The first week of studying abroad in Madrid felt overwhelming. I sat on the floor of my host mom’s apartment, my suitcase still unpacked, and sobbed. I missed my family and friends. I questioned who had thought it was a good idea for me to fly across the world to study.
But after some time, I pulled myself together. I unpacked my suitcase, took a deep breath, and decided to visit a museum. I reminded myself of why I was in Madrid and how beneficial this experience would be. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would change my life. During my time in Spain, I was exposed to a mix of cultures and career paths.
My program director reached out to me with an offer to tutor Spanish students in English. I eagerly accepted, and through teaching, I gained a new perspective on my own language. I was fascinated by the structural differences between English and Spanish and the common grammatical errors my students made. This experience deepened my appreciation for both languages and helped me form lasting relationships with my students and their families.
Initially, I thought studying abroad would strengthen my desire to work in museums, as I had chosen Madrid partly because it housed world-class institutions like El Prado and the Museo Reina Sofía. However, I found myself more drawn to languages. My tutoring experience made me seriously consider becoming an English teacher for students learning English as a second language.
Another career path I hadn’t considered before was becoming a Foreign Service Officer. When representatives from the US Embassy visited my program, I became intrigued by the idea of representing my country abroad. While in Europe, many Europeans asked me questions about the United States, especially during a high-profile election year. I realized there was much more to learn about my own country—the laws, the cultural differences between states, and the way Americans are perceived abroad. Though it was occasionally embarrassing not to have all the answers, I loved the ease of cultural exchange with the international friends I made.
As I prepare to graduate in spring 2025, I still feel uncertain about my career path. My English degree could lead me into many different fields, so narrowing down my options has been a challenge. But now I have clearer ideas about my future, thanks to the experiences I’ve had studying abroad.
The biggest challenge of my study abroad experience was funding. When I first saw the costs of studying abroad, I thought it was impossible. I could barely afford my in-state tuition, so how could I manage living abroad? But I knew I had to find a way. After eight years of studying Spanish, I was ready to immerse myself in the language and culture.
The Long-Term Study Abroad Scholarship from Sigma Tau Delta helped me afford living with a host family, which was the most expensive option. My host mom, Mar, was an absolute blessing. She helped me navigate Madrid, practice Spanish, and even fix my Halloween costume. She hosted dinners with the friends I made, and over time, we became best friends. I can’t imagine my experience without her by my side, and I owe much of my amazing semester and transformed future to Sigma Tau Delta. This scholarship made it possible for me to have an unforgettable, life-changing experience.
Brooklyn Mumford
Long-Term Study Abroad Scholarship Recipient, Spring 2024
Epsilon Rho Chapter
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Study Abroad Scholarships
The scholarship provides funding for the purpose of studying in a program that furthers the applicant’s engagement with Sigma Tau Delta’s mission. Students may apply for either a Long-Term or Short-Term scholarship. Applicants should demonstrate academic scholarship and chapter service; they also must explain the relevance of their study abroad program and activities to fostering the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, or literacy.
Long-Term Study Abroad Scholarship
The Long-Term Study Abroad Scholarship provides up to $3,000 for students studying for a full academic term or year in a certified, undergraduate program outside the country in which the nominating chapter is located.
Short-Term Study Abroad Scholarship
The Short-Term Study Abroad Scholarship provides up to $1,500 to support participation in an undergraduate study-abroad program of less than an academic term. The program must be a certified, undergraduate program outside the country in which the nominating chapter is located.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- General Eligibility Criteria
- Currently an undergraduate student
- Scholarship recipients will be required to provide verification that they have arrived on-site (an official letter from the resident director of the program is acceptable for this purpose) before funds are released.
All applications will be submitted via the AwardSpring Online submission process.
Application Deadline: April 7, 2025, 4:00 p.m. CT
Past Study Abroad Scholarship Recipients
Study Abroad, Or How to Succeed during the Unexpected
Study Abroad Scholarship Sparks Creativity in Nottingham
Study Abroad Scholarship: English Education in Maastricht
Study Abroad Scholarship: Royal Holloway-University of London
Study Abroad and Diversify Your College Experience
On Studying Abroad
Summer Stories from Abroad
More from Footnotes: March 11, 2025
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