In celebration of International Study Abroad Day, Feb. 27, USF is launching an initiative to endow the USF Education Abroad Scholarship Fund, ensuring it can be awarded for future generations. Such financial support is crucial to helping students become global citizens.
Members of USF World’s Advisory Council have kicked off the effort with a generous lead gift.
“Interest in study abroad is high among USF students, but we currently only have scholarship funds to cover 10% of requests for funding assistance,” says Amanda Maurer, director of USF Education Abroad. “Access to scholarships to support global academic experiences is essential to student participation.”
“Access to scholarships to support global academic experiences is essential to student participation.”
Over the past year, USF students have engaged in internships across the world, conducted underwater marine research in the Caribbean, excavated Medieval ossuaries in Transylvania, participated in service learning in Africa and observed physicians at work in Florence, Italy, among other experiences. Approximately 28% of participants are the first in their families to attend college and 35% are Pell Grant-eligible. Scholarships make global travel accessible to all students.
“Study abroad is an essential part of an undergraduate education. My own experience studying abroad in London expanded my worldview and positively impacted my career trajectory,” says USF World Advisory Council fundraising chair Ashley L. Gairing, EdD. “Our council is committed to providing opportunities for USF students to explore our world, regardless of their financial resources.”
The USF World Advisory Council includes leaders from across the Tampa Bay region who are committed to international engagement and the university’s global priorities.
“I am so grateful to these dedicated individuals for their generosity,” says USF World Vice President Dr. Kiki Caruson. “They are helping to create a sustainable financial base that will provide scholarship funding for future generations of students.”
Once a USF scholarship fund reaches $25,000 it can become endowed and create a continuing legacy of giving.
Once a USF scholarship fund reaches $25,000 it can become endowed and create a continuing legacy of giving. By investing the principal balance, the university can provide scholarships from the fund’s earnings. The USF Education Abroad Scholarship Fund will be used to help pay for global experiences that enhance students’ academic learning and career readiness.
“Studying abroad in Ireland and Brazil opened my eyes to new cultures, broadened my understanding of the world, and taught me valuable skills, such as adaptability, independence and resiliency,” says student Kadeem Thomas. “My global experiences not only enriched my personal growth, but also equipped me with new skills that will advance my future professional endeavors, including the ability to effectively communicate with and relate to, people with perspectives different from my own.”
Individuals interested in supporting the new study abroad scholarship fund can give on the USF giving website.