Growing up, Catherine Menyhart, was surrounded by people from other cultures. Her family regularly hosted exchange students and other foreign visitors in their Tecumseh home, which sparked her interest in international relations. When she headed off to college, she decided on a double major in International Relations and French at Grand Valley State University.
Now, her pursuit of global interests has landed her a prestigious scholarship that will fund nearly a year of studies abroad. Menyhart is one of 10 winners of GVSU's new Barbara Padnos International Scholarships, which support overseas study programs researched and developed primarily by the students who apply for the funding. Menyhart will spend the bulk of her time in a study abroad program in Strasbourg, France, offered by the University of Strasbourg and Syracuse University, from August to next June.
I am thrilled with the award, says Menyhart. It is an amazing opportunity that will allow me to spend an entire year in France.
The Intensive French and Cultural Studies program at the University of Strasbourg fit my hopes and priorities, says Menyhart. The program is ideal thanks to the history and location of Strasbourg, the intensive language training, French-host living arrangements, and unique field studies.
Menyhart's goals for her time in France include gaining more fluency in the French language, comfort in the culture, and greater overall self-confidence. She will be taking courses in art history, literature, and French history and civilization, all of which are taught in French.
GVSU's Barbara Padnos Scholarship for International Studies was established by Holland, Michigan businessman Stuart Padnos to honor of his late wife.
The Padnos scholarship has raised the profile of study abroad to a significant level, says Brenda Robinson, GVSU Dean of International Studies. It has also communicated to students and their families that GVSU values study abroad programs.
The International Affairs Office at Grand Valley State University is seeing increased interest in study abroad opportunities. Nearly 300 students enrolled in study abroad programs in the current academic year, a jump of more than 100 students from previous years. In addition to the Padnos Scholarships, the International Affairs Office currently offers summer programs in 16 countries and semester exchanges in seven countries.
To be considered for a Padnos Scholarship, each student submits an essay describing how an international experience will help his or her education and outlining a specific program of study.
Menyhart zeroed in on the city of Strasbourg, because its location on the border of France and Germany offers a slightly different perspective than most French cities.
This region is ideal for helping me reach my academic goals because international affairs are significant in Strasbourg, explains Menyhart. It is the home to the Council of Europe and the Court of Human Rights.
Menyhart hopes to earn an internship position at one of those organizations, to help her understand European relations and expand her language skills.
As part of her program, she will also attend a nine-day traveling seminar each semester taking her to Western Europe the first semester and Eastern Europe the second semester.
My stories and recollections may encourage other students to experience for themselves the benefits of traveling abroad, says Menyhart.
