Eight students awarded Premier’s International Scholarships
Premier’s scholarships valued at $6,000 to $10,000 for study abroad have been awarded to eight BC students announced Hugh Gordon, chair of the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society today.
“These scholarships encourage the international exchange of knowledge and culture”, said Gordon. “They also support BC students in becoming global citizens.”
Award recipients come from across the Province, and will be studying in a variety of countries and institutions. Their fields of study include health sciences, the environment, business and the arts.
Premier’s scholarships are funded from the returns on a $13 million endowment fund established by the Province for international education. To date, 15 Premier’s scholarships and 378 other One World scholarships of $1,000 to $10,000 have been awarded to support students in pursuing post-secondary education abroad.
“Congratulations to the talented students of these awards as they set out into the world,” said Minister of Advanced Education Naomi Yamamoto. “Their experiences and studies in other countries will enrich their lives and build international connections and awareness they will need as our future leaders.”
The Irving K. Barber BC Scholarship Society, with support from the Victoria Foundation, provides scholarships to students attending public post-secondary institutions in B.C. and internationally. The Society has awarded over $2.9 million in scholarships to date.
For more information about this scholarship or the Society’s other scholarship programs, visit www.bcscholarship.ca or call the Victoria Foundation at 250-381-5532.
Recipient bios follow. Further information and recipient photos are available at on the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society‘s website.
2011 Premier’s Scholarship Recipients
Radha Jain, Vancouver
Radha Jain is a third year health science and kinesiology student at UBC. Her career goal is to become a physician specializing in sports medicine and Aboriginal health. She will be using her scholarship to study abroad at the University of Queensland in Australia, where she will also study Australian culture, particularly Aboriginal culture and native health. Radha has been actively involved in both her school and community. As a team member and captain of the UBC varsity rugby team, she will benefit from the many opportunities offered to her in Australia.
Christina Jaworski, Nanaimo
Christina Jaworski is a geography and environmental studies major at the University of Victoria. This fall, she will study Our Blue Earth, Living Aquatic Resources and Conservation Management at Scotland’s University of Stirling. Christina is currently the vice president of development of Victoria’s Golden Key Society. Her other recent volunteer work includes tree planting for Woodwynn Farms and a bake sale for tsunami relief in Japan. Her future plans are to work for the Federal Government in resource management, conservation and climate change.
Jevta Lukic, Burnaby
Jevta Lukic is in his fourth year at Simon Fraser University in business administration. He will be studying at ESCP Europe this fall. Growing up in war-torn Serbia has given him interest in building a career in marketing and international business through social enterprise. Jevta has done an academic exchange in Hong Kong, and volunteered in the Sacred Valley region of Peru. He works with an organization committed to youth empowerment through education, and is heavily involved in the SFU community.
Ciara Hamagishi, Vancouver
BCIT student Ciara Hamagishi will be studying international business management at the Ecole Superiure de Commerce de Toulouse in France. Ciara has taught English in Japan and tutored German, Mexican and Asian exchange students. She was the vice president of public relations and marketing for the BCIT Student Association, and has worked with them as a project manager and liaison. Clara’s also been a presenter for BCIT’s Student in Free Enterprise (SIFE) at local, national and regional competitions, and has worked with SIFE helping start-up business ventures in Vancouver’s downtown eastside.
Emma LaMorte, Victoria
Emma LaMorte is in her third year at Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD). This fall she will study at the Chelsea College of Art & Design in London toward a bachelor of fine arts. Emma holds a degree in sociology from the University of Victoria. A recent internship at Catriona Jeffries Gallery provided experience in supporting international exhibitions. Emma co-curates the student run gallery at ECUAD, and is a contributing writer to the Vancouver-based art publication SETUP.
Jessica Lau, Burnaby
Capilano University student Jessica Lau will travel to Amines, France this fall to study at the Picardie School of Management. A fourth year business administration student, Jessica plans to use her education toward a career in program development for diversity and cultural awareness. Jessica is involved in the Capilano Undergraduate Enterprise of Students helping to enhance the value of the business program. She is a past president of the Human Resources Management Association at her school, and works with the organization to provide opportunities for professional development in human resource management.
James Sorchy, Courtenay
James Sorchy is a global studies student at Vancouver Island University (VIU). He will be studying at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, Korea. He plans to use his studies toward a career in human security, international development, education, diplomacy, humanitarian work or law. James did two years of elected work for the VIU Student Union and was the student representative on the University Senate. He has also volunteered with the Global Studies Students Association, World University Service of Canada, and Model United Nations Club.
Jessalynn Tran, Richmond
Kwantlen Polytechnic University student Jessalynn Tran will be attending the University of Creative Arts in the UK. A Graphic Design for Marketing student, Jessalynn plans to take advantage of the UK’s leadership in design to further her goal of becoming a creative director. Jessalynn has volunteered on humanitarian projects in Peru, Laos and Nigeria. She also volunteers on a crisis line and is an active member of the Global Perspectives Alumni. She has organized many fundraising activities and was the marketing executive for the Accounting Society of Kwantlen.