This account was sent to YFile by Navneet Dhaliwal, 91ÑÇÉ« International:
Julia Sandler, Mathew Silvaggio and Lindsey Jakiel have several things in common. They are all university students with an interest in Canada-US relations, they're among the first recipients of new Killam Fellowships for undergraduate students and, as a result, they're spending a year away from their home universities. But though all three have a 91ÑÇÉ« connection, Sandler and Silvaggio may never meet Jakiel.
Sandler and Silvaggio, both 91ÑÇÉ« students, are among about 20 Canadian third-year university students to win the US$10,000 fellowships in 2003, the first year of the scholarship-exchange program. They are heading south to schools in the United States. And Jakiel, a third-year student at State University of New 91ÑÇÉ«, Plattsburgh, is coming north to 91ÑÇÉ«.
Ten Canadian universities, including 91ÑÇÉ«, and eight American schools are participating in this new scholarship-exchange program that aims to foster mutual understanding between Canadians and Americans.
Sandler is a political science student who will be spending the year at Wellesley College, Massachusetts. She is eager to enhance her understanding of the American political system and explore the differences between Canada and the US. She is a veteran of international education, having already participated in a study abroad program in Israel.
Silvaggio, a psychology student, will be studying chemistry, biochemistry, industrial psychology and Italian at Ithaca College, NY. He is particularly excited about participating in Ithaca’s neuroscience research team.
Jakiel, a speech, communication and Canadian studies student, is doing her third year at 91ÑÇÉ«. Growing up close to the Canadian border, in Buffalo, she has always been intrigued by Canada. She is looking forward to learning in the classroom of Toronto.
Partner institutions in the US are Bridgewater State College, Ithaca College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), State University of New 91ÑÇÉ« at Plattsburgh, Smith College, Tufts University, Wellesley College and Yale University. More universities are expected to participate in the future.
Sandler and Silvaggio were among 40 applicants for the fellowships from 91ÑÇÉ«. Applications will be available from 91ÑÇÉ« International, 108 Vanier College.