a short train ride or an even shorter flight.

What are you most looking forward to?

II am looking forward to classes. Although the traveling aspect of studying abroad is exciting, it is interesting to see how different classes are. From class conduct to how the course is organized, there are so many differences. Apart from classes I am looking forward to exploring London, and the UK. Though the country is small compared to the US, there is so much to see and do here.

Tessa F.

Home University: University of Nebraska Lincoln

Headed to: Seville, Spain

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

My favorite high school teacher inspired me to study in Spain with her extensive stories. As she spoke of a beautiful, multifaceted country of music, cuisine, and history, I was hooked. I always knew it would be Spain, but I fell in love with the uniquely beautiful culture Seville has in excess. To me, Seville feels like the perfect cosmopolitan combination of a city, culture, and history. What is there not to love about the sunny climate and proximity to the coast!  

What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to putting myself out there and doing something completely out of my comfort zone. I chose to go to university in my home state and have regretted it ever since. I feel like this study abroad opportunity is what I’m missing in my college experience. I’m excited to not drive the same streets as my childhood with the same people; to be immersed in a completely different culture with people I never would have met in Nebraska. I also can’t wait to finally use my Spanish and of course for the food! 

Samma E.

Home University: University of Houston

Headed to: Granada, Spain

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

Granada’s Arab influence and Islamic history combined with the Spanish language will allow me to broaden my world view and teach me about a lot of different cultures. 

What are you most looking forward to?

 I’m looking most forward to improving my Spanish. I’ve seen how basic Spanish has allowed me to have small talk in Spanish and improving my language to an advanced level will allow me to connect with people on a deeper level. 

Jackson L.

Home University: University of Memphis

Headed to: Meknes, Morocco

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I chose to study abroad in Morocco because I am very eager to study abroad somewhere in Africa, and I am fascinated by the diversity of cultures within the African continent. Additionally, I have been studying French and thus, I wanted to study abroad in a place where French is spoken. For my career, I would love to eventually live overseas doing nonprofit work somewhere in Africa. So, I figured that by studying abroad in Morocco I would gain valuable experience and prepare myself effectively for my career. 

What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to being fully immersed in culture different than mine. I find that people learn most about who they are and their worldview when they experience different cultures. I am eagerly looking forward to expanding my worldview by pushing myself outside of my comfort zone to learn about myself and about other cultures. 

Emmarah K.

Home University: Howard University

Headed to: Florence, Italy

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

As a junior art major at Howard University, I’ve taken art history courses that have highlighted and emphasized Florence’s significance in the art world — the birthplace of the Renaissance. After learning about the extensive art and culture found in Florence, I was eager to pick Florence, Italy as my study abroad destination to experience what I learned in my art history courses in person.

What are you most looking forward to?

 I am looking forward to seeing artwork that I studied in class such as Michelangelo’s David as well as Italy’s beautiful architecture in person. Additionally, I am very excited to learn more about Italy’s culture, especially the Italian language, and taste authentic Italian cuisine. 

Michelle J.

Home University: University of Minnesota, Morris

Headed to: Salamanca, Spain

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I chose my program in Salamanca because it is a smaller, more laid back city with a rich history.

What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to the interesting classes that I will have the privilege to take at one of the best universities in the world.