Mark and Myra Sorensen International Travel Scholarship

"This past semester, thanks to the generosity of the Mark & Myra Sorensen Scholarship, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, and this scholarship was the key to turning that dream into reality. During my time in Australia, I had the unique chance to travel to Vietnam and connect with relatives I had never met before. This was a deeply personal and enriching experience. Additionally, I visited New Zealand and was awe-struck by its stunning landmarks, including Roy’s Peak, Milford Sound, and Mount Cook. From an academic standpoint, I immersed myself in a diverse community that offered me new and unfamiliar perspectives. I embraced all the opportunities on campus, made friends from around the globe, and found a second home in Sydney. One of the highlights of my experience was the amazing sense of community. The warmth and friendliness of everyone I met left a lasting impression on me. Coming from the USA, where it’s easy to feel isolated from the rest of the world, I valued the chance to delve into Australia's rich history and culture. I was particularly struck by how international Australia is and how welcoming Australians are to visitors. It was refreshing to see how much Australians prioritize learning about and traveling to other countries, despite their geographic isolation. Without the support of the Mark & Myra Sorensen Scholarship, I would never have had the privilege to experience such profound personal growth and so many incredible adventures. Studying abroad had always been on my radar, but I was never sure I would be able to make it happen. This scholarship not only enhanced my educational experience but also offered me a unique, life-changing semester. I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity and honored to apply what I have learned to my life in Ann Arbor. I am eager to share my newfound knowledge and experiences with my community. My semester abroad in Sydney was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I will always cherish the memories and lessons I gained." – Emily Tran, LSA, Computer Science

"With the Mark and Myra Sorensen International Travel Scholarship, I was able to study abroad in Hong Kong and explore Asia! I got to learn from professors from across the world, and was pleasantly challenged by the course work at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. I came into the experience wanting to make new friends and learn more about Asian culture. I did just this, and loved enjoying local cuisine and visiting famous landmarks all while bonding with my peers from around the world. I was able to learn a bit of cantonese from locals and have engaging conversations, sharing where I’m from and learning more about how daily life in Hong Kong. During the breaks, I traveled with peers to nearby countries such as China and Japan where we got to explore all sorts of cuisine and interact with different communities. I was able to experience extreme colds in northern China to the extreme heat of southeast Asia. There were so many amazing cities with their own unique histories that I got to learn more about from local guides, museums, and research. I have stronger self independence and am able to adapt in new environments with self awareness. I also gained a broader perspective of the world and am more open to new ideas and concepts. These unforgettable memories and relationships will stay with me throughout my life and career, and I cannot be more grateful for this experience!" – Bianca Hiew, College of Engineering

"With the support of the Mark and Myra Sorensen scholarship, I had the incredible opportunity to study Arabic at a language center and live with a host family in the heart of the old city in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. As a Muslim Arab American studying art and design in college, I was super excited about immersing myself into Moroccan culture through a summer Arabic studies program. I was eager to level up my Arabic skills, which are very important for me to maintain as someone who values preservation of language and culture. Living in the old city and building beautiful relationships with locals was truly one of the highlights of my experience. The little interactions I had with shopkeepers and children, and the ability to quickly pick up the local dialect, were so precious to me. I felt a profound sense of comfort and excitement living in a Muslim country where I could freely and easily engage with the cultural and religious practices that are so meaningful to me. Being surrounded by the familiar sounds of the adhan (call to prayer) and participating in daily rituals with my host family made me feel incredibly at ease and connected to the environment around me. Also, as an Arab American who has never had the chance to visit my motherland Syria, Morocco felt like the closest I’ve ever felt to the feeling of being ‘back home’. Truly, there is nothing as priceless as experiencing such comfort and familiarity while being so far from home. My experience in Morocco also inspired my artistic endeavors as an art and design student. I’ve always valued traditional cultural craftsmanship, and being able to witness and experience Moroccan artisanship firsthand was incredibly impactful. The vibrant textiles, detailed tilework, and the dedication of the artisans have inspired me to incorporate these elements into my own work. Overall, my study abroad experience in Morocco, supported by the Mark and Myra Sorensen Scholarship, deepened my Arabic skills, immersed me in the culture, and inspired my artistic practice. I am deeply grateful for the support of the Mark and Myra Sorensen Scholarship, which made this unforgettable experience possible, and I look forward to continuing this journey of learning and artistic growth." – Razaan Killawi, Art & Design

"With the support of the Mark and Myra Sorensen International Scholarship, I traveled abroad to Kumasi, Ghana for six weeks and participated in the Global Health Nursing Internship Program. My interest in this opportunity stemmed from my desire to explore a healthcare system different from the United States and learn about how these differences affect patient health while gaining more clinical experience. While being hosted by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), I had the opportunity to enter the clinical setting and gain a glimpse into the Ghanaian healthcare system. I observed and participated in care at various clinical sites including two hospitals, rural community clinics, and a middle school. Additionally, I observed several home visits and aided in facilitating outreach clinics in the community. In these settings, I learned about the operations of the various hospitals and clinics, patient populations, the role and scope of practice of nurses in Ghana, and national public health and child welfare efforts. Alongside my clinical experience, I participated in several cultural immersion activities and excursions. I visited two national parks, the tallest waterfall in West Africa, museums, a monkey sanctuary, attended church services, learned the basics of the Twi language, and ate several Ghanaian cultural dishes. I also met several KNUST students and got to experience what college life is like in Ghana. I am so grateful for the connections I made with the nurses, students, university faculty, and local people. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone in so many ways over the course of this experience. I had never traveled abroad before, nor had I ever been on an airplane prior to visiting Ghana. While there, I had to adapt to a new environment with different cultural norms. This host of new experiences facilitated personal growth and provided me with countless learning opportunities. Overall, I gained an abundance of knowledge about Ghanaian healthcare, culture, history, and traditions. It was truly an experience of a lifetime. Studying abroad in Ghana has strengthened my practice of cultural humility and will aid in my care of diverse patient populations in the future. The dedication and compassion of the nurses I encountered in Ghana is inspiring and I hope to carry that with me into my future nursing career." – Mia Snowden, School of Nursing

"My semester abroad at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, made possible by the Mark and Myra Sorensen International Travel Scholarship, was a profound journey of personal, academic, and professional growth. It fulfilled my long-held desire to explore beyond Michigan and provided me with the opportunity to see not only Switzerland but also various parts of Europe, including Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and more. Academically, my goals of immersing myself in international courses and gaining diverse insights were realized. St. Gallen's educational approach broadened my horizons, offering diverse teaching methods and perspectives that extended beyond the Swiss borders. Engaging with the local community and forming friendships with other international students provided invaluable insights into Swiss society and education, despite differing experiences. Participating in international student events like ski trips and student gatherings expanded my social circle and made me more open to new people and perspectives. Personally, this semester gave me a much more open-minded outlook. I found myself doing activities and experiencing things I would have never had the chance to do. It allowed me to see the world from various angles, challenging preconceptions and biases. Possibly my favorite part of the whole trip was getting to see different countries and constantly challenging the ideas I had about places before going abroad. On a professional level, my international background has become a valuable conversation point. It gave me adaptability, cross-cultural skills, and a willingness to embrace challenges. These qualities will be extremely valuable in the professional world. As I return to Ann Arbor, I'll continue to be open to new experiences, just as I was abroad. I aim to share my insights and experiences to inspire others to seek international opportunities and embrace the richness of different cultures. The Mark and Myra Sorensen International Travel Scholarship played a crucial role in making this transformative journey possible, allowing me to explore Switzerland and other European destinations. It has shaped me into a more globally aware, adaptable, and culturally enriched individual. I have heard many people say that experiences abroad have a unique ability to enhance your education, and I would say this opportunity absolutely achieved this. This scholarship helped to unlock a life-changing experience that extended far beyond Switzerland. I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity and am eager to share the lessons and insights I've gained with my community." – Quinton Martin, Ross School of Business

"This past May, with the support of the Mark & Myra Sorensen Scholarship, I was blessed to have the opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain for three weeks. During my time in the city, I took a class called Sports and Society in Spain and Catalonia, which focused on the history of athletic competition in the country, and more specifically, how its evolution has impacted the lives of Spanish and Catalan people socially, politically, and personally. The class also took us on a deep dive into the unique history of Catalonia, one of the country's 17 autonomous communities. This provided insight into the reasons that there is an existing divide between the Central Madrid and Catalan governments, and how that has manifested itself over time in a variety of ways in regards to culture and identity. One of the coolest traditions I was able to personally participate in was Correfoc in the city of Badalona. In English, correfoc means "fire-runs", which is a perfect description of the event. The tradition consists of designated participants dressing up as devils, lighting up fireworks, and others playing drums. Those who are daring enough have the freedom to get as close to these devils and fireworks as they please, but the fireworks are loud and even have the potential to burn you if you're not wearing proper clothing. Overall, it was a great experience, and we even got to chill by the Mediterranean Sea and dip our toes in the water after it had ended. As a native Michigander, living in an entirely different country with new people, new customs, and re-learning how to communicate in a language that I was very rusty with, I was forced out of my comfort zone immediately. As I aim to enter the world of management consulting post-graduation, my time in Barcelona affirmed the importance of being agile and acclimating to unfamiliar circumstances quickly, for both my personal and professional development. My biggest takeaway from the program was Barcelona's chill and relaxed nature, which is something that people from the city naturally embody. The combination of factors like the pace of life, the weather, and the ability to walk basically almost everywhere have stuck with me since my departure. Now, I try to build at least 2 hours of time per week into my schedule dedicated to low-stress, enjoyable hobbies I have, whether that's playing the piano, making pan con tomate, or hanging out with friends. Making the decision to study abroad was one of the best decisions of my life, and I can't wait to return to the city soon." – Peter Akande, Ross School of Business

"Thanks to the Mark and Myra Sorensen scholarship, I was able to spend my summer participating in archaeological fieldwork with the UMMAA archaeology field school in northern Mongolia. This trip was a wonderful opportunity to learn firsthand about excavation, conservation, survey, Mongolian culture, and so much more. Work in the field generally meant excavation of previously looted burials and occasionally surveying the area for other sites but in the bigger picture it meant helping to preserve Mongolian history. Because of the degree of looting in Mongolia, almost all of the sites we were working at were heavily looted and any artifacts remaining were left in dangerous conditions exposed to the elements. Our work there alongside our Mongolian colleagues was to salvage artifacts, excavate any unlooted burials to protect artifacts, and keep them out of the black market. Outside of this important work, we had chances to learn about rural northern Mongolian culture that we were helping to preserve, including visiting local families' gers, attending a ceremony performed by a shaman where we had the opportunity to ask questions, horseback riding, attending the Naadam festival in Tsagaan Nuur, and visiting the National Museum of Mongolia. The chance to connect with my peers, Mongolian colleagues, and instructors during my time in the field was invaluable and I treasure the friendships I got the opportunity to make with all of them. I, along with my peers, challenged ourselves in many ways during this field school, be it harsh weather, sickness, uncertain schedules with early mornings and late nights, or adjusting to a new culture. I returned with new insights into how valuable cultural preservation is and how much of a positive impact that can have for the communities that we were working with. I am so thankful for this opportunity and I am truly taking to heart what I have learned to apply to my academics, career, and future relationships with new people, especially when getting to learn about new cultures." – Dani Tutak, Art & Design and LSA

"The Mark and Myra Sorensen International Travel Scholarship provided me with the opportunity to travel abroad and live and learn in both Stockholm, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark! I spent my summer taking 3 different classes - Public Mental Health, African American Expats, and Public Health Policy in Practice. I always knew that I wanted to broaden my horizons in college and studying abroad provided me with the opportunity to do just that! The experience was something new and amazing, and a time that I’ll never forget. The atmosphere was welcoming and caring; I found myself exploring new parts of these cities each and every day, which took my learning to the next level. The lessons in the classroom were centered around what the students wanted to learn. This allowed me to truly find my passion for Public Health, especially centered around mental health advocacy and working with immigrant and refugee populations. Each week, we took trips to places such as castles, museums, healthcare facilities, immigrant and refugee centers, cafes, and restaurants, to not only apply our learning in a real life context, but also to immerse ourselves into the culture and history of the countries we were living in. This was a summer in which I not only learned things in the classroom, but also built skills and learned lessons that I will remember for the rest of my life. I've grown a new appreciation for independence, and built confidence to go to new places all on my own, and enjoy the time by myself. I've started to take more walks to clear my head, and write journals and blogs to help get my feelings out of my system. I'm also now a lover of discovering new places and appreciating the beauty of nature. As I was leaving Sweden, I realized how I had overcome many obstacles, how I did so many things this summer all on my own, and how much I admire the person I've become. This opportunity has impacted my life in the best way possible, and I hope to travel the world even more in the future!" – Feaven Gebrezgi, Public Health

"With the support of the Mark and Myra Sorensen International Travel Scholarship, I had the opportunity to spend just over two months studying business at the University of Sydney and exploring the vast country of Australia. I had always wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone and live and learn about business and life in another country. I was able to take two challenging international business courses and learn how business on the other side of the world is conducted. I also was given the opportunity to take two experiential learning classes about Australian culture through the outdoors and sports, it was absolutely incredible. The experiential learning classes allowed me to get outside the classroom and immerse myself in the Aussie lifestyle through attending important Australian sporting events and hiking the gorgeous national parks that are so important to the Australian people. I lived in an apartment complex with other international students from all over the world, spent time at local shops, cafes, and beaches, and learned to surf from a great group of locals. I grew so much as a person from this amazing experience. I am now more confident in myself, developed far better communication skills, and found my love for pushing my limits and learning in all scenarios. Before this opportunity if someone were to tell me I would leave my small community in Northern Michigan and spend time in a huge new city on the other side of the world and absolutely love it, I don’t know if I would have believed them. I left with lifetime friends, more knowledge and direction to help me pick a future career, and a new self confidence that I had been lacking beforehand. I cannot wait to get back to the school in the fall and bring my new business knowledge to the classroom and also share my experience and growth with my friends and family. I am so beyond grateful for my international experience and really believe that it helped me personally grow and that everyone should have the opportunity to live abroad when they are young. What I learned and personally accomplished while living on my own in Sydney are not things that I would have discovered had I not had the opportunity to go abroad. My experience in Sydney was more amazing than I could have imagined and I absolutely am taking what I learned from this experience into my academics, personal life, and future career." – Emma Bohn, Ross School of Business

"With the support of the Mark and Myra Sorensen International Travel Scholarship I had the opportunity to travel to Copenhagen, Denmark and study at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) for four months.  During these four months I took four classes, lived with the most amazing host family, and traveled throughout Europe learning more about myself every step of the way. As a student in LS&A I’ve read about and studied faraway places having always been fascinated by different ways of life and with this study abroad experience I was able to live it, to see first-hand how a Dane gets to work, or what a favorite meal looks like, or how they cross the street. At DIS the professors teach what they do, which meant that my sustainable business strategies teacher was a sustainable business consultant for some of the largest companies in Europe and he gave invaluable insight into his job and what it takes to transform a company’s business model into a sustainable model. In my urban livability class, our teacher marched us out of the classroom onto the city streets and explained the transformation of a car-centric Copenhagen to a people-first Copenhagen, vastly changing how a Dane moves throughout the city. This sort of hands-on teaching brought my sustainable development class to Western Denmark and Norway where we met with environmental game changers, CEO’s, planners, and farmers who are changing the norm and driving the sustainable transition. It was in Denmark where my optimism grew and I realized I’m not alone in this environmental fight. And by far the best part of my study abroad experience was riding my bike home to my host family, to have 2-year old Frida come bounding down the hallway at me when I unlocked the door, the smell of Danish cooking floating through the apartment, and the sight of four other friendly smiles who always asked about my day in a foreign land. Studying abroad ignited two things within me, my passion for travel and my passion to protect our Earth and as I head into my final year at UM I look forward to learning and preparing for my future as a land planner and protector." – Shawn Farrell, LS&A

"I had an incredible experience in Lima, Peru over the summer thanks to the support of the Mark and Myra Sorensen International Travel Scholarship. For two months, I participated in Emzingo-U’s Global Impact Fellowship, a program which exposes students to consulting with an emphasis on social and environmental impact. I was drawn to this opportunity because of my desire to learn about the field of consulting and engage in meaningful, impact-driven work in a different country. In a cohort of eighteen students from various universities, we were split into teams and each team consulted for a social enterprise in the Lima region. I was able to work with a company that strives to benefit conservation in Peru by sourcing ingredients for food and cosmetic products from producers in protected regions of the Amazon. My consulting team was able to create a plan for the company to reach more customers and increase sales in a way that coheres with their mission. In many ways, I feel that this experience marked a turning point in my life. I learned so much about consulting, social enterprises, and myself. Living for two months in Lima and being able to explore the culture of this history-rich metropolis but also beyond in Cusco and Machu Picchu was surreal: my Spanish was tested, I was placed outside of my comfort zone at times, and I met some incredible people. With hands-on experience consulting for a small social enterprise now under my belt, I have become more mindful of what businesses, people, and passion can accomplish—this will allow me to apply my degree in a more meaningful and find a career that complements that. I was also able to hone my leadership and communication skills, making me feel confident in my ability to rise to my ambitions and the challenges I will face post-graduation. I now feel more strongly about the importance of international opportunities for students; the perspective and growth mindset I garnered over the summer is something I will continue to kindle for the rest of my life, both personally and professionally." – Bryan Leahy, LS&A, Economics

"With the support of the Mark and Myra Sorensen International Travel Scholarship, I had the opportunity to travel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to assist the nonprofit organization, Green Umbrella, with the development of their Waste Management Project and teaching English to grades K-6. As a student interested in helping others, and as a Cambodian myself, I was beyond excited to engage with the diverse community in Cambodia in a meaningful way. After a genocide carried out by the Khmer Rouge left Cambodia’s economy and society in shambles, Green Umbrella has been working in an effort to re-establish the wellbeing of the country by improving the quality of education, particularly for children living in poverty, creating job opportunities for families with disabled members, and encouraging the youth to be future leaders. Every day, for three weeks, I spent most of my time collaborating with Green Umbrella’s Youth Group, which consists of highly motivated high schoolers, on the Waste Management Project. Currently, Cambodia has an enormous problem with the overaccumulation of waste in public and living spaces because of the absence of a reliable waste disposal system. The Youth Group and I taught students in public schools about the importance of recycling and composting, performed a community needs assessment in eleven villages surrounding Green Umbrella’s headquarters to better understand the problem, and wrote a research paper that was presented to the founder of Green Umbrella. It is hopeful that our findings are spread to and implemented in institutions across Cambodia to give rise to a clean and sustainable country. It was so inspiring to see the passion the students in the Youth Group had for making a difference in the world, as well as their appreciation for learning. I can say with confidence that Cambodia is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to. Now, I am determined to bring back my experience to the University of Michigan by encouraging everyone to reduce unnecessary consumption and recognize the problems that exist in their home communities. My involvement with Green Umbrella has not ended, as I am continuously fundraising with GlobeMed—a club on campus focusing on global health equity—to expand the organization’s influence. Although the people I worked with on the trip spoke a different language and grew up in a completely different cultural environment, their sense of compassion and initiative was evident. Overall, this opportunity has not only strengthened my desire to pursue a career in the medical field, it has also allowed me to resonate with my Cambodian roots." – Barbara Tan, LS&A, Biology

"With the support of the Mark and Myra Sorensen International Travel Award I had the opportunity to travel to Quito, Ecuador to teach students in subjects such as English, Reading, Math and Science through The Quito Project, a non-profit organization that works to minimize the achievement gap in low income zones by working with local communities and promoting global collaborations through education. I worked with the youngest age group, ages 6-8, while also working collaboratively with the other teachers to ensure the success of each group of students and to promote their interest in higher education. The program, conducted solely in Spanish, demanded punctuality, flexibility, patience and leadership. I was challenged to think critically about innovative and effective ways to teach my children in order to bridge the gap in their learning. But I think my greatest challenge was making sure they felt comfortable and safe in my class because many of them came from troubled and broken homes. I worked diligently to build relationships with each of my students and can honestly say I’ve never met a group of more genuine and loving kids. Now, back at Michigan I’m part of the Executive Board of The Quito Project, and I spend my time fundraising as the co-director of finance. I reach out to UofM departments, corporate sponsors and to the outside Michigan community. I work alongside my team to coordinate strategies for donation drives and fundraising tables to ensure we can provide all our resources for our students that are part of our summer program. Recently, we were able to raise over $1.5K on Giving Blueday and have been able to secure grants to provide our students with all the resources necessary such as notebooks, pencils, art supplies and science materials. This opportunity was fundamental to my growth and development not only as an aspiring agent of change within the Education field, but to dig deeper into my roots as a young Latina woman navigating through life." – Kathleen Ortiz-Tenesaca, LS&A