In Step with the McRaes

Calvin and LaTanya McRae are both Recipients of AIFS Diversity Scholarships

LaTanya McRae will be traveling to China with AIFS in Fall 2008.

LaTanya McRae, a rising Junior at North Carolina A&T State University, has been spending her summer searching for the perfect luggage. Light, but sturdy, and big enough to store four months’ worth of belongings for her upcoming semester in China. There’s a lot to do before her departure; luckily, she has an expert to help her prepare for her adventure abroad: her brother Calvin, an alumnus of the AIFS program in Prague. The siblings share an interest in learning about other cultures and studying international issues. Now, they have another thing in common: both are recipients of AIFS Diversity Scholarships.

Calvin and a friend during their semester in Prague.

Calvin, a graduate of King College in Tennessee, discovered early in his college career his passion for cultural exchange. Surrounded by international students at King, he developed friendships with students from all over the world, which piqued his curiosity about other ways of life. Wanting to experience other cultures first-hand, Calvin decided to study abroad. When he saw an AIFS poster for the program in Prague, he was hooked, and, with the help of his Study Abroad Advisor, began the application process for Spring 2008. His advisor proved to be of great help; through her, Calvin learned about the AIFS Diversity Scholarship, which awards one deserving applicant 50% off the program fee. With his impressive academic record, demonstrated interest and involvement in international issues, and strong letter of recommendation, Calvin caught the attention of the scholarship committee, who awarded him the top prize for Spring 2008. Recalling his reaction to the news that he had received the scholarship, Calvin laughs as he describes telling everyone, even strangers, about his good fortune. Although he would have pursued this opportunity to study abroad at any cost, the scholarship helped him to take full advantage of his time abroad. In particular, Calvin was able to travel extensively during his semester abroad, to countries such as Egypt, Spain, Germany, Austria, and Poland.

Looking back on his semester abroad, Calvin recalls his immersion in Czech culture. He fondly describes the leisurely pace of life and the many cafés where he and his fellow students spent their afternoons discussing their classes, people-watching, and forging friendships that would last long after the semester ended. (In the two short months since he’s been back, he has gotten together with at least 10 students from his program, all of whom attend different colleges, and keeps in touch with many more.) Over the course of his semester, Calvin gained not only a love of Eastern European culture, but also a newfound appreciation of American culture.

Calvin visited Egypt during his semester in Prague

While in Prague, Calvin kept in close touch with his friends and family in the U.S., including his sister LaTanya, who had also been considering studying abroad. Encouraged by her brother’s reports from overseas, she applied to the Nanjing program for the Fall of 2008. As a fashion merchandise and design/business major, she knows that China is playing an increasingly important role in global markets, and she believes that a semester in China will be invaluable to her personal and career development. Like Calvin, she has been surrounded by international students at school, and learning about her friends’ cultures has instilled in her the desire to experience life in another country.

Also with her brother’s encouragement, LaTanya applied for the Diversity Scholarship. Impressed by her strong application, the scholarship committee unknowingly granted a second McRae one of the prestigious awards, this time a $2000 runner-up scholarship, which will go a long way in China.

At the moment, LaTanya is relaxed about her upcoming departure. She has made lists of things to do, things to buy, things to pack, and her visa should be ready any day now. Her brother has also provided her with ample practical advice to prepare for her trip. Calvin is proud of his little sister for deciding to study abroad; he knows that she is a hard worker and really appreciates the opportunity that she has to spend a semester in China.

The last few months have been filled with journeys for the McRae siblings. At the end of August, LaTanya will depart for China, and Calvin will begin the next phase of his education, law school at Drake University. They will keep in close touch during the semester, as they did when Calvin was abroad. Asked what advice he would give his sister, or any student planning to study abroad, Calvin stresses the importance of being ready for and open to new experiences, as well as being thankful for the opportunity to experience life in another country. It's clear that both Calvin and LaTanya value cultural exchange, and AIFS is proud to play a role in their global education.

Learn more about AIFS Scholarships: www.aifsabroad.com/scholarships.asp