In a celebration of academic achievement and global citizenship, two students, Megan Cooper and Chanti (Marie-Chantal) Max, have been awarded $750 scholarships from the Global Citizenship Certificate (GCC) program to help offset the costs of participating in Global Exchange programs this spring. These competitive scholarships are awarded to two outstanding students per semester who are enrolled in the Global Citizenship Program and are participating in a Global Exchange program to meet their international experience requirement. 

Megan Cooper, majoring in Business Management, is attending NEOMA Business School in Reims, France. Her journey with the GCC began during her sophomore year at Florida State University, and she has actively participated in the program, forming valuable connections and expanding her worldview.

Reflecting on her experience, Megan shares, "I enrolled in the GCC after Freshman year once learning about the program from dedicated students on campus. I signed up for the Global Perspectives course and fell in love with the opportunities the GCC offered. With help from my advisors at the GCC, I attended the University of Bordeaux in the Spring of 2023. I was able to use the knowledge I gained through the GCC and apply it to my life as an exchange student. The GCC program helped prepare me for the various culture shock situations I would soon encounter. " She will graduate from the GCC this semester and is set to immerse herself in the vibrant culture of Reims.

Megan plans to delve into the local culture by exploring the Champagne region of France. She is taking French courses at NEOMA to enhance her language proficiency and is excited about the opportunity to understand the deep connections between culture, food, and wine in France.

The scholarship holds great significance for Megan, symbolizing all of her hard work. She aims to develop interpersonal skills across cultures, advance her French language proficiency, and gain a well-rounded view of international cultures to excel in her future career as an international sales representative.

Chanti Max, majoring in Environmental Science with a Minor in Museum Studies, has arrived at the University of Sussex in Brighton, United Kingdom. Engaged with the GCC since her freshman year, Chanti has found inspiration in the program's commitment to global citizenship.

Chanti's involvement in the GCC extends beyond the classroom. She volunteered with the New York Botanical Gardens, fulfilling her sustained experience requirement and solidifying her interest in combining local and traditional ecological knowledge with science for sustainability.

Chanti's scholarship helps with her travel costs, ensuring her ability to engage in the Global Exchange program fully. She plans to immerse herself in the local culture by enrolling in a Southeast England Field Class and exploring England's environmental and geological history.

With a keen interest in the British monarchy, Chanti looks forward to learning more about its operations and impacts on the world and Great Britain. Her goal is to refine cross-cultural communication skills and cultivate resilience and openness to new experiences.

Both Megan and Chanti express excitement about the unexpected moments and challenges that await them. They share a common desire to become global citizens, build meaningful connections, and embrace the diverse cultures they will encounter.

As these two exceptional students embark on their international journeys, they represent the essence of the GCC program – fostering global awareness, encouraging cross-cultural understanding, and empowering students to thrive in an interconnected world. The scholarships they've earned are not just financial support; they symbolize the recognition of their commitment to becoming true global citizens.

If you are interested in joining the GCC, please attend an information session to learn more and enroll! Information sessions are held every Friday at 2 p.m. in Room 2300 at The Globe!

If you are interested in participating in a Global Exchange, Please attend an information session to learn more! Information sessions are held every Tuesday at 12 p.m. and every Friday at 2 p.m. in Room 2300 at The Globe!