NC State proudly recognized its 2024 -2025 cohort of Chancellor’s Study Abroad Scholarship recipients at a reception held in April at Talley Student Union’s Ocracoke Ballroom.

The event recognized more than 50 students who participated in study abroad programs over the past academic year and celebrated the growth that came out of their unique global experiences.

The Chancellor’s Study Abroad Scholarship is the university’s most prestigious award for global learning. Funded through institutional support and donor contributions, the scholarship provides critical financial assistance to students who may not otherwise have access to international education, empowering them to engage more deeply with the world beyond campus.

Vice Provost for Global Engagement Amy Conger reflected on the continued growth of the program and its longstanding mission to expand access to global education for NC State students. In a timely example, Conger cited the positive impact study abroad had on NASA astronaut and NC State alumna Christina Koch, whose travels first brought her to the University of Ghana in 2009, and recently brought her around the Moon. 

Chancellor Kevin Howell echoed that sentiment in his remarks, highlighting that the value of study abroad programs lies largely in the challenges it allows students to face and overcome, reiterating that the growth gained from global experiences should remain accessible to students across all disciplines and backgrounds.

Scholarship Recipients Reflect on Transformative Experiences

Throughout the reception, attendees heard from student speakers who shared how their time abroad shaped their perspectives, challenged their assumptions and influenced their future goals.

Science, Technology and Society major Zania Sanders reflected on her experience studying in Japan, describing the uncertainty she felt upon arrival and the growth that followed. What began as a moment of exhaustion and disorientation quickly became a lesson in resilience.

“Because it is not just about the highlights,” Sanders shared. “It is about learning how to move through uncertainty.”

During her time in Japan, Sanders found meaning not only in moments of beauty, such as visiting Nachi Falls, but also in challenges, including navigating unfamiliar systems and losing her wallet in a train station. Through these experiences, she developed a deeper understanding of adaptability, cultural awareness and personal growth. She noted that her experience has influenced how she approaches her future career in health care, particularly in understanding how individuals navigate unfamiliar environments.

“It is about learning how to move through uncertainty.”

Daniel Haines, a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and literature, spoke about his five-week program in Valencia, Spain. He emphasized the importance of slowing down and paying attention to the overlooked details of daily life.

“What I found myself discovering was that some of my best memories come from my interactions in the slow lane,” Haines said, recalling quiet moments spent with his host family and local community.

Through interactions with residents, quiet afternoons and reflections inspired by art and language, Haines developed a greater appreciation for cultural perspective and human connection. He also spoke about the importance of challenging one’s assumptions and embracing new ways of thinking, lessons he continues to carry with him beyond his time abroad.

“What I found myself discovering was that some of my best memories come from my interactions in the slow lane.”

Fashion and Textile Design major Lupe Martinez-Hilario shared how her semester at the London College of Fashion shaped her academic and professional aspirations. As a first-generation college student, she described the opportunity as both transformative and deeply meaningful.

“Studying abroad didn’t just teach me concepts, it made my future feel real and achievable.”

At one of the world’s leading fashion institutions, Martinez-Hilario gained hands-on experience in areas such as fashion styling, visual communication and brand development. She credited her coursework with helping her envision a clear path toward her goal of launching her own fashion brand.

“Studying abroad didn’t just teach me concepts,” she said. “It made my future feel real and achievable.”

Beyond the classroom, Martinez-Hilario experienced significant personal growth as she navigated living independently in a new country for the first time. From exploring London’s museums to traveling across Europe, she gained a broader perspective on both her field and the world around her.

“If it weren’t for the Chancellor’s Study Abroad Scholarship, I likely would not have been able to afford this semester,” she said, emphasizing the role of donor support in making her experience possible.

A Lasting Impact

The stories shared during the reception underscored the profound impact of study abroad experiences in shaping academic and career paths and in fostering resilience, empathy and global awareness.

As NC State continues to expand access to international education, the Chancellor’s Study Abroad Scholarship remains a cornerstone of the university’s commitment to developing globally engaged citizens. Through the support of donors and institutional leadership, more students each year are given the opportunity to explore the world, broaden their perspectives and discover their potential.

For the 2024–25 cohort of scholars, the reception served not only as a celebration of their achievements, but also as a reminder of the lasting value of stepping beyond familiar boundaries and embracing the transformative power of global learning.