Chancellor Honors Study Abroad Scholarship Recipients at Annual Reception

Recipients of the Chancellor’s Study Abroad Scholarship were honored at a reception last week aimed to articulate the value of study abroad. Chancellor Woodson met with the 35 scholarship recipients and heard first-hand accounts of the impact that study abroad has had on their academic careers at NC State. The 2015-2016 scholarship recipients participated in a range of study abroad programs around the world and represent majors in nearly all of NC State’s colleges.

Emily Zucker, graduating this May with degrees in math and statistics, studied abroad at the University of Ghana for a semester and spoke about her experience at the Chancellor’s Scholarship Reception.

“The exposure to these experiences [in Ghana] have left me feeling strong, flexible, and empowered. I can handle any situation no matter what surprises occur, and will continue to stand for the voices of underrepresented cultures being heard.” -Emily Zucker

Emily went on to explain that the Chancellor’s scholarship allowed her to have the financial security to afford a round-trip plane ticket without having to take a loan or worry about how to pay for food. She thanked the Study Abroad Office for giving her “the opportunity to be outside of my comfort zone, to struggle in another country’s way of life, to live as a minority and to appreciate everything I have every moment I have it.”

Chancellor’s scholarships are the premiere awards extended by the Study Abroad Office. At $2,500 each, these are the largest single scholarships given to students and are extremely competitive. Chancellor’s recipients represent a diverse group of students that seek to study abroad and to then help other students follow in their footsteps. Approximately one-fourth of students who apply for a scholarship receive funding, thanks in part to the increase in funds from the University’s Greatest Needs Fund that empowers Chancellor Woodson to direct money quickly toward challenges or opportunities.

Ingrid Schmidt, Director of Study Abroad, says “donors are generously stepping forward with increased support for study abroad, but the number of scholarship applications continues to rise even faster, widening the gap of unmet need.” Chancellor Woodson noted at the reception that seeking permanent and increasing funds for study abroad is one of the major priorities for the current campaign, Think and Do the Extraordinary.

You can support study abroad at NC State by making a donation in any amount at go.ncsu.edu/givetostudyabroad.

Learn more about the impact of study abroad by viewing videos from the Think & Do in Two Global Storytelling Competition.