UWF STUDY ABROAD DREAMS

Due to the generous support of friends and alumni of the University of West Florida, the UWF Foundation was able to award $25,000 in study abroad scholarships to deserving students for fall 2008 and spring 2009.

Rebecca Sullivan, a UWF junior majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish, is one of 11 students who received a scholarship, which allowed her to study Spanish at the University of Costa Rica in San Pedro, Costa Rica for six weeks from April to June of this year.

 “Without the UWF Foundation scholarship, I would have never had the opportunity to study abroad and probably would have dropped my minor as well,” said Sullivan. “Now, I’m so excited about practicing Spanish, and I can’t wait for my next Spanish class this fall!”

The UWF Foundation Study Abroad Scholarship Committee evaluates applications based on the study abroad program description, academic achievement and goals, statement of purpose, financial need and activities and work experience and reports its recommendations to the UWF Foundation Board. Eligibility is restricted to current UWF students who have been accepted for participation in a university approved international exchange or sponsored program. The maximum award per student is $2,500.

It is clear that the opportunity to study abroad has transformed Sullivan’s life.

“Before studying abroad, I was always self conscious about my Spanish speaking abilities,” said Sullivan. “Now, after leaving Costa Rica, I want to practice! It’s so empowering and such an amazing feeling to know that even though my Spanish isn’t perfect, I can still communicate with people—and they respect that I’m trying. I gained so much more than I ever thought possible through my study abroad experience.”

To learn more about the UWF Foundation Study Abroad Scholarship process, visit http://uwf.edu/intered/studyabroad/pdf/StudyAbroadApplicationPacket2.pdf or contact Sheri Pope, assistant director for the UWF Foundation, at (850) 474-3380 or e-mail spope@uwf.edu.