January 31, 2003::No.139

National Scholarship Recipient to Study in Australia

Traveling and studying abroad was something that Annie Tran of Alhambra wanted to do for a long time. The Cal State Fullerton student is aware that there are “some things you just can’t learn in California.”

As a business administration major specializing in marketing, Tran says “it’s important to learn more about other countries, other cultures, especially for international marketing.”

Next month, Tran will fulfill her goal by traveling to Australia to attend Queensland University of Technology. She is going abroad as a participant in the California State University Study Abroad Program and as one of this year’s recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships.

Tran was among more than 660 applicants for the scholarships, which are sponsored by the State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education. Of the 172 scholarships, 13 were awarded to students attending California universities and colleges.Tran is one of two CSU students to be honored.

The scholarships are awarded to students based on academic performance, financial need, and applicant’s statement of purpose and chosen follow-up project. The program provides awards of up to $5,000 to undergraduate students who are pursuing semester or yearlong study opportunities abroad.

Tran, who selected Queensland University in order to continue her business and marketing studies, will spend two semesters in Australia. She will register for classes when she arrives and begin classes Feb. 24. The academic year ends in November.