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At the study abroad pre-departure event, students planning on studying abroad join to learn about the future experience. Students gave feedback where they are going and what they are expecting from the trip.
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The study abroad pre-departure event drew three names to get a scholarship. Arianah Reynoso, junior nursing major, got a $100 scholarship to help in her study abroad plan.
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International students and students with previous study abroad experiences gave their feedback about their trips. The students answered questions from students who never studied abroad before.
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Leah Spurlock, sophomore public administration major, got a $200 scholarship to help with her next study abroad program. All the students in the event were participating in the drawing for this scholarship.
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Washburn police and Michelle Godinet, the Title IX Equal Opportunity Director, were at the event to talk about the danger of going to other countries and the cares that they should have. They gave a lot of tips for the students.
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Samantha Harris, junior nursing major, got the bigger scholarship of the drawing with the value of $300. She was the last person to get a scholarship.
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All the people who got the passport scholarship pose for a picture. They have their passport paid for through the college so they can study abroad.
On Friday, Nov. 21, the Study Abroad department hosted the Study Abroad Pre-Departure event in the Plass Learning Resources Center. All students preparing to study abroad in the upcoming semesters were invited to attend.
The event welcomed approximately 20 students who plan on going abroad during spring and fall of 2026. Representatives from the Washburn university police department and the Title IX/Equal Opportunity office were also invited to speak, offering important guidance on safety, awareness and tips for studying abroad. They shared valuable tips on navigating unfamiliar environments, staying connected and understanding resources available to students while overseas.
Several students who received the passport scholarship shared what studying abroad means to them. Marissa Jackson, senior nursing major, who will travel to Costa Rica in spring 2026, expressed appreciation for the opportunity.
“Academically, it is just giving me an opportunity to see a different perspective,” Jackson said. “I hope one day everyone can study abroad and everyone gets the financial opportunity too, like I did.”
The Study Abroad department has programs for one week, two weeks, one semester and even one year, so there are opportunities for all kinds of students, and financial help makes the study abroad dream closer to reality. The department has different kinds of scholarships and opportunities, such as the passport scholarship that pays for the student’s passport, but there are some rules, as it needs to be the student’s first passport.
Alexa Kaufman, junior international business major, who will travel to France in fall 2026 for a full semester, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity.
“I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for me to grow and visit different cultures and meet new people,” Kaufman said. “I’m kind of scared of being alone in a country without my mom and my family. Of course, I’m grateful that I have my phone. I will be able to do calls and everything, but I’m definitely gonna get a little homesick.”
After the students shared their experiences and expectations, Shelby Bradbury, senior administrative specialist of Study Abroad, spoke about the importance of scholarships for international experiences and the role that study abroad plays in student growth and global awareness.
“We want to make this as easy as possible for our students to go and study abroad. So having a scholarship based around passport reimbursement helps break down a barrier that a lot of students have,” Bradbury said.
The event also had drawings for three scholarships in the amounts of $100, $200 and $300 to help with students’ study abroad experiences. All students at the event participated in the drawing, and the winners left with extra support as they prepared for their trips.
Edited by Stuti Khadka
