Loyola student receives William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship to study abroad in Dubai
Cristina Kovacs, ’21, has been awarded the William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship at the American University in Dubai to study abroad during the spring 2020 semester.
Kovacs is a mechanical engineering major with a minor in forensic science and mathematics. The Toms River, N.J., native is involved in the Arabic Club, Forensic Science Club, Robotics Club, and a member of the Equestrian Team at Loyola.
“I am most looking forward to living in a foreign country,” said Kovacs. “It has been a dream of mine to live outside the United States, and I’m excited to try it. Studying abroad will teach me how to adapt to new countries and cultures while preparing me for my future professional career.”
Maiju Lehmijoki-Gardner, Ph.D., director of Pre-Health Programs and National Fellowships, says the Clinton Scholarship fellowship at Loyola continues to grow, thanks in large part to the work of Naomi Githae, assistant director of international programs, who has helped a record number of students to secure the William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship and succeed during their time in Dubai.
“Although Loyola’s study abroad program in Dubai is relatively new, we have cultivated a strong, positive relationship with the American University in Dubai, and the students who apply for this experience are truly outstanding,” said Lehmijoki-Gardner. “We are delighted that they are able to make the most of their time there academically and through the cultural opportunities that the program offers.”
The first Loyola students studied abroad in Dubai in 2017.
About the William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship:
The William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship at the American University in Dubai seeks to further the goals of the Clinton Presidential Foundation to strengthen the capacity of people in the United States and throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence. In partnership with the American University in Dubai, the program will provide American students based in the United States the opportunity to expand their educational and cultural horizons by studying in the Arab world. This prestigious award only grants scholarships to 10 students from the United States per semester.