Incoming School of Information Sciences senior Sinit Eyob was recently gifted the opportunity to study abroad in Valencia, Spain, thanks to multiple scholarship opportunities provided by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Eyob is originally from Eritrea, Africa, but moved to Ethiopia when she was three and to the United States when she was six. She’s lived in Tennessee since then, moving from the Nashville area to Knoxville to attend UT.
“I was just doing a lot of research before I chose my major, and I felt like information sciences fit all my interests. I like looking at data technology and user experience (UX) design. I just love all of that. Then UT felt like a good place because of the distance and also for financial reasons,” she stated
Eyob has found multiple opportunities to use the skills she’s learned inside the classroom and apply them to internships both on and off campus.
In the summer of 2023, Eyob worked with the Tennessee Association of Broadcasting in Nashville where she dealt with data input. She was also a College of Communication and Information student tech assistant in the fall of 2023.
Eyob is a member of UT’s African Student Association (ASA), an organization committed to developing unity, strength, and community among African and non-African students.
Eyob was interested in studying abroad but did not originally qualify due to her citizenship status and lack of a U.S. passport. Instead of giving up on her dream, she decided to make it possible. While studying for her classes, Eyob started studying to become a U.S. citizen. After qualifying for naturalization, it was time for Eyob to get her U.S. passport, pick a study abroad program, and figure out how she was going to pay for the trip.
Looking at all of her options, Eyob chose the CCI Global Communications Scholars Semester Spain. Upon completion of the program, she would have twelve credit hours, internship experience, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about Valencia’s culture.
While applying for the program, Eyob also applied to several scholarships, one of which would help with the cost of her passport. After being awarded the scholarship, Eyob was able to get her U.S. passport at little cost to herself. She also received several other scholarships that allowed the trip to be financially possible for her.
“I know I couldn’t have even participated in the study abroad without the scholarships,” she said. “I’m really grateful that those are accessible and they’re there for students to use.”
In spring 2024, Eyob packed her bags to spend four months in Spain. While there, she took a Global Communication course, a course focused on the history and culture of Spain, and participated in an eight-week internship for course credit. Eyob also interned as a web designer for a local company.
“I was nervous at first, but after getting there, meeting people, and learning about the culture in Spain, I enjoyed it. I’m glad I took the opportunity,” she explained.
Eyob said the experience was one she will always be grateful for, thanks to those who give financially to promote students’ experience abroad. She’s now able to stand out from the crowd when looking for potential jobs and professional opportunities.
“It was helpful resume-wise and also just experience-wise,” she stated.