News Archive | Ohio University

Five students win opportunity to ‘Go Global’ via social media raffle

The Office of Global Opportunities awarded study away scholarships to five lucky students who participated in a social media raffle at the annual Global Opportunities Fair on Monday, Sept. 24.

The Global Opportunities Fair gives students the chance to explore the various domestic and international study away programs offered by OHIO and its affiliate providers.

While connecting with program directors and learning about opportunities, financial aid and other resources, Fair attendees were encouraged to enter a social media raffle for the chance to win one of five scholarships worth up to $2,000 each.

The rules were simple—just follow OGO’s social media accounts, tag them in a post and show it to staff in Baker Ballroom. Almost half of the students who attended the Fair entered the raffle, and at the end of the week, five fortunate students were randomly drawn. These lucky winners will use this scholarship money to help fund their participation in programs that align with their interests, academic requirements and career goals. Each of them has already selected a study away experience, and they are excited to start planning.

“Without this scholarship, there is a good chance that I would not have been able to afford this program,” said Caitlyn Gampp, who will be spending part of the summer on the Language and Culture program in Toledo, Spain. “I am so excited to be immersed in another culture and to perfect my Spanish!”

Winner Rachel Onusko, who has studied abroad twice, is excited to continue her participation in cultural exchange.

“I'm really looking forward to a new change of scenery,” Onusko said, referring to the Food, Hunger & Inequality program that she will attend in Ireland, which will be her first time in Europe. “I have found that I grow the most when I am put in a situation where my surroundings are less known, and it forces me to really reflect and be self-reliant.”

“Winning this scholarship is an answered prayer for me,” shared Semajah Parker. “During my time abroad, I’m looking forward to immersing myself into the French culture and living with a host family.”

She said the funding will allow her to continue her French minor in Grenoble, France, as part of the summer Language and Culture program.

Sammi Hanson, the first graduate student to win this scholarship, said that it was a deciding factor in applying for her second study abroad program. She will be participating in the College of Health Sciences and Professions’ Service Learning trip to Botswana next summer.

“I am looking forward to learning from my fellow CHSP grad students and collaborating with them to provide the best education and resources necessary to the people we encounter,” Hanson said of the program, which allows students to work in local medical treatment centers.

Experiencing French architecture is at the top of Dayana Williams’ to-do list. She’s hoping to leave the country for the first time to study abroad in Paris.

“I look forward to experiencing a new culture and famous landmarks,” Williams said.

The Office of Global Opportunities is thrilled to help these five accomplished students enhance their educations with global experiences. Each of the winners will write blogs and social media content to help promote study away to their fellow students.

The Office of Global Opportunities offers more than 90 OHIO programs in more than 40 countries, as well as resources to connect students to third-party providers. Interested students should visit the Office during walk-in advising hours, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Application deadlines, program details and funding resources can be found at ohio.edu/goglobal. To keep up with current OGO news and events, follow @OHIOGoGlobal on social media.