Obama Scholars
As an Obama scholar you have a great opportunity to use your funding on a GEO program.
Can I use my Obama Scholarship for a Global Education program?
Absolutely! After completing your first year in the Obama Scholars Program you may choose to spend one semester on a Partnership or Exchange program during either the fall or spring semester. This will count as one semester toward the eight-semester maximum.
For more information on how your Obama Scholarship can be applied towards studying abroad, refer to Financial Aid and Scholarship Services.
Tips to keep in mind
- Begin planning your Global Education program nine months to one year before your anticipated departure
Obama Scholar Student Profile
Name: Brittany Ferguson
Major: Criminal Justice
Study Abroad Location: Florence, Italy
Study Abroad Program: Florence University of the Arts
How I grew academically through the program:
I adapted to a different style of teaching but also learned from different perspectives. Going abroad gave me a new passion for subjects I had never thought of studying before and to continue studying them after my undergrad degree.
I am a Criminal Justice major and during my semester abroad I was able to take a course that focused on the mafia. I learned the history of mafia, its practices and those who now fight against it. My professor was once a translator for the prosecution against the mafia and gave a unique had firsthand experience on the subject.
How I grew culturally through the program:
Living in a new city on the other side of the world was different and took time to get used to, but it opened my eyes to living a different way. I never would have imagined getting up every morning to buy groceries and staying up till late at night to have a three hour dinner, but I became accustomed to the Italian lifestyle. Also, traveling within Italy and to other surrounding countries gave me the ability to appreciate other ways of life.
How I grew personally through the program:
Studying abroad in Italy was my first time out of the country and my first time being away from family for such a long period of time. I learned that no matter how far away family is, they are always there for you. My program helped me be more independent than I ever thought I could be, and gave me confidence to travel by myself. I also formed new friendships so I now have connections not only abroad, but also across the United States.
How I learned about the opportunity to study abroad:
I learned about study abroad during my freshman year, but I did not think I would be able to do it financially. I spoke with Amy Golden, Director of Obama Scholars, and she explained that I had the opportunity to apply the Obama Scholarship towards one semester of study abroad. I immediately spoke with an International Coordinator in the Global Education Office and Financial Aid and Scholarship Services to see how the scholarship would work with my study abroad program.
I am a…
Additional resources to help you plan your global experience are below.
ASU Online student
First-generation student
International student
Corporate scholarship student
Student with a disability
Obama scholar
GI-Bill® benefit recipient
DACA-mented student/DREAMer
Non-traditional student
Student athlete
Graduate student
Incoming freshman/high school student
Non-ASU student