Travelling and studying abroad can be difficult and sometimes impractical for students, especially those from disadvantaged or marginalised groups. Thanks to support from the Institute of International Education Inc., Wright State University is changing that.
Wright State’s University Center for International Education received a $4,125 grant to help Pell Grant-eligible first-year students obtain passports so they can travel internationally.
The University Center for International Education also houses a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility, which is open to students, faculty, staff and local residents, and helped facilitate the grants and U.S. passport processing for the students.
Mikey Riggs, a vocal performance major, is looking forward to travelling to France in May with Wright State’s French Ambassador Program. He plans to add a French minor to his degree.
“I think it’s such an amazing opportunity to be able to travel the world in general, let alone as a musician,” Riggs said. “I think having a passport will give me a little more freedom and open up a lot of opportunities in other countries, especially when I consider doing a master’s at an international school. I am so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to go to France.
Riggs’ dream is to perform a French play in France as an American singer. To do this, he will use his training as an opera singer and the International Phonetic Alphabet, which makes learning pronunciation easier.
Eligible students must be U.S. citizens, first-generation college students, 18 years of age or older, eligible for a Pell Grant, and fall into one of the following categories: racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ students, gender diverse students, first-generation college students, students with disabilities, students with demonstrated financial need, veterans, non-traditional age students, students who have never travelled abroad, or other historically marginalized or underrepresented identities in study abroad.
Anna Hedges, also a vocal performance major, said that finances have been a barrier to travelling abroad and the scholarship has helped.
“I want to travel the world as much as possible,” said Hedges. “It would definitely have been a challenge to get the passport without the funding. Both the scholarship and the smooth application process helped me get one step closer to my next trip. I am very grateful for this scholarship and the people who make it possible for it to reach young dreamers like me.”
Travelling internationally will allow Hedges to study other forms of singing and vocal performance, such as opera and choral singing.
“I hope to do a lot of international travel to join different companies and ensembles. I believe that international travel is essential for me as a performer so that I can become well-rounded, well-cultured and well-versed in a variety of languages and music,” Hedges said. Hedges said. “I’m excited about everything. I love learning about new cultures, trying new foods, seeing beautiful places and definitely listening to new music.
AJ Allen, a psychology major, said the scholarship allowed her to get her passport for free, which helped her save money to travel abroad. Allen said her desire to travel was sparked by a travel literature class taught by Bobby Rubin, a senior lecturer in English.
“I think international travel can be incredibly valuable in giving me a view of the world that can only come from specific experiences,” Allen said. “I would be thrilled to travel internationally, especially in a way that benefits the local people of the area I am travelling to.”
Nina Wells, a Liberal Arts major, said she was incredibly pleased with the support she received from the grant. Wells hopes to travel abroad to broaden her horizons and learn more about the world around her. She plans to study in Spain.
“I am most excited about immersing myself in a whole new culture, brushing up on my Spanish, diving into academic challenges, tasting delicious new cuisines and embracing a whole new way of life,” said Wells. “My passport is a ticket to make those dreams a reality.”
“The scholarship has been a game-changer for me in helping me pursue my academic and career goals,” said Wells. “It is my sincere hope that the scholarship will become a beacon for other students, staff and faculty. Let’s turn dreams into travel realities for everyone.
