Meet Chatham’s Study Abroad Ambassadors for 2022-2023. These students are study abroad returnees who are available to answer questions and share their experience with interested students!
Isabel Smith
Program: Jordan, summer 2022
“These images are of my favorite place in Jordan, Wadi Rum. It is a desert and mountainous area, described as being the most similar location to Mars on Earth. Wadi means valley in Arabic and there are many Wadis throughout the area. Many notable films were shot here including Star Wars, The Martian, Dune, and the live action Aladdin. It was my favorite place because of the stunning views and peaceful wind. We watched the sun rise and set during our time there and it was a moving experience to watch in silence and see it so clearly because there was nothing to block the view.”
Students can reach out to Isabel via email at: isabel.smith@chatham.edu
Meet Chatham’s Study Abroad Ambassadors for 2022-2023. These students are study abroad returnees who are available to answer questions and share their experience with interested students!
Vickey Kim
Program: Taiwan, summer 2022
“Going abroad to Taiwan for the summer was amazing, easily one of the most unforgettable experiences I have had in a long time. Due to Covid-19, the process of getting the Visa and having to quarantine once arrived in Taiwan required a lot of patience from the students, but mostly for the people who had organized the program. Despite the constant challenges, our program coordinator- Robin provided great support that made the whole process easy and bearable. Although we had to quarantine for two weeks, my experience of quarantining wasn’t actually excruciating as I expected because the Fulbright program had orientations throughout the week with mentors who taught us the culture, history and the norm of Taiwan. We learned how to play Mahjong during our quarantine and we were all able to connect with our cultural buddies the program had paired us with.
Next, I will discuss my school experience I had in Taiwan. I think being in a school setting was one of the times where I experienced the most cultural difference between the West and the East. As an Asian, when I arrived in the United States, I had to learn to speak up for myself and speak up when I had thought to share. Of course living in the United States for almost eight years, I adapted to the new culture, but when I arrived in Taiwan and attended the school, I realized I had to take myself back to eight years ago-to when I didn’t really share my thoughts unless my name was called or else I was seen as the American that just talked and talked in class. I quickly readjusted to the new cultural norm in Taiwan class because I was familiar with the setting, but if you are someone who has never lived or has no experience in Asian countries, I recommend keeping this in mind. Also keep in mind that just because someone doesn’t freely speak up like in America, doesn’t mean they are dumb and have nothing to say. So, don’t look down on their intelligence or sum up their personality.
Lastly, I’ve attached a few of the images from the trip in Taiwan and three of the pictures are from the optional excursion I participated in after the summer program had ended. If you are someone who is planning to go to Taiwan for the summer, I strongly recommend participating in the five day excursion because you get to go around and see so much more things than the weekend excursion during the program. Not only that, you get to bond deeper with people that you’ve already met and get to experience the authentic Taiwan. As you can see in the first image, it is a Starbucks, but Starbucks inside a container and that container has traveled through London, South Korea and many more countries and I thought it was super cool that the store was built Inside the CONTAINER! In the second image, it’s a beach, but it was really awesome because we had to climb up the rocky hill, but as it dropped, you got to experience this beach that was breathtaking and the fresh air in hot, humid Taiwan. The third image is at one of the oldest temples in Taiwan and this was during a weekend excursion. One of the most fun experiences I had during the five day excursion was on a Go-cart! It was so fun because we went early in the morning and nobody was around except us in the program. Got some fresh air and a few things probably went inside my eyes, but it was an unforgettable experience!
If you are afraid to go abroad because of financial reasons, there are plenty of options that provide financial aid for you. Don’t limit yourself because of money. It might take you more leg work compared to people who come from money, but please don’t let that stop you from having amazing experiences abroad!
Go Abroad and Live Your Life! Enjoy New Things and Go Out of Your Comfort Zone!!!”
Students can reach out to Vickey via email at: vickey.kim@chatham.edu
Meet Chatham’s Study Abroad Ambassadors for 2022-2023. These students are study abroad returnees who are available to answer questions and share their experience with interested students!
Noelle Dagdagan
Program: Japan, summer 2022
“In the first photo, I am wearing a yukata (浴衣), which is a type of traditional Japanese clothing worn in the summer. Due to the intense summer heat of Japan, the yukata is more common to wear than kimono because it does not have as many layers. I really enjoyed the public transportation system in Japan because it was so easy to get around the city of Kyoto and to other prefectures. Many times, after class, I was able to go sight-seeing around Kyoto and experience the culture.
My most memorable post-class adventure was traveling to Lake Biwa (琵琶湖). It is the largest freshwater lake in Japan and is located in Shiga prefecture. A swim in the lake was just what we needed when it was over 100°F! The second picture was taken on our walk back to the train station after enjoying an afternoon in the water.”
Meet Chatham’s Study Abroad Ambassadors for 2022-2023. These students are study abroad returnees who are available to answer questions and share their experience with interested students!
Size Li
Program: Japan, summer 2022
“Woodblock printing and papermaking are the main learning objectives of my Japan study abroad program. One exhibits a Japanese woodblock master showing us the process of woodblock painting; another is the factory where we learn traditional Japanese papermaking.”
Students can reach out to Size via email at: size.li@chatham.edu
Max Heller, Summer 2022, internship at Fame Lab, Thessaly, Greece
Here’s a roundup of scholarship opportunities to consider:
Gilman International Scholarship – Undergraduate students who are US citizens and Pell grant recipients can apply for up to $5,000 toward a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program. The March 2023 deadline application will open in January for applicants whose programs start between May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024. This cycle encompasses Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Academic Year 2023-2024, and Spring 2024 programs or internships. The application deadline is Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.
The VIH Program for Women, Non-Binary, and Transgender Global Leaders – Undergraduate women, non-binary, transgender students of sophomore or junior status with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and no previous international experience can apply to win a $5000+ scholarship toward a summer international experience. The application deadline is November 1, 2022.
Isabel Smith, Summer 2022 VIH Scholar, Jordan
Fund for Education Abroadsupports US citizen or permanent resident undergraduate students who are underrepresented in study abroad. Applications for Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and Academic Year 2023-2024 will open on November 16, 2022.
Through the generosity of donors, two Chatham scholarships are offered to Chatham undergraduates for participation in semester study abroad programs:
IFSA Scholarship— Scholarships of up to $4,250 to study abroad for semester in Cyprus (Nicosia), Thailand (Mahidol) or Costa Rica (Veritas). The deadline to apply for a IFSA Scholarship for Fall 2023 study abroad is March 15, 2022.
Benter Scholarship – Scholarships of up to $5,000 to study abroad for a semester go support students’ study, international travel and interactions with diverse populations outside of North America, with the highest priority given to study in Middle Eastern nations and Muslim cultures, or for any semester study abroad with a Chatham exchange or partner institution. The deadline to apply for a Benter Scholarship for Fall 2023 study abroad is March 15, 2023.
Walker Orner, Spring 2020, Benter Scholar, France
There are several experiential learning scholarshipsoffered by Chatham for summer study abroad. These include the Glenda Rich DeBroff Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Sally Mercke Heym Award for Cross-Cultural Understanding, the Lorin Maazel- Rachel Carson Award for Environmental Field Studies, and the Theo Colburn-Rachel Carson Endowed Scholarship for Environmental Field Studies. The application deadline for summer experiential learning scholarships is February 28, 2023.
Are you looking for information on study and internship abroad program options? If you have any questions, or for more information on study abroad vouchers, programs, and scholarships contact internationalaffairs@chatham.edu or make an appointment: https://calendly.com/kchipman.
Please see the below scholarship opportunities that are closing soon.
Freeman-Asia Awardsprovide need-based funding to assist students studying in East or Southeast Asia with the cost of the study abroad program and related expenses, including airfare, basic living costs, local transportation, books, etc. Check your eligibility and application instructions. Applications are open for Academic Year 2022-2023, including the following terms: Summer 2022, Fall 2022, Academic Year 2022-2023, Spring 2023, and Calendar Year 2023. The Application deadline is March 29, 2022 at 5:00 PM, ET.
Bridging Scholarships for study in Japan for fall 2022 are expected to open for applications shortly.
Through the generosity of donors, a number of Chatham scholarships are offered to Chatham undergraduates for participation in semester and summer study abroad programs:
For Fall 2022: IFSA Scholarship— Scholarships of up to $4,250 to study abroad for semester in Cyprus (Nicosia), Thailand (Mahidol) or Costa Rica (Veritas). The deadline to apply for an IFSA Scholarship for Fall 2022 study abroad is March 15, 2022. Benter Scholarship – Scholarships of up to $5,000 to study abroad for a semester at any Chatham exchange or partner institution. The deadline to apply for a Benter Scholarship for Fall 2022 study abroad is March 15, 2022.
Are you looking for information on study and internship abroad program options? If you have any questions, or for more information on study abroad vouchers, programs and scholarships contact internationalaffairs@chatham.edu or make an appointment: https://calendly.com/kchipman.
An update to Chatham’s Travel Approval Policy now makes some travel to USDOS Level 3 and 4 locations approvable beginning with summer 2022 programs.
Please review the below policy carefully and reach out with any questions about how this may affect you and your program choice or a pending application. If you had previously delayed making plans it is not too late to apply for many summer and fall programs abroad.
Updated Travel Approval Policy 03.03.22
In line with peer institutions and in response to recent changes in Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for COVID-19 mitigation, beginning with summer 2022, Chatham’s Travel Approval Policy has been updated.
Chatham’s Travel Approval Policy covers any travel for which a student is receiving academic credit for their activity abroad (coursework, internship, fieldwork, research, etc.). The policy states that students will be approved for travel to locations that have a US Department of State (USDOS) Travel Advisory of Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions or Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Applications to travel to locations that are Level 3: Reconsider Travel or Level 4: Do Not Travel for COVID-19 only will be reviewed and may be approved on a case by case basis. The designation for Health Risk (H) and information on COVID-19 risk will be stated at the top of a location’s Travel Advisory, along with any other risk factors. Locations that include any other risk factor (except Health for COVID-19 only) of Level 3: Reconsider Travel or Level 4: Do Not Travel will not be approved. Students should review the USDOS Travel Advisory Level of their travel location and contact the Office of International Affairs with any questions.
Students approved to travel to a Level 3: Reconsider Travel or Level 4: Do Not Travel location will be required to 1) sign an Acknowledgement of Risk and Release Related to the Level 3 or Level 4 Travel Advisory and 2) to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19; boosters are highly recommended and may be required for entry into certain countries. It is each student’s responsibility to monitor and be aware of entry requirements, including vaccine documentation, mandatory quarantine, testing, masking or any other restriction as detailed by country and local authorities.
Please note that US DOS Advisory Levels change often – please check the USDOS Travel Advisory listing regularly for any updates.
Students may apply to programs abroad that include other risk factors as designated on the USDOS Travel Advisory, including in Level 3 and Level 4 locations and be conditionally approved by Chatham, however, if the location’s Travel Advisory Level does not exclude Level 3 or Level 4 risk factors other than Health for COVID-19 by 60 days prior to the program start date, they will not be approved. It is not recommended that students make nonrefundable deposits or plans that cannot be changed until fully approved by Chatham.
As of today, some countries that could be approved under the updated policy include: Japan, Germany, Greece, France, Costa Rica, Brazil, Spain, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy. United Kingdom, Jordan, Morocco, Argentina, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia. These countries are Level 3 or Level 4 for Health (H) and may have other risk factors that do not exceed Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution). Please review the USDOS Travel Advisories to check other locations and to confirm advisory levels and risk factors.
Please contact internationalaffairs@chatham.edu with any questions.
Chatham students, it’s January, it’s cold and grey here in Pittsburgh and you may be starting to plan to get away for summer, next fall, and beyond.
SALI SASAKI / FLICKR
If you are thinking of taking your studies abroad see the below roundup of scholarships and exciting funded opportunities with upcoming deadlines to consider and apply for!
Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship is a funded summer study abroad program designed for students of color as part of CIEE’s commitment to open doors for all students from all backgrounds. Based in Dublin, Ireland, Fellows will explore the impact that effective leaders have had on social justice movements and critical peace and conflict resolution efforts around the world. Applicants must be a current undergraduate freshman, sophomore, or junior; have a minimum GPA of 3.00; be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident; identify as an ethnicity typically underrepresented on study abroad programs (e.g. American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander) and submit a complete application no later than February 14, 2022. Qualified applicants who are not selected as Fellows are awarded a $1.500 Frederick Douglass Scholars Grant toward a CIEE program.
Fulbright UK Summer Institutesare three to four-week programs for US undergraduate students, who have no or very little travel experience outside North America. Participants can explore the culture, heritage and history of the UK while experiencing higher education at a UK university. The Institute costs covered by the Fulbright Commission and its partner institutions include round-trip airfare; tuition and fees at the host institution; accommodation; and in some cases, a small daily allowance for meals. Check eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions and apply by February 21, 2022.
Gilman International Scholarship – Undergraduate students who are US citizens and Pell grant recipients can apply for up to $5,000 toward a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program of at least three weeks. The March 2022 application cycle will open soon for applicants whose programs start between May 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023. This cycle encompasses Summer 2022, Fall 2022, Academic Year 2022-2023 and Spring 2023 programs. The application deadline is Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 11:59pm Pacific Time.
Freeman-Asia Awardsprovide need-based funding to assist students studying in East or Southeast Asia with the cost of the study abroad program and related expenses, including airfare, basic living costs, local transportation, books, etc. Check your eligibility and application instructions. Applications are open for Academic Year 2022-2023, including the following terms: Summer 2022, Fall 2022, Academic Year 2022-2023, Spring 2023, and Calendar Year 2023. The Application deadline is March 29, 2022 at 5:00 PM, ET.
Through the generosity of donors, a number of Chatham scholarships are offered to Chatham undergraduates for participation in semester and summer study abroad programs:
For Summer 2022, there are several experiential learning scholarships including the Glenda Rich DeBroff Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Sally Mercke Heym Award for Cross Cultural Understanding, the Lorin Maazel- Rachel Carson Award for Environmental Field Studies and the Theo Colburn-Rachel Carson Endowed Scholarship for Environmental Field Studies. The application deadline for summer experiential learning scholarships is February 28, 2022.
For Fall 2022: IFSA Scholarship— Scholarships of up to $4,250 to study abroad for semester in Cyprus (Nicosia), Thailand (Mahidol) or Costa Rica (Veritas). The deadline to apply for a IFSA Scholarship for Fall 2022 study abroad is March 15, 2022. Benter Scholarship – Scholarships of up to $5,000 to study abroad for a semester at any Chatham exchange or partner institution. The deadline to apply for a Benter Scholarship for Fall 2022 study abroad is March 15, 2022.
Are you looking for information on study and internship abroad program options? If you have any questions, or for more information on study abroad vouchers, programs and scholarships contact internationalaffairs@chatham.edu or make an appointment: https://calendly.com/kchipman.
Join Chatham University and the US Department of State/US Department of Education for International Education Week (IEW) 2021 as we celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide! The theme of the week at Chatham University is EngagedResilient Global.
Events for this week include:
Monday, November 15, 5:00 PM
Join Chatham’s Vira I Heinz (VIH) Scholarship Program 2021 cohort for the Finding Resilience Roundtable. This presentation focuses on a discussion regarding finding resilience and motivation in unprecedented events and lost opportunity. Community resources based around arts, crafts, and mental health will be shared! Join via Zoom at https://chatham.zoom.us/j/98351013633
Tuesday, November 16
Connect with an international student today! Did you know that students from 29 different countries are studying at Chatham this semester? The top five countries are Canada, Mexico, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and China. All of our international students have so much to share and can broaden your perspectives. Please take the time to say hello and see what you can learn today.
Wednesday, November 17
Explore the international opportunities available to Chatham students. Chatham students can participate in a variety of programs, ranging from Chatham field experiences of just a few weeks to summer internships and study abroad to exchange and partner semesters and even a full academic year abroad! Learn more at https://chatham.edu/academics/international-programs/education-abroad.html . Financial support and scholarship opportunities are also available.
Thursday, November 18, 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
Support your classmates at Chatham’s IEW Symposium, held in the Carriage House Main Lounge from 3:00 PM-5:00 PM. Our student presenters will deliver Ted-style talks and make poster presentations on the theme of Engaged Resilient Global and the audience will vote on the best two presentations to be awarded gift card prizes.
The application is now open for the 2022 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program. The CLS Program is a fully funded study abroad program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State that provides intensive overseas language and cultural immersion and is open to U.S. students enrolled in all degree programs at Chatham. The deadline to apply is November 16, 2021.
Through CLS, students spend eight to ten weeks abroad studying one of 15 critical languages and earn academic credit for their work. The scholarship includes travel expenses, coursework, group excursions, and even a small stipend to cover your daily living expenses. Most languages offered by the CLS Program do not require applicants to have any experience studying critical languages.
The CLS Program seeks participants with diverse interests, and from a wide range of fields of study and career paths; students from all academic disciplines, including business, engineering, law, medicine, science, social sciences, arts, and humanities are encouraged to apply.
Please take a look at the recorded CLS information sessions, including sessions specific to the 15 separate language programs and a session for beginners who may not know where to begin when selecting a language for their application. Recordings of these webinars are available here.
Our office is here to support you in applying for this and other international opportunities! Please reach out to set up an appointment if you’re interested in more information, or want help brainstorming how learning a language could benefit your future career. Contact us! Office of International Affairs, internationalaffairs@chatham.edu.
