Hello friends,
My name is Madeline Turner and I am a current first year at Smith College in Northampton, MA studying Economics and Anthropology and am originally from a small rural town called Garrettsville, about an hour outside of Cleveland, OH. If you've followed my post-secondary academic journey so far, you'd know that I love to learn. At Smith, I am active in various extracurriculars such as debate, orchestra, and the Draper Competition for Women Entrepreneurs. Over this past year, I have invested a considerable amount of time and energy into learning the Arabic language. As a result, I have been accepted to a language intensive program in Rabat, Morocco this summer. However, in order for I need $2500 by next week to be able to attend.
Why a GoFundMe?
In order to gain the level of proficiency needed to conduct research in Arabic, I need to start studying the language in an immersive, in-context fashion as soon as possible. For the summer, I was accepted to an intensive program by CIEE Abroad to study in Rabat, Morocco to study over an eight week period. If I go abroad this summer, I will double my ability to communicate effectively in Arabic as a result of extensive classroom instruction and real-life application. The program has already generously provided me scholarships and I have received funding from several sources at my institution. My financial need, however, is extreme as I function almost entirely independently from my separated parents financially. As one of three children of a small business owner, paying my monthly tuition bill on time is nearly impossible and everything I make from my dishwashing and tutoring jobs goes towards my tuition or basic living expenses.
I grew up in an area where perceptions of native Arabic speakers are often overwhelmingly negative, but I believe that my studying abroad can help me change that narrative in my home community and effect tangible change. As a low-income student from a rural area, I think it is incredibly important that I attain this goal, not only to provide me with an experience I have never had before but mainly because it means I will be able to bring my experiences and skills back to my home community in Portage County, Ohio.
Itemized Expenses
Estimated Fees
Participation Confirmation = $300
Educational Costs = $6,143
Housing = $1,240
Insurance = $167
Total Fees = $7,850
Estimated Costs
Meals not included in program fee = $540
International Airfare = $1,250 (has been covered by scholarship)
Local Transportation = $140
Books & Supplies = $100
Visa Fees = $100
Personal expenses = $800
Total Estimated Costs = $2,930
Total Estimated Cost: $10,780
I have already received over $6000 in funding through applying to a wide variety of scholarships and grants through Smith and external sources. However, I will not be able to go abroad this summer and gain critical skills without your help.
I would forever be grateful for any contribution you are willing to make -- thank you so much!
My name is Madeline Turner and I am a current first year at Smith College in Northampton, MA studying Economics and Anthropology and am originally from a small rural town called Garrettsville, about an hour outside of Cleveland, OH. If you've followed my post-secondary academic journey so far, you'd know that I love to learn. At Smith, I am active in various extracurriculars such as debate, orchestra, and the Draper Competition for Women Entrepreneurs. Over this past year, I have invested a considerable amount of time and energy into learning the Arabic language. As a result, I have been accepted to a language intensive program in Rabat, Morocco this summer. However, in order for I need $2500 by next week to be able to attend.
Why a GoFundMe?
In order to gain the level of proficiency needed to conduct research in Arabic, I need to start studying the language in an immersive, in-context fashion as soon as possible. For the summer, I was accepted to an intensive program by CIEE Abroad to study in Rabat, Morocco to study over an eight week period. If I go abroad this summer, I will double my ability to communicate effectively in Arabic as a result of extensive classroom instruction and real-life application. The program has already generously provided me scholarships and I have received funding from several sources at my institution. My financial need, however, is extreme as I function almost entirely independently from my separated parents financially. As one of three children of a small business owner, paying my monthly tuition bill on time is nearly impossible and everything I make from my dishwashing and tutoring jobs goes towards my tuition or basic living expenses.
I grew up in an area where perceptions of native Arabic speakers are often overwhelmingly negative, but I believe that my studying abroad can help me change that narrative in my home community and effect tangible change. As a low-income student from a rural area, I think it is incredibly important that I attain this goal, not only to provide me with an experience I have never had before but mainly because it means I will be able to bring my experiences and skills back to my home community in Portage County, Ohio.
Itemized Expenses
Estimated Fees
Participation Confirmation = $300
Educational Costs = $6,143
Housing = $1,240
Insurance = $167
Total Fees = $7,850
Estimated Costs
Meals not included in program fee = $540
International Airfare = $1,250 (has been covered by scholarship)
Local Transportation = $140
Books & Supplies = $100
Visa Fees = $100
Personal expenses = $800
Total Estimated Costs = $2,930
Total Estimated Cost: $10,780
I have already received over $6000 in funding through applying to a wide variety of scholarships and grants through Smith and external sources. However, I will not be able to go abroad this summer and gain critical skills without your help.
I would forever be grateful for any contribution you are willing to make -- thank you so much!