�� - Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship

Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship Recipients

mmgrant — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 17:18:49 +0000

Brooke Johnson, a junior majoring in Agricultural Business, Madisyn Henderson, a sophomore in Agricultural Business and Ryleigh Obrecht, a junior majoring in Agricultural Business, are this year’s three recipients of Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship. All three recipients participated in The Culture and Economic Diversification trip to the United Arab Emirates in the Fall of 2024. This trip was led by program directors Dr. Ebby Luvaga and Mr. Jean-Pierre Taoutel.

This scholarship was established in 2022 by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates to the United States, in memory of Maktoum Al Seiari. Maktoum Hamad Al Seiari graduated from Iowa State University (ISU) with a degree in chemical engineering in Spring 2019. Maktoum was very passionate about the betterment of understanding between cultures. He was one of the first UAE students to actively participate in Iowa State study abroad program; The Culture and Economic Diversification trip to the United Arab Emirates and continued to do so until his death. Each year, he contributed time and resources to the pre-trip orientation, and to welcoming nearly 30 students and faculty into his home in Abu Dhabi, further illustrating the generosity of the UAE culture. While in his home, the food, desserts, tea and gifts never stopped flowing. Iowa State University students were amazed and delighted by the level of generosity he and his family exhibited.

My experience studying abroad in the United Arab Emirates was truly transformative. It broadened my view of the world and deepened my appreciation for the richness of global cultures. I am incredibly grateful to have received the Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship in honor of such a remarkable individual. One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the home of the Al Seiari family. Their warmth and hospitality left a lasting impression, and interacting with them gave me deeper insight into Emirati culture and traditions. Hearing about Maktoum’s generosity and kindness from my professors, then witnessing the same qualities in his family, made me realize the profound impact one person’s legacy can have on future generations. This study abroad experiences not only expanded my horizons but also reaffirmed my commitment to promoting cultural understanding and global citizenship. The lessons I learned in the UAE will stay with me throughout my life, and I am proud to carry forward Maktoum Al Seiari’s spirit of kindness, generosity, and cultural appreciation. - Madisyn Henderson

My experience in the United Arab Emirates was nothing short of extraordinary, offering me a unique perspective on cultural diversity and global interconnectedness. My knowledge of agriculture has expanded significantly through firsthand observations of innovative farming techniques like vertical farming and how others do organic farming. Witnessing how the UAE overcomes its harsh desert environment to ensure food security has given me a new appreciation for the resilience required to sustain agricultural production in resource-scarce regions. Additionally, visiting local markets and farms provided a closer look at how traditional practices coexist with cutting-edge technology, reflecting the nation’s commitment to sustainability and modernization. As a global citizen, this experience has broadened my understanding of my role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and addressing global challenges. Learning about the UAE’s sustainability initiatives and its efforts to build a diversified economy has motivated me to think critically about the importance of collaboration and innovation in tackling shared concerns like climate change and food security.

I am deeply grateful for the generosity of the donors and their commitment to empowering students like me. This scholarship has been instrumental in enabling me to pursue my academic and personal goals, allowing me to focus on my studies while immersing myself in enriching cultural experiences. --Brooke Johnson

My experience in the United Arab Emirates deepened my understanding of what it means to be a global citizen. I was able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds which taught me the value of mutual respect, open communication, and the importance of finding common ground despite our differences. During my visit, I had the privilege of meeting the family of the late Maktoum. I was able to hear the family’s stories about their son’s vision for supporting global citizenship which was truly inspiring. This scholarship provided me with the opportunity to engage with a global network and gain a global perspective. -Ryleigh Obrecht

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Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship

Author(s):

Marta Grant

Scholarship Deadline: Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship

mmgrant — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 17:32:28 +0000

Friday, August 9, 2024 - 11:59pm

Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship

Learn more about this scholarship and apply here: Programs > ISUAbroad (iastate.edu)

Applicants must:

be an undergraduate student
be a participant in the United Arab Emirates �� Program, Culture and Economic Diversification in the United Arab Emirates or any other successor program that includes study of the United Arab Emirates.
be a student majoring in Chemical Engineering, Economics, Agricultural Economics, or Business Economics
demonstrate financial need (FAFSA)
demonstrate an interest in advancing global citizenship

Application Requirements:

Complete the application in its entirety
250- word essay demonstrating an interest in advancing global citizenship
Submit a resume that includes:
1. majors, minors, areas of emphasis
2. University leadership/extracurricular accomplishments
3. Work experiences
4. Demonstration or interest in cultural understanding or advancing global citizenship

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Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship

Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship Announcement

nicolerh — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 16:03:17 +0000

Courtney Uhlenhake, a senior majoring in agricultural business and international agriculture, is the 2022 recipient of the Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship. This is the first time that the scholarship has been awarded. This scholarship was established in memory of Maktoum Hamad Al Seiari, a citizen of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who graduated from Iowa State University (ISU) in the spring of 2019 with a degree in chemical engineering. Maktoum was very passionate about the betterment of understanding between cultures. He was one of the first Emirati students to actively participate in ISU’s study abroad program to the UAE, and he continued to do so until his death in 2020. Each year, Maktoum contributed time and resources to the pre-trip orientation class, and to welcoming nearly 30 students and faculty into his home in Abu Dhabi, to share a piece of his culture. While in his home, the food, desserts, tea, and gifts never stopped flowing, as students further immersed themselves in learning about Emirati culture and traditions. The ISU students were amazed by the level of generosity Maktoum and his family exhibited. Students often commented that this was one of the highlights of their study abroad trip to the UAE.

Courtney Uhlenhake was awarded the Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship and used the scholarship towards the Culture and Economic Diversification trip to the UAE in the fall of 2022. This trip was led by program directors Dr. Ebby Luvaga, Dr. Amani Elobeid, and Mr. Jean-Pierre Taoutel. Courtney’s experience while in the UAE included many agriculture visits, trips to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Falcon Hospital, Dubai Islamic Bank, various tourist and cultural attractions, and, most importantly, exposure to the Emirati culture. In Abu Dhabi, Courtney had the amazing opportunity to meet Maktoum’s family, listen to stories, and learn about their culture through food, dances, and conversations!

Courtney described her study abroad experience to the UAE as the most rewarding, eye-opening international experience she has ever had. “Being selected for the Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship was an honor. This scholarship provided me with a learning experience I never imagined I would partake in at a university level. I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity to experience the positive energy and laughter in the Al Seiari home! I am now very committed to working hard to ensure that I live up to Maktoum’s vision of cultural understanding and global citizenship”.

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Courtney Uhlenhake

Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship

Maktoum Hamad Al Seiari

Author(s):

Nicole Hurlburt

�������� - Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship

Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship Recipients

Scholarship Deadline: Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship

Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship

Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship Announcement

�� - Maktoum Al Seiari Scholarship for Excellence in Cultural Understanding and Global Citizenship