UC Education Abroad Program awards scholarships

SANTA BARBARA — The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) has announced the scholarship recipients for the initial phase of its $500K scholarship initiative. For the 2012-13 academic year, $303,000 has been awarded to students studying abroad in fall 2012. Remaining funds have been reserved for students starting programs in spring 2013 and will be awarded later this summer.

"These awards are remarkable not only for the overall dollar amounts involved, but for the diversity of student categories receiving study abroad scholarships," said Jean-Xavier Guinard, associate vice provost and executive director of UCEAP. "Scholarship funds can be the extra push that launches students on the educational journey of a lifetime. We're delighted to be able to assist such a diverse group of students-including many who perhaps never thought they could qualify for traditional scholarship funding."

The pool of applicants included highly accomplished students from all UC campuses. "We are excited to support so many talented and motivated students while they pursue their academic goals abroad," said Stacey Lydon, senior analyst for academic initiatives, who orchestrated the application and selection processes. "It was instructive, enriching and inspiring to read these applications."

For fall 2012 programs, scholarships were awarded to 175 students in 11 separate categories including students with financial need, transfer students, veterans, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) majors, students in language and culture programs, students studying in non-traditional destinations, and other specialized categories based on program destination, length of time abroad or other factors. The average award amount per student is $1,731, with students receiving $1,000 for summer, $2,000 for quarter/semester, or $3,000 for year-long study abroad.

In addition to the $500K Scholarship Initiative, and thanks to the very generous philanthropy of Linda Duttenhaver, UCEAP continues to offer the Duttenhaver and Dan Wise scholarships which, this fall, will provide 33 students with scholarships of $5,000 each for year-long study abroad programs.

"We want to congratulate all the students who won scholarships in the fall round of our $500K program," said Guinard. "We're also very proud of our organization, which, despite economic challenges, has been able to significantly increase scholarship opportunities. We remain committed to opening doors for the UC community through international education as we further our vision of study abroad for all, academic excellence, and best business practices. Increased scholarship funding is just one critical component of that commitment."

Students and parents are invited to visit the Scholarship pages of the UCEAP website regularly for updated information on scholarships available for spring 2013 and subsequent academic terms.

For a full list of UCEAP scholarship recipients, visit http:://eap.ucop.edu/Scholarships/Pages/UCEAPScholarships.aspx#tabs-2.

The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) has served as the UC systemwide international exchange program since 1962. Serving all 10 campuses, UCEAP continues its support of the University of California's mission through academic instruction and exchange relationships around the world. Through study abroad, UCEAP provides the opportunity for students to become international citizens and global thinkers, equipping them with the understanding and skills necessary for success in the global marketplace. For more information, visit eap.ucop.edu.