VCU news

By V. Renee Russell
VCU Global Education Office

A Virginia Commonwealth University undergraduate student has been awarded the David L. Boren Scholarship to study in the United Arab Emirates during the next academic year.

Asya Wilson, a native of Atlanta, is a sophomore majoring in business administration with a concentration in international business management in the School of Business. She will use the award to become proficient in Arabic while also taking international business courses at the American University of Sharjah, in the UAE.

“The economy in the UAE is quickly growing,” said Wilson. “It is a very business-oriented country and often referred to as a center for trade and commerce. As an international business major, it appeared to be the perfect place for me to pursue my interests in both business and Arabic.”

Wilson is currently enrolled in VCU Globe, the university’s global education living-learning program, and attributes her readiness to apply for the Boren scholarship to her participation in the program. “Being a part of Globe gave me a unique advantage that many universities don't offer their students,” she said. “My experiences in this program, along with my language interest, really gave me the confidence that I needed to feel like receiving the Boren was even a possibility.”

Being a part of Globe gave me a unique advantage that many universities don't offer their students. My experiences in this program, along with my language interest, really gave me the confidence that I needed to feel like receiving the Boren was even a possibility.

Wilson was also encouraged by the faculty of VCU Globe who shared with her their experiences abroad. “Their excitement and willingness to help me and others take advantage of opportunities to study abroad was encouraging,” she said.

“Asya is an enthusiastic participant in our program, and we are delighted that she has been awarded the Boren scholarship” said Jill Blondin, Ph.D., director of VCU Globe, who supported Wilson’s application. “Winning this award is a real testament to her academic excellence and her passion for addressing international issues.”

Fellowship recipients are expected to fulfill federal service requirements. Wilson hopes to work in the U.S. Department of Commerce as a Foreign Commercial Service Officer.

Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East. The scholarships promote long-term linguistic and cultural immersion and are part of the National Security Education Program, a federal government initiative to enhance national security by increasing understanding and interaction with foreign cultures and languages.

Wilson applied for the Boren Scholarship through the VCU National Scholarship Office. VCU students interested in applying for a Boren Scholarship or other nationally competitive scholarships should contact the office at natlscholar@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6868.