More students have access to study abroad programs because of nearly $300,000 in scholarships, up from the $64,000 in general study abroad scholarships available last year from the Global Education Office, part of Outreach and International Affairs.

The increase is largely the result of a one-time funding allocation from the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.

“The opportunity to study abroad is one of several important alternatives for all students at Virginia Tech to engage in experiential learning,” Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril Clarke said. “The scholarships offered through the Global Education Office will have a significant impact on improving access to international study opportunities and connecting our students to hands-on, purpose-driven learning experiences that are meaningfully embedded in their programs of study.”

Scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 were awarded to 27 students studying abroad during the upcoming winter and spring terms. Participants in summer and fall 2020 programs have the opportunity to apply for later rounds. The scholarships offset study abroad expenses such as tuition, program fees, transportation, and accommodation.

Recipients include students from all Virginia Tech colleges. While most are at the undergraduate level, several graduate students also received funding. Nearly 45 percent of recipients are first-generation college students, and 70 percent are studying in a STEM field. More than half identify themselves as belonging to an ethnic or racial minority group.

For Tahreem Alam, of Blacksburg, Virginia, a program to India this winter will be her second study abroad experience. The senior double majoring in multimedia journalism and international relations in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study in Oman last summer. “I am fortunate to study abroad not once but twice. If it weren’t for the scholarships from the Global Education Office, my college, and the Gilman, studying abroad would not be possible for me. I have no doubt that these experiences will impact both my academic and professional lives,” Alam said.

In the video below, courtesy of Undergraduate Admissions and the Global Education Office, Alam talks about her experience in Oman.

Loading player for https://video.vt.edu/media/Study+Abroad+SpotlightA+Tahreem+Alam/1_dkes365v...

Along with Alam, the following students received scholarships:

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Rhea Davenport, of Chesapeake, Virginia, a junior majoring in environmental horticulture.
  • Nicole Salinas, of Haymarket, Virginia, a junior majoring in food science and technology.
  • Brooke Sauder, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a sophomore majoring in animal and poultry sciences.
College of Architecture and Urban Studies
  • Alexie Jean Jacques, of Troutville, Virginia, a junior majoring in civil engineering.
  • Byronae Lewis, of Radford, Virginia, a master’s student in architecture.
 
Pamplin College of Business
  • Arellana Bacon, of Chester, Virginia, a sophomore majoring in finance and a member of the Corps of Cadets.
  • Carlee Bubb, of Rustburg, Virginia, a sophomore majoring in finance.
  • Anastasia Conyers, of Suffolk, Virginia, a master’s student in business administration.
  • Alyssa Duong, of Newport News, Virginia, a junior majoring in marketing management.
 
College of Engineering
  • Charlyn Castillo, of Herndon, Virginia, a junior majoring in civil engineering.
  • Amy Kim, of Centreville, Virginia, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering.
  • Kevin Lizarazu, of Arlington, Virginia, a first-year in general engineering.
  • Supran Poudel, of Charlotte, North Carolina, a first-year in general engineering.
  • Tyler Pugh, of South Riding, Virginia, a junior majoring in industrial and systems engineering and in the Honors College.
  • Abigail Re, of Winchester, Virginia, a senior double majoring in biological systems engineering and professional and technical writing.
 
College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
  • Briana Sockman, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a senior majoring in criminology.
  • Jennifer Hernandez, of Herndon, Virginia, a senior triple majoring in criminology, sociology, and Spanish.
  • Hannaleah Hoyt, of Salem, Virginia, a junior majoring in history.
  • Djamila Lou, of Fairfax, Virginia, an Honors College senior majoring in Russian.
 
College of Natural Resources and Environment
  • Elizabeth Olsen-Hodges, of Blacksburg, Virginia, a junior majoring in wildlife conservation.
 
College of Science
  • Najwa Qadeer, of Stafford, Virginia, a sophomore majoring in neuroscience.
  • Hannah Peacock, of Ashburn, Virginia, a first-year majoring in psychology.
 
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Joseph Ianniello, of Staten Island, New York, a fourth-year studying veterinary medicine.
 
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
  • Farah Shah, of Sterling, Virginia, a fourth-year studying medicine.
  • Soleille Everest, of Raleigh, North Carolina, a fourth-year studying medicine.
  • Justine McGiboney, of Yorktown, Virginia, a fourth-year studying medicine.

Students on Session I Summer 2020 study abroad programs are encouraged to apply for the scholarship by Dec. 6. For full eligibility requirements, visit the Global Education Office website.

Written by Rommelyn Conde Coffren 

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