“Studying in Ecuador and Galapagos Islands is a once in a life time experience. The opportunity to study where Charles Darwin conducted such iconic research in the field of biology is not only beneficial to me, but also the students I will teach.”
Martin Barker
We are pleased to announce the 2012 Ecuadorian Education Abroad Scholarship has been awarded to Martin Barker, a junior at Northern Kentucky University. Barker, a biology major, plans to study in The Galapagos Islands as part of the Kentucky Institute for International Studies Experience Ecuador program. For two weeks beginning in May, Martin will travel with a group of students throughout Ecuador, exploring Quito, Baños, and the Amazon Basin.The trip culminates with a week in the Galapagos Island. In addition to research in the field of biology, one of Martin’s goals is to improve the Spanish he’s acquired through university studies and a service learning trip to Mexico.
Kentucky-Ecuador Partners awards one $500 scholarship each year. This is the 4th one that has been awarded. The purpose of the scholarship is to support study abroad in Ecuador, and to increase awareness of the Kentucky-Ecuador Partners of the Americas program among a new generation of students. The scholarship honors Ronn Padgett (1946-2004) who was devoted to the mission of Kentucky-Ecuador Partners. Ronn served the organization as President, member of the Board of Directors, and as chair of numerous committees. Factors taken into consideration for eligibility include academic achievement, financial need, GPA, relevance of the Ecuador program to the applicant’s education and career goals, and previous international experience.
Last year’s recipient was Jazmine Shoup, whose account of her travels may be read in a blog post entitled Oh the Places You’ll Go!( June 8, 2012)
We congratulate Mr. Barker and look forward to his contribution our blog.