Thank you to everyone who participated in our scholarship!
We are pleased to announce the winners of the Winter 2026 Stories from Abroad: British Columbia Study Abroad Scholarship.
Congratulations to:
Claire McRae, University of the Fraser Valley
Claire is a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science, with plans to become an occupational therapist. She is currently studying abroad at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, drawn by the program’s unique course offerings and the opportunity to experience a new environment. With interests in hiking, swimming, and painting, Claire was especially inspired by Scotland’s landscapes, from the Highlands to the coast. During her time abroad, she has enjoyed connecting with new people and experiencing everyday life in a different cultural context. She hopes this experience will broaden her perspective and is looking forward to exploring more of the country in the months ahead.
Claudia Sampson, Royal Roads University
Claudia is completing a Master of Arts in Global Leadership at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia. With a background in ethnology and Montessori education, her academic and professional interests focus on community development, culture, and education as pathways for social change. Originally from Mexico City and now living on the Westshore, Claudia is interested in how local knowledge and relationships shape resilient communities. This summer, she will study abroad at ESSCA School of Management in Budapest, Hungary, where she looks forward to experiencing a new academic environment and engaging with students from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. She hopes to bring these international perspectives into her work in community and education.
Kellye Dang, University of Victoria
Kellye is an undergraduate psychology student at the University of Victoria, with a focus on culture, identity, and mental health in immigrant communities. Growing up in British Columbia as a heritage Chinese speaker, she developed a personal and academic interest in the experiences of those navigating multiple cultures. To strengthen her language skills and cultural understanding, Kellye is pursuing a language program at East China Normal University in Shanghai, China. In addition to her studies, she is involved in mental health initiatives focused on Asian youth and enjoys storytelling, writing, and digital art. She hopes to use her lived experience and education to support others navigating identity, assimilation, and belonging.
Our winners will each receive $1,000, and they will be sharing their experiences from abroad.
If you are interested in applying for our Stories from Abroad Scholarship, make sure to check back in Fall 2026 for more information.