Home University: University of Cincinnati

Host Country: Brazil

"Studying abroad in Brazil is a once and a lifetime chance to immerse myself in a vibrant culture and gain a unique perspective on marketing and international business. As someone passionate about how culture shapes global brands, I believe Brazil’s dynamic economy and rich history will offer invaluable insights. Beyond academics, I’m eager to step out of my comfort zone, grow personally, and build meaningful connections with people from a different background. This experience will help me develop resilience, expand my global perspective, and discover new aspects of myself—all while learning from Brazil’s incredible diversity and traditions."

Home University: Howard University

Host Country: Japan

"Japan has long held a special place in my heart as a potential home. My love for anime, Japanese jazz, and the country’s rich cultural experiences has sparked a desire to fully engage with its language and lifestyle. During my time abroad, I plan to immerse myself in the language both inside and outside the classroom. My coursework, conducted almost entirely in Japanese, will give me a strong foundation, supplemented by at least 10 hours of language exposure each week. After my time in Japan, I envision living and working there, becoming a bridge between Japan’s tech culture and the global industry. This is not just an academic endeavor for me; it’s a critical step toward realizing my dream of contributing to the tech field in Japan while embracing and sharing its rich culture."

Home University: Louisiana State Univeristy

Host Country: England

"I am very interested in studying abroad because of the invaluable experiences and knowledge I am sure will be impressed upon me in my time overseas. As I enter my sophomore year, I am excited to have recently been accepted into both the University of Sussex and London Metropolitan University to study abroad and I am eager to begin such an enriching experience. I am a Biological Sciences major, Anthropology minor on the pre-med track and I have always wanted the opportunity to study abroad. I have always been a lover of culture, so I am most looking forward to being fully immersed in the history and heritage of Europe. "

Home University: Trinity College

Host Country: Argentina

"I would like to study abroad to learn more about a culture outside of my own, gain a different perspective on the world, and understand things that I might not be exposed to in my country. Being selected means to me that my experience abroad also holds value for others and that I can be a resource for other African American students and hopefully inspire them or ease their worries. This opportunity will help me ensure that I'm getting the most out of my time in Argentina by truly being present and reflecting on both good and not-so-good times in abroad honestly. Additionally, it will be great chance for me to take the time to think about what I'm learning about my host country and how studying abroad may change my perspective on the world, while also learning more about myself in the process.”

Home University: Louisiana State University

Host Country: Spain

"My dream is to be an immigration lawyer, connect families, and give people the opportunity to live out their dreams in a safe environment. I am thrilled and grateful to gain experience learning Spanish which would ultimately align with my career goals. This chance to study abroad will allow me to get out of my normal environment and integrate into other cultural norms. Studying abroad will broaden my mind and perspective. America, as diverse as it is, still has a distinctive way of life and thinking and to broaden what I think and believe it is important to take myself out of that bubble. I want to be the change I want to see in this world and that step starts with understanding people through making the effort to recognize them and their individuality through cross-cultural communication."

Home University: Vanderbilt University

Host Country: Spain

"Studying abroad is more than an academic opportunity for me. It is a chance to integrate language, culture, and my passion for healthcare. My sister’s transformative semester in Argentina during her college years has been a profound source of inspiration. By fully immersing herself in the Spanish language and culture, she navigated new challenges independently and returned with a deep commitment to cultural fluency and global engagement. It showed me how studying abroad fosters meaningful connections and broadens perspectives in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. As an aspiring physician, I believe that the best doctors are those who immerse themselves in diverse cultures. This helps them gain perspectives that allow them to understand and treat patients with empathy and nuance."

Home University: University of Wisconsin Madison

Host Country: Australia

"Studying abroad in Australia is relevant to my academic goals, as I will be able to take courses in Bioprocess Engineering and Drug Design at the University of Queensland. These courses are currently not offered at my university, and this opportunity reflects my desire to seek out new knowledge and information that I cannot otherwise get at my university. The opportunity to study abroad is quite extraordinary, as not everyone will visit Australia in their lifetimes. This study abroad experience is more than just an academic pursuit; it represents a transformative journey of self-discovery and global connection. As I explore my academic interests and connect with the Australian culture, I aim to enrich my perspective and develop a stronger sense of leadership and responsibility. I am excited to embrace this opportunity to grow personally and academically and to carry these lessons forward into a career that blends cultural understanding with scientific innovation."

Home University: North Carolina A & T

Host Country: Spain

"Studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, is a pivotal step in my journey of self-discovery and cross-cultural connection. My goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of Spain’s economic and financial systems, which will expand my ability to help underserved communities, both domestically and internationally. Immersing myself in Spain’s culture will allow me to experience firsthand the familial and societal structures that define their way of life, fostering a deeper appreciation for global diversity. Additionally, becoming fluent in Spanish and beginning to learn Catalan represents a personal milestone toward achieving bilingualism, a dream that will further empower me to break down barriers and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. This experience is not just about academic and professional growth but about contributing to a more interconnected, informed, and inclusive global community."

Home University: Prairie View A & M University

Host Country: England

"I would like to study abroad to enrich my perspective of people and academia. I feel restrained by what I've been exposed to, living in the Unites States. I feel as though one can only interact with the diversity the world has to offer to a certain extent, before authentically travelling to that location. I feel as though this is the step I need to take to genuinely experience what I've been on the periphery of for so long. My selection to this cohort signifies the confirmation of a long-held belief of mine: that there will be doors opened to those who knock. The question has just always remained, do I possess the courage to allow myself to take it? I'm grateful to be able to report that I have been consistently met gracefully, whether in acceptance or denial, only fostering my budding boldness. This selection serves as additional reinforcement in that effect, helping to shape my response to opportunities down the road."