Hi! I’m Olivia, a psychology major at UNC Asheville. This fall, I’ve been accepted to an incredible study abroad program in Rome through IES Abroad. As someone who has never had the chance to travel internationally before, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a new culture, broaden my perspective, and connect my studies in psychology with real-world experiences abroad. 

While I have received a small scholarship through IES, I’m still responsible for funding this program largely on my own. Each donation will go directly towards funding essential costs, like my passport, student visa, meals, airfare, and other costs while abroad. Even with financial aid and scholarships, there is still a significant financial gap and there is no way that I can pay for this program in my own. This is an incredible experience and I don’t want to miss out on it due to financial barriers. I wanted to share my journey with close family, friends, and mentors who have supported me over the years—if you feel inspired to contribute, even a small donation would make a huge difference. I also understand that not everyone is in a position to give, and that’s completely okay—your encouragement, advice, and sharing this opportunity with others is just as meaningful.

I’m excited to take this next step in my education and can’t wait to share my experiences with all of you! Thank you for helping me make this dream a reality.