OU student earns scholarship for second study abroad in France

 
“This is my second study abroad to France,” said Abrahamian. “I have a double major in French and marketing and was running out of French classes available to take. Since I learn better in a French setting, I thought going on a second study abroad would allow me to fill my class requirements.”

Abrahamian accessed the National Student Exchange study away through the OU International Education office to find a program that met her needs. National Student Exchange is a not-for-profit consortium of 200 accredited, baccalaureate-granting colleges and university in the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands that allows students at one member institution to study for a semester or a year at another member institution. 

“I found a marketing program offered through NSE member Boise State University in France at Institut Commercial de Nancy,” said Abrahamian. “The OU Finance, Marketing and Management departments in the School of Business approved my business classes, making the opportunity doable. My adviser for business, Julie Dermidoff, helped me get course approval, and Professor Rammohan Pisharodi was very supportive in helping me establish my independent study. I’m very appreciative. ”

Extra effort was required to get the semester abroad in motion.

“It was a lot of work but will pay off in the long run,” said Abrahamian. “The program will give me more cultural knowledge, offer a chance to learn from a different perspective, and make me stand out to future employers. I ultimately want to work on the international level and this program will better prepare me to do so.”

Abrahamian (right) at a castle during her first study abroad in France.

“Eden’s determination to make this program happen shows that she understands the value of this opportunity,” said OU Professor Brian Connery, director of International Education/Study Abroad. “In addition to the work involved, the finances can be a major obstacle. That is why Eden is so very grateful to the Alumni Association and to the Sharp family for their support.” 

 
OU Alumni Study Abroad Scholarships from the OU Alumni Association are awarded annually to enable students the opportunity to study and travel in a foreign country. Oakland University Sharp Scholarship program for study abroad awards $500 per student recognizing the tremendous academic and career benefits of learning about other cultures.

“Having the scholarships will make my study abroad more comfortable and allow more options to study,” said Abrahamian.

Alumni and Sharp award applications are accepted twice per year. Forms and details are available here.

For additional study-abroad information, visit oakland.abroadoffice.net or the International Education Facebook page. To schedule an advising appointment, contact Shirley Campbell at 248-370-2889.