global grant

Inside Brazil’s Atlantic Forest: Luke Swenk Reflects on Global Seminar Experience

Eileen Brown — Tue, 26 May 2026 19:02:39 +0000

Inside Brazil’s Atlantic Forest: Luke Swenk Reflects on Global Seminar Experience Eileen Brown Tue, 05/26/2026 - 13:02

Luke Swenk (IAFS ’28) shared reflections and photos from his participation in the Global Seminar: Conservation Biology & Practice in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, where students explored conservation efforts across Brazil while working with researchers and local communities. Luke received a Global Grants scholarship to support his education abroad experience.

During the three-week program, hosted by the environmental organization Institute for Ecological Research (IPE), students traveled through several regions of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest to study restoration ecology, biodiversity conservation, and community-based sustainability initiatives.

Early in the program, students stayed at IPE’s headquarters in the Atlantic Forest in São Paulo state, where they participated in lectures and fieldwork. Luke described visiting restoration sites that had once been cattle ranches but are now recovering forest ecosystems. Luke explains that areas cleared away for human development create forest fragments that isolate some animal species since they are not able to leave the forest.

The group also visited a local agroforestry farm, where Luke was struck by the farmers’ knowledge and commitment to sustainable agriculture, working to convince their neighbors to use more sustainable farming practices. He wrote, “They knew every plant, and the different benefits that they provide to humans when consumed.”

As the seminar continued, students traveled to Serra do Mar State Park along Brazil’s coastline, where they camped on the beach and continued to learn about the ecological and cultural dimensions of conservation. While visiting a Guarani mbya Indigenous community, Luke learned that “…the creation of the state park had a negative impact on the community, as traditional activities and livelihood such as fishing were restricted. Today, the small Guarani mbya village we visited is dependent on community-based tourism.”

Students also explored mangrove ecosystems along the Rio Picinguaba and completed a challenging five-hour coastal hike through dense rainforest terrain. The experience offered firsthand exposure to the region’s biodiversity and the physical realities of field research in tropical environments.

In the final week of the program, the group traveled to Morro do Diabo State Park to learn about conservation efforts focused on the endangered Black Lion Tamarin. Students observed how conservationists are working to reconnect isolated forest fragments by creating forest corridors across former cattle ranches. Luke visited a tree nursery where IPE partners with local communities to cultivate native tree species for restoration projects and participated directly in reforestation efforts, planting trees in areas being converted back into forest habitat.

Reflecting on the conclusion of the seminar, Luke wrote, “It was incredible to see people dedicate their lives to protecting the rainforest, and see it come to fruition.”

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From Boulder to Madrid: Karthik Reddy's Global Grants Experience

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:00:00 +0000

From Boulder to Madrid: Karthik Reddy's Global Grants Experience Puttroff, Mont… Tue, 04/28/2026 - 13:00

Karthik Reddy, Computer Science + Business + IAFS student, and Global Grant recipient, is spending Spring 2026 in Madrid, Spain through the WorldStrides Spain: Madrid Antonio de Nebrija University program. He has been thoroughly enjoying Madrid through it's architecture, community, and history. Read his experience below!

"I landed in Madrid a month ago. It's hard to believe I'm already a quarter of the way through, but looking back at each day, I've learned and done a surprising amount. Most days have brought a new lesson or challenge - usually both.

The first thing I noticed, and still notice, is the culture of community here. Groups of people sit at tables, talking, at any hour of the day, often for two or three hours, with no sense of rushing. It's rare to see someone working on a laptop at a café. Work here is treated more as a means to an end rather than the other way around, and seeing that contrast up close has been one of the more striking parts of being here.

In my classes, I've been studying the EU and local architecture, and travel has let me apply those lessons directly. Learning about the Schengen area, then crossing borders and observing its effects firsthand, made the material far more concrete. The architecture in Madrid is remarkably intentional: a range of distinct styles that still feel cohesive across the city. Similarly, studying art history before visiting the Reina Sofía and seeing works by Picasso and Dalí gave those pieces more context and weight than they'd have had otherwise.

My first month here has been excellent. I've traveled, explored, and absorbed more than I expected. Looking forward to making the most of the next few months."

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Thriving in Morocco: Anna Lazewski's Global Grants Story

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Thriving in Morocco: Anna Lazewski's Global Grants Story Puttroff, Mont… Tue, 03/03/2026 - 16:00

Anna Lazewski, IAFS honors student, Global Grant recipient, and a President's Leadership Scholar, is spending Spring 2026 in Rabat, Morocco through the CIEE Morocco: Rabat Language & Culture program. She is already immersing herself in Moroccan culture through practicing new languages, attending traditional weddings, and engaging with local leaders. Read her experience below!

"Studying abroad in Rabat, Morocco has been an incredibly linguistically and culturally immerse experience! I began the program with a two week-long, fifty-hour language intensive in Darija, the Moroccan dialect of Arabic, and began learning Modern Standard Arabic as well. Alongside speaking French in everyday situations and with my host family, I have been able to put my Arabic learning into practice at local shops and markets. It has been incredibly rewarding to be able to communicate with people in three different languages at a time (English, French, Arabic)!

My coursework also includes a class on contemporary Moroccan society and culture, where we have been learning about topics from architecture and art, the ethnic makeup of Morocco, how to prepare traditional cuisine, and more. Additionally, I am currently taking a class about gender issues in Morocco, and it has been thought provoking to learn about gender roles and feminism across the country. Many people who have never been to Morocco believe that women are very oppressed here, when in reality, that is not the case.

A large component of my study abroad experience has been conducting independent research as a part of my honors thesis: Understanding Barriers to Sustainable Agriculture Practices in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra Region. I am conducting interviews with farmers, consumers, and local leaders to understand attitudes towards climate change, food security, and sustainable livelihoods as it relates to Morocco’s agricultural sector. From chatting about crop yields over Moroccan mint tea to hearing farmers talk passionately about their livelihoods, this experience has been so much fun and helped me grow as a leader. I’d like to thank Dr. Karen Bailey for all of her support on my thesis project.

I have also been fortunate to travel around Morocco during my first month here. From playing soccer with kids in the High Atlas Mountains to exploring the medinas of Marrakech, it has been exciting to explore new cultures. I’ve also been enjoying exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Kasbah of the Oudaias and Madersa Ben Youssef.

A big highlight of my trip was also going to a Moroccan wedding in Sale! My host family helped me get fitted for beautiful traditional clothing, learn how to dance to Chabbi music, and graciously invited me to celebrate the wedding with them! It was 13 hours of music, wedding traditions, and even celebrity musician appearances! I am so excited for what’s to come next on my study abroad journey."

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National Study Abroad Day (2/23/26): Global Learning in IAFS

Eileen Brown — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

National Study Abroad Day (2/23/26): Global Learning in IAFS Eileen Brown Sat, 02/21/2026 - 09:00

National Study Abroad Day, celebrated on February 23, 2026, is a great moment to explore how studying abroad can fit into your IAFS journey. International experiences allow students to deepen their academic interests, build cross-cultural skills, and gain firsthand insight into global issues. For many IAFS students, studying abroad is also a natural way to fulfill the IAFS Off-Campus Experience Requirement (though it’s important to note that this requirement can be met in multiple ways). With 55% of IAFS majors studying abroad, global learning is clearly a meaningful and popular part of the IAFS experience.

IAFS students planning to study abroad are also encouraged to explore the IAFS Global Grant Scholarship, which offers up to $3,000 per term to support study abroad participation for IAFS majors and minors. Past recipients consistently highlight how the Global Grant helped make their experience possible—read more about their journeys in the Global Grant Stories series. The application deadline for both Summer, Fall, and Academic Year study abroad programs and the Global Grant Scholarship is March 1, making now an ideal time to start planning.

To learn more about program options, advising, and next steps, visit ��ӽ紫ý Education Abroad. Additional information about National Study Abroad Day and events happening nationwide can be found at studyabroadday.org. Whether you’re just beginning to explore or already preparing an application, National Study Abroad Day is a reminder that global learning is within reach—and well supported—at IAFS.

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Madrid in Motion: Abigail Hurst’s Global Grants Story

Eileen Brown — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:59:37 +0000

Madrid in Motion: Abigail Hurst’s Global Grants Story Eileen Brown Tue, 01/20/2026 - 15:59

Abigail Hurst, IAFS honors student, Global Grant recipient, and business minor, is spending Spring 2026 immersed in Madrid through the WorldStrides/ISA Spain program at Antonio de Nebrija University. Just one month into the program, she is already deeply engaged in both the academic and cultural rhythms of the city. "I have been embracing Spanish food, my class, and all the typical Madrid activities," Abigail shared.

Abigail’s coursework begins each morning with an intensive Spanish language class designed to accelerate fluency through full immersion. Classes are conducted entirely in Spanish, creating a challenging but supportive learning environment that encourages daily practice and confidence-building.

With afternoons free, Abigail has been able to explore Madrid beyond the classroom. One of her favorite parts of daily life has been spending time in local cafés and walking through different neighborhoods. She has noticed meaningful differences in Spanish coffee culture, particularly the emphasis on conversation and presence. Abigail noted that "many places do not allow laptops which encourages people to connect with others more."

Cultural immersion has extended well beyond daily routines. One standout experience so far has been attending a Real Madrid football match, offering a firsthand look at the city’s deep connection to the sport. “It was incredible so see the Spanish love of the sport and the immense dedication to their home team! Hala Madrid!” she said.

Food has also played a central role in Abigail’s first month abroad. Madrid’s tapas culture has allowed her to sample a wide variety of traditional dishes, with patatas bravas quickly becoming a favorite. Through the program, she also participated in a day trip to Toledo, the former capital of Spain and a city renowned for its layered history. Often referred to as the “City of Three Cultures,” Toledo features architectural and cultural influences from Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions. Abigail described the city as a striking blend of history and beauty, with local specialties like marzipan and traditional beef stew adding to the experience.

As Abigail continues her semester in Madrid, she looks forward to further exploring the city and traveling to other regions of Spain. Her first month reflects the core goals of global learning - academic growth, cultural immersion, and personal development - and sets the stage for a meaningful semester abroad.

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All Around Germany: Sienna Bendall's Global Grants Journey

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:28:34 +0000

All Around Germany: Sienna Bendall's Global Grants Journey Puttroff, Mont… Wed, 11/05/2025 - 10:28

Sienna Bendall, currently a Senior and International Affairs and Environmental Studies major, is studying abroad in Regensburg, Germany with a Global Grants scholarship for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. Read about Sienna's experience so far below!

I am spending a year abroad at the University of Regensburg through an exchange program. This experience has been a good way to immerse myself in German culture, although initially, it was a bit daunting to try and navigate. Something that helped me adjust to Germany was the September intensive German language course at the university. This course boosted my confidence in speaking German, and it also helped me connect with others who were experiencing the same feelings that come with adjusting to life in a new country. I have been able to learn about different cultures beyond German from people in my program, which has been an unexpected but pleasant part of this experience.

Regensburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is very cool because it means I’m surrounded by centuries of history. The city itself is beautiful and full of character including a small mouse engraved into one of the buildings. Locals say you should stroke the mouse to ensure you are never poor or that you will return to Regensburg someday. There is also a painting of David and Goliath that greets you on your way into the city. One of the most unique attractions is the Dachshund Museum in Regensburg which is full of everything dachshund. Not only is the city itself beautiful, but the surrounding areas and local events have been a highlight of my time in Germany so far.

My program has organized many events including hiking in areas nearby, attending local festivals like Dult, and taking day trips to nearby cities like Bamberg. These experiences have helped me understand the local culture and the area I will call home for the next year. I also got to go to Munich for Oktoberfest, which showed me a different side of German culture since I got to participate in the tradition from a local perspective. So far the experience has become a fantastic opportunity to learn more about myself and the world.

The intensive German language course officially ended on the second of October. This meant I had a little bit of time to travel before the semester officially started on the 13th of October. I visited Arabba, a city in the Italian Dolomites. I went with some people I met in the exchange program, including someone from Italy, so we got to experience the area like a local. We hiked for three days in areas nearby, and the views were beautiful. This was a fun experience because I have never really hiked in any mountains outside of the ones in Colorado. It really furthered my views of what the world had to offer.

This month I also started my courses. I have found that the courses I am taking differ a bit in structure compared to courses in Boulder, which makes sense since I am in a completely different country. I am taking a variety of English and German classes, which I hope will help me to learn the content I need while also helping improve my German language course. The university also has a class that exchange students can take where we hold a theater production completely in German. I am taking this class and am excited by its potential to improve my German vocabulary and language skills. Overall, I am excited for what the academic year has to offer.

Thank you Sienna for keeping us updated on your experience in Germany, we hope to hear more soon!

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Exploring Spain: Sevilla Grider's Global Grants Experience

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 19:31:47 +0000

Exploring Spain: Sevilla Grider's Global Grants Experience Puttroff, Mont… Mon, 10/13/2025 - 13:31

Sevilla Grider, currently a Junior and International Affairs Major, is studying abroad in Seville, Spain with a Global Grants scholarship for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. Read about Sevilla's experience so far below!

I have been abroad for six weeks, and it has been an amazing experience. My regular classes started three weeks ago, and I am taking them all in Spanish. It is a challenging course load in another language, but my Spanish is improving every single day. I am taking an interesting mix of class content, as I am learning about the history of the three main religions in Spain, social justice in Spain, the history of political transition and democracy in Spain, and intercultural communication. All of these classes and the language immersion is giving me a better understanding of the context of everyday life in Spain.

Outside of the classroom, I had the opportunity to spend a day in Ronda, one of the white villages in the mountains of Andalucia. It was fascinating to see how the city was built upon and changed through different time periods in history, from the Roman empire to Muslim rule to modern day Catholic Spain. I also visited the town of Aracena, including the castle and the church. I have had the opportunity to learn about and try many different cuisine dishes from Andalucia, including Spanish tortilla and patatas bravas.

I also visited the Antiquarium during one of my classes, which is an underground museum housing ruins from the 1^st century through the 14^th century. This was also a fascinating experience as it connected the concepts from my classes to the actual history of the city. Overall, it has been an amazing experience so far, and I can't wait to keep learning.

Thank you Sevilla for keeping us updated on your journey in Seville!

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Abroad in Taiwan: Georgia Sehlmeyer's Global Grants Journey

Puttroff, Monty (Exchange) — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 21:26:27 +0000

Abroad in Taiwan: Georgia Sehlmeyer's Global Grants Journey Puttroff, Mont… Thu, 09/18/2025 - 15:26

Georgia Sehlmeyer, currently a Sophomore and International Affairs Major, is studying abroad in Taiwan with a Global Grants scholarship for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. Read about Georgia's experience so far below!

My first three weeks of my exchange program in Taiwan so far have been a fast and exciting experience of seeing lots of new things, adjusting to a new culture, meeting new people from all over the world, and learning how to adapt. Some of my highlights include the Chinese and English conversation circle that my university holds every week and my first solo trip to Taipei.

Every Tuesday, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) holds a conversation circle with half local students studying English and half exchange students studying Chinese in attendance. I attended my first language exchange last week and met two local students and communicated with them in Chinese, which gave me a less intimidating opportunity to practice certain grammar and vocabulary that I hadn’t practiced before. The local students at our table were also encouraged to speak to us in English, so they could practice their English in the same comfortable setting. This event was a great opportunity to ask what unique places and experiences local students recommend seeing during my time here.

Next, I had my first day of solo exploration in Taipei before my afternoon class at NYCU’s Taipei campus. I decided to check off a must-see tourist experience by visiting the Chang-Kai-Shek memorial, and I’m glad I did. Upon entering the memorial and exploring its contents and surrounding gardens, I felt this was the first time in my experience so far that I truly realized just how far from home I was, which was an equally terrifying and exciting experience. Afterwards, I grabbed lunch at a locally recommended spot, trying my first Taiwanese dry noodles, which were delicious. I think that over time I will really grow to enjoy my days of solitude spent in Taipei, as I have the privilege of being able to choose exactly what to do and eat, and where to go while I’m there.

Overall, my experience has been everything I signed up for so far. I am enjoying building routines and learning about all the differences in Taiwanese culture compared to my own. I’m looking forward to exploring the island even more and becoming even more culturally fluid during my time here.

Thanks Georgia for keeping us updated on your journey in Taiwan!

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More Than a Semester: The Benefits of a Year-Long Study Abroad Program

Spijkerman, Britt (Exchange) — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:43:35 +0000

More Than a Semester: The Benefits of a Year-Long Study Abroad Program Spijkerman, Br… Tue, 09/09/2025 - 10:43

Sometimes studying abroad for only one semester is not enough! Cheyenne Frey (IAFS '26) is a global grant recipient who spent a year studying abroad at The University of Regensburg in Germany. Cheyenne shared why she’s grateful for choosing a longer program, what it’s been like to adjust to life in a new country, and the benefits of a year abroad. You can also read more about her experience "Exploring Germany and Beyond."

Cheyenne's Experience Abroad

"Overall, this has been a wonderful experience! It was my first time in Germany, so I was a little nervous at first, but the International Office at the University of Regensburg was incredibly helpful, friendly, and well-organized. Going in, my German was at an early B2 level, so I was fluent enough to be able to read and speak effectively, but the important information was sent to us in English as well. I've mostly made friends with other international students so far, but everyone has been very nice and welcoming. Homesickness wasn't so bad for me personally, but everyone is different. For me, there was so much to see and do that my daily environment was a good distraction, and calling friends and family back home helped as well."

Pros & Cons of a Year Long Study Abroad

Pros: "I think a year is a great time to integrate yourself in a country/culture, and it was a really good way to have deeper friendships than if we'd only known one another for a semester. Financially, this program was also a benefit for me, since there weren't any tuition fees and the cost of living in Regensburg was also much lower (rent, food, travel, etc.). Another benefit was being able to improve my language skills significantly this year, especially my confidence when speaking."

Cons: "I can't really think of any cons! The only thing coming to mind was the time difference between Germany and my friends/family back in the US, because it was challenging sometimes to find a time to call that worked for everyone."

Thank you Cheyenne for sharing your amazing experience in Germany with the IAFS community. If you are interested in participating in a year long study abroad program, reach out to the Education Abroad office for more information.

Be sure to apply for the International Affairs Global Grant Scholarship!

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Fall and Academic Year Global Grants Recipients

Eileen Brown — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:28:09 +0000

Fall and Academic Year Global Grants Recipients Eileen Brown Thu, 09/04/2025 - 10:28

IAFS is proud to recognize the recipients of the Global Grants Scholarship for Fall 2025 and Academic Year 2025–26! The Global Grants Committee of the IAFS Advisory Board awards students with high academic merit and financial need scholarships of up to $3,000 per term (up to $6,000 for an academic year program). By making extended international study more accessible, Global Grants help IAFS students deepen their academic and cultural learning while expanding the perspectives they bring back to ��ӽ紫ý.

This Fall and Academic Year, the Board awarded a total of $16,000 in scholarships. Four students received awards to support year-long study abroad programs:

Sienna Bendall – Regensburg, Germany
Sevilla Grider – Seville, Spain
Georgia Sehlmeyer – Hsinchu, Taiwan
Michael Tsarevski – Yerevan, Armenia

Two students received support for semester-long programs:

Ellen Cho – Madrid, Spain
Robert Frosbauer – Metz, France

Throughout the semester, follow along as we highlight student's stories and photos through Global Grants Articles and on social media! To help sustain this impact, we invite alumni and friends to support the Global Grants Fund.

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