Tomorrow’s Global Engineers

“As an engineer, you learn so many ways to solve a problem. But if you don’t know how to manage that skillset in human terms, it’s useless.”

 -- Caroline Bonnes, who studied in Southern Africa

Nearly 800 Virginia Tech students have had life-changing, hands-on learning experiences abroad while participating in the Rising Sophomore Study Abroad program run by the Department of Engineering Education since 2014.

With your help, Virginia Tech can broaden the program to serve a greater number of today’s Hokies, setting them on course to become the global leaders whose insights and perspectives will improve the future.

There’s never been more need for such leaders, or a better time for you to make a difference for this powerful program. Your gift today — of any amount — will help us reach our goal of 250 donors and unlock a $10,000 match by Hokie alumni Adam and Laila Rossi.

We’re committed to including as many students possible in this program, but cost can be a barrier. Your generosity helps to overcome that, and every bit helps. For example:

• $5 from you, combined with gifts from others, can quickly grow our scholarship fund.
• $15 is enough to cover laundry expenses for one student while abroad.
• $50 helps provide accommodation and cover the cost of excursions while abroad.
• $150 helps a student secure or renew a passport.

Hundreds of students have benefitted from this program, and they report that it’s expanded their horizons, solidified their career paths, and helped them to stand out while interviewing for jobs.

Help us to bring even more Hokies abroad to hone their talents and prepare to thrive in today’s global workplace. Support the Rising Sophomore Abroad Program with your gift today.

What RSAP alumni are saying about their experiences:

“People see each other as very different, but when you go onto this [type of] trip you actually see that we have more in common than what divides us.”

 -- Brian Zapata, who studied in Spain and Morocco 

“We were given a lot of freedom within the countries and I truly appreciate the things that I learned from being pushed to go out and explore on my own.”

 -- Paige Braude, who studied in South America

“During internship and job interviews, RSAP is always a unique speaking point that illustrates that I am comfortable working with new people and new places."

 -- Kiran Bagalkotkar, who studied in Western Europe