The Western Union Foundation believes that education is one of the surest pathways to economic stability and success – and is proud to provide scholarships to international students. We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Western Union Global Scholar, Isaias, on his educational journey and the positive impact his scholarship has made during his senior year.
“My name is Isaias, I’m a senior studying environmental engineering and am a proud Western Union Foundation scholarship recipient.
Growing up in Mozambique, I gained an interest in the environmental field early on in my life. I recognized that there is such a disparity when it comes to who has access to clean water and who doesn’t. I was lucky enough to grow up on the side of my community that had access to clean water, but I also saw how some of my friends from school did not have that luxury. This is one of the reasons why I decided that I would pursue environmental engineering. I wanted to somehow figure out how I could make a difference not only in Mozambique but around the world… because water affects all of us.
My college journey has been a road full of unexpected challenges and hard-won triumphs. The difficulty of academics was tough enough, but the added culture shock, learning to live with strangers in a dorm, and navigating the push-pull of social life and studies was overwhelming.
I took 19 credits last semester and 17 credits now, on top of working the maximum 20 hours per week that international students can work. This is where the Western Union Scholarship has truly made a difference. With this support, I’ve been able to focus on my studies and worry less about how to afford the semester. Without this assistance, it’s hard to imagine how I would have managed to complete my degree.
My goal this year is to walk across the commencement stage with Magna Cum Laude honors and a profound understanding that this journey has been about far more than academics, it’s been a lesson in resilience, humility, and self-belief. Thank you.”
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The Western Union Foundation provided 70 scholarships to international and immigrant students during the 2024-2025 school year. Isaias’ scholarship is part of the Global Scholars Program, which supports international students from low-income communities who are pursuing their education in some of the world’s top academic destinations.
Click here to donate to the Western Union Foundation to support more students, entrepreneurs, and people on the move who aspire to make a difference in the world.
