Troy University sophomore Dakota Tomes is gearing up for a transformative journey as he prepares to embark on his spring semester abroad at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, South Korea. This opportunity has been made possible through TROY’s Chancellor’s Award for Global Competitiveness (CAGC) and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.
Hailing from Scottsburg, Indiana, Tomes, an anthropology major, is set to depart at the end of February to pursue his studies at one of South Korea’s premier private research universities. His course selection encompasses a diverse array of subjects, including cultural courses aligned with his major, a Korean language course, and various other disciplines aimed at enriching his educational and cultural experience.
Tomes’ journey to studying abroad took an unexpected turn, as he initially learned about financial aid opportunities from a classmate while participating in his Archaeology Field School. Months later, prompted by curiosity, he reached out to Study Abroad Director Sarah McKenzie to explore further.
Reflecting on his journey, Tomes remarked, “I didn’t have any real intention of studying abroad, but I was curious.” He credits McKenzie for guiding him through the application process, resulting in his selection as one of 10 TROY students since 2012 to receive the prestigious Gilman Scholarship.
Expressing his gratitude for the support he received, Tomes shared, “Even before the results were announced, I was confident thanks to her help. When I read the results and realized I won, I felt like my heart skipped a beat.” He enthusiastically shared the news with his family and colleagues, describing the achievement as a significant milestone in his life.
In addition to the Gilman Scholarship, Tomes also secured the Chancellor’s Award, a $1,250 scholarship available to all TROY students meeting the academic criteria and seeking to study abroad.
Encouraging others to pursue similar opportunities, Tomes emphasized the accessibility of studying abroad and urged prospective students to take the leap. “If you’re considering studying abroad, take the leap,” he advised. “Have a conversation with someone like Mrs. McKenzie, and you’ll likely find that it’s much more feasible than you ever thought.”
Over the next four months, Tomes will immerse himself in a new environment, residing in a dorm, navigating a foreign university where he doesn’t speak the language, and fully embracing a new culture. As an anthropology major, he views this experience as a catalyst for personal and academic growth, offering invaluable opportunities to broaden his perspective, foster connections on an international scale, and lay the groundwork for self-discovery.
McKenzie expressed confidence in Tomes’ ability to derive immense benefits from his semester abroad, noting, “Dakota is a wonderful example of a deserving student who will gain so much from his semester abroad.” She highlighted the transformative impact of such experiences, emphasizing their enduring value in shaping individuals’ worldviews and fostering global and cultural competency.
