As we reflect on more than a decade since the establishment of the UC Santa Barbara Education Abroad Program United Kingdom Scholarship, we are filled with deep gratitude for your enduring support. Your generosity has helped lay the foundation for a fund that continues to shape the lives of UCSB students in profound and lasting ways.
Since the fund’s inception in 2012, and thanks to your incredible support, more than $250,000 has been raised, providing 96 students with life-transforming experiences through the UCSB EAP UK Scholarship. This is a powerful testament to your belief in the value of global education.
Because of you, the UK scholarship has become a vital part of EAP’s mission to make study abroad accessible to students from all backgrounds. Your support has opened the world to our students, allowing them to gain invaluable academic, personal, and professional experiences that continue to shape their lives long after they return home.
Your belief in the value of travel and cross-cultural understanding continues to inspire. Thanks to you, students have ventured into the world with curiosity, courage, and purpose. These are the kinds of opportunities that stay with them for a lifetime.
Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Your continued commitment has made a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful.
With gratitude,
Professor Fabio Rambelli
Faculty Director for the Education Abroad Program, UC Santa Barbara
International Shinto Foundation Professor of Shinto Studies
Professor of Religious Studies & East Asian Cultures
History of the UCSB EAP UK Scholarship
Established in 2012 by four dedicated alumni—Phil White ’84, Matt Duncan ’87, Jodi Anderson ’94, and Mike Trovato ’95—the UC Santa Barbara Education Abroad Program United Kingdom Scholarship was created to unlock paths for students to experience the academic and cultural wealth of the United Kingdom.
The founding donors’ initial commitment has generated incredible momentum, raising over $250,000 and directly providing 96 scholarships for life-transforming study abroad experiences. This powerful collective effort ensures students gain the knowledge and skills necessary for work and life in a globally interdependent world.
By the Numbers
$252,595.23 Total funds raised
460 Total gifts
129 Total donors
96 Total scholarships awarded
14
Total UK universities and programs attended by UCSB EAP scholarship recipients
As of November 25, 2025
Thank you again for supporting me. This was truly the most incredible experience of my life. Every single day I was abroad, I thought about how lucky I was to be there…I really believe that what I have learned during my time in London has and will shape who I am for the rest of my life.
Delaney Douglas-Hiley ’21 (University College London, 2019-20)
Funds Raised and Number of Gifts
by Academic Year
Thank you for your support of the UCSB EAP UK Scholarship Fund. Without your highly generous support, I would not have been able to live out my lifelong dreams of living and studying in London.
Fong ’18 (Sotheby’s Institute of Art, 2016-17)
Momo
Total Funds Raised and Gifts Received Since Inception
I cannot possibly thank you enough for making it possible for myself and other students to have the adventure of a lifetime.
Sierra Schwellenbach ’18 (University of Manchester, 2016-17)
The EAP UK Scholarship:
*Note: Study abroad programs were cancelled during Academic Year 2020-21 due to the pandemic. Throughout its long history, the fund has consistently demonstrated impressive growth in the number of scholarships awarded. This growth highlights its increasing capacity to support students year after year. This positive trend reflects the rising demand for scholarships and the fund’s essential role in assisting students studying abroad in the United Kingdom.
University of Manchester
Our Global Footprint: Programs Supported Across the United Kingdom
The Education Abroad Program United Kingdom Scholarship provides support for students pursuing various programs, ensuring that opportunities are accessible across different academic disciplines and institutions.
England UK
University of Bristol
University of Sussex
University College London
UC Center London
Global Cities Urban Realities
King's College London
Imperial College London
University of London, Royal Holloway
University of London, Queen Mary
London School of Economics
Business and Entrepreneurship
London’s Calling
England:
• University of Bristol
• University of Manchester
• University of Sussex London:
• Business and Entrepreneurship in London
• Global Cities Urban Realities
• Imperial College London
• King’s College London
• London School of Economics
• London’s Calling
• Sotheby’s Institute of Art
• UC Center London
• University College London
• University of London, Queen Mary
• University of London, Royal Holloway
Sotheby's Institute of Art
UCSB EAP UK Scholars Spotlight:
What some of the current recipients are saying
Isabel Danger ’26
English
University of Manchester, 2025-26
I want to share my deepest gratitude for the EAP UK Scholarship, as it has truly made this experience possible. I have enjoyed the incredible city I get to call home for a few months, and I am spoiled with choices, from my course readings to the local shops and cafés!
When I was applying for the study abroad program, I was navigating some major changes to my financial situation, which made my path feel uncertain. I wasn’t sure a non-traditional student like myself would be considered. Getting the email that I was awarded this scholarship is one of my happiest university memories.
One of my favorite experiences so far has been visiting the Whitworth Art Gallery, where I discovered the diversity of the world through the perspectives of so many talented artists. I’ve also adopted the local habit of trading a morning cup of coffee for a hot mug of English Breakfast or a signature sticky chai!
Studying at Manchester has shaped my view of myself and my future, and has ultimately helped me find my confidence and voice, preparing me for careers in cross-cultural engagement.
My time abroad has centered my ambitions to pursue a doctoral degree, so I can move into fields such as public policy or international advocacy. For the first time, I’ve truly grasped the breadth of opportunities sitting in front of me.
All these exciting experiences and new perspectives wouldn’t have been possible without the support of this scholarship, and I am incredibly grateful.
Sincerely,
Isabel Danger
Kiana Klein Patton ’27
Sociology and History
London’s Calling, 2025-26
I am currently enjoying my study abroad experience in London, and I am so grateful for the opportunity made possible by the EAP UK Scholarship.
The scholarship greatly assisted my study abroad experience by providing essential financial support for one of the most expensive programs. London is a costly city, and having this scholarship has allowed me to pursue all possible opportunities without needing to limit my experiences, focusing on my studies and cultural exploration.
As a double major in sociology and history, studying in London was a transformative opportunity because the city itself is a museum. Every street holds hundreds of years’ worth of stories, and I find myself completely fascinated.
When guests visit, I love sharing the history I’ve learned, which has led me to realize how passionate I am about it. These experiences have reaffirmed my decision to pursue graduate studies in history, with the goals of working in museums, conducting archival research, or becoming a history professor.
When I return home, I will begin research and apply to graduate school next fall. I am grateful that this scholarship has allowed me to dedicate myself fully to this historically rich environment, which has shaped my academic future.
Best,
Kiana Klein Patton
Alyssa
Tarango ’28
English
University of London, Queen Mary, 2025-26
I am currently a third-year student at UC Santa Barbara, proudly studying abroad for the year at University of London, Queen Mary. This scholarship has given me an exciting opportunity to continue my education abroad and deepen my understanding of English literature.
I have loved studying romantic poets, Victorian fiction, and global interpretations of Shakespeare at Queen Mary. This experience has allowed me to pursue my passion for English while also challenging me to see the world from new perspectives and discover new things about myself.
I am grateful for this support that made this enriching academic year possible.
Sincerely,
Alyssa Tarango
UCSB EAP UK Alumni Spotlight:
What some of the past recipients are saying
Ashley Amell ’19
Economics
University College London, 2017-18
This scholarship was instrumental in making my study-abroad experience possible. Without this support, I would not have been able to participate in what became a truly incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Studying abroad had a profoundly positive impact on my personal and professional growth. The experience pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and grow in ways that continue to shape me today. I formed some of my closest lifelong friendships and developed a broader, more global perspective.
After completing my undergraduate degree, I went directly to law school. I am now a practicing attorney at a boutique litigation firm in Los Angeles, and the global mindset gained in the United Kingdom remains an invaluable asset.
Gratefully,
Ashley Amell
Adam Fagenson ’22
English and Film Studies
King’s College London, 2021-22
The scholarship was a huge financial help to me; it was support for unavoidable expenses and essential to keeping myself out of debt. My time in London, though challenging, became a necessary and significant turning point in my life. Experiencing the widest range of emotions pushed me to write every single day and solidified my career goals of becoming a writer. I am deeply grateful for the support that unlocked this transformative journey.
Sincerely,
Adam Fagenson
Kenneth Mejia ’22
Economics and Accounting
University of Manchester, 2021-22
Receiving the scholarship was essential for my study-abroad experience. Without this support, I’m not sure I would have taken the financial risk. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara, I started working at Binder, Dijiker, and Otte USA as a tax associate.
My time abroad directly influenced my career path. As a tax accountant, it is my dream to work at a United Kingdom public accounting firm, helping United States companies and citizens file their United States or United Kingdom tax returns.
The experience expanded my global perspective, forcing me to ponder what it means to be Mexican American in a cultural landscape unfamiliar with that specific identity. Yet I felt proud introducing myself as an American and Californian, even though Europeans could easily tell I was from California.
Before studying abroad, I didn’t pay attention to European news and didn’t realize Wales was a country. While I was in the United Kingdom, significant events such as the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and the Queen’s Jubilee celebration occurred. These experiences taught me to pay closer attention to European news and current events, reinforcing my understanding of how interconnected the world is.
Because of this scholarship, I formed lasting connections, including reconnecting with a British friend I met at UC Santa Barbara. She introduced me to her hometown and took me to iconic places like Stonehenge and Oxford, giving me an authentic local perspective. I am extremely grateful for all the cities and countries I explored during my time abroad; it was a life-changing opportunity that shaped my view of the world.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Mejia
Lily Rudnick ’18
Communication Studies
King’s College London, 2017-18
Coming from a single-parent, low-income household, I wouldn’t have had the financial confidence to study abroad without the generous scholarship I received. This scholarship allowed me to fully immerse myself in London life, explore new perspectives, and maximize the opportunity.
My time abroad shaped who I am today, both personally and professionally. Living in London introduced me to people from all over the world and taught me to appreciate the beauty of different cultures, ideas, and ways of life. The courses I took there remain some of my favorites to this day, as they challenged me to think globally and creatively.
After graduation, I decided to make Santa Barbara my home and have since built a career in the hospitality industry. I spent two years as the reservations manager for UCSB orientation, a full-circle experience that allowed me to support incoming students as others once supported me. I currently serve as a sales and event manager at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, where I have the opportunity to bring together my interests in hospitality, event design, and guest experience.
I’ve included a photo from my first week in London on the London Eye, as well as a recent photo of when I travelled to London with my fiancée and got to show him my old stomping grounds. We visited my King’s College apartment on Great Dover Street!
With gratitude,
Lily Rudnick
Emily Shishima ’20
Global Studies and History
University College London, 2018-19
My experience studying abroad fundamentally shaped the trajectory of my life, both personally and professionally. I am incredibly thankful for the support I received through this scholarship, which made it possible for me to attend a world-renowned university like University College London.
Studying abroad completely altered my academic path. While at University College London, I took a Norwegian language course that sparked my academic and personal interest in Scandinavian studies.
This newfound passion, combined with my love for the United Kingdom, led me directly into advanced degrees. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara with a bachelor’s in global studies and history, I returned to earn my master’s degree in modern European history from the University of Cambridge. I later began my doctorate in Scandinavian studies at the University of California, Berkeley.
Today, I am back in the United Kingdom, where I have built a life over the past four years and live with my British partner. I am even on track for British citizenship. The UCSB Education Abroad Program provided me with an extraordinary opportunity, an experience that not only broadened my academic horizons but continues to shape the life I’ve built today.
With gratitude, Emily Shishima
Lives transformed by the UCSB EAP UK Scholarship
Over the past 14 years, the UC Santa Barbara EAP UK Scholarship has catalyzed the academic and professional lives of the following recipients at UC Santa Barbara. Each name below represents collective generosity and a shared belief in global education.
2025-26
Isabel Danger ’26
Kiana Klein Patton ’27
Annie N. Lack ’27
Camila Morcate Enriquez ’26
Alyssa Tarango ’28
Ellison Renee Thomason ’27
Kate B. Vainoris ’26
Hari P. Wentworth ’27
2024-25
Jasper Montague Byrne ’26
Jaden Huynh ’25
Angel Damian Mata ’25
Elian Leonardo Michel ’25
Zhenyuan Ni ’25
Lucas Pollero ’26
Heather Guinevere Ressler ’26
Kaia Lee Sam ’26
Hua Li Woollard ’25
Arista Lei Zhu ’26
2023-24
Brooke English Anne Abbott ’26
Kiyan R. Atrian ’24
Colton M. Fox ’24
Jasmine L. Gao ’24
Amira N. Garvey ’24
Hannah E. Hwang ’24
Stella Kujawski ’25
Holden C. Overbeck ’23
Sydney E. Reardon ’25
Jayna Isabella Shagal ’25
Shiloh Templeton ’25
Shanink Xilonzochilt Enriquez ’23
Nicolas S. Zacair ’24
Michelle Zhang ’24
2022-23
Ashley Alvarado-Cervantes ’23
Ava B. Bendett ’24
Ariel M. Conley ’24
Esther S. Jeong ’23
Ethan Durand Kim ’23
Josephine E. Lock ’23
Amelia L. Moore ’24
Emma Opper ’24
Noah M. Ropp ’24
Angela L. Sifuentes ’23
Audrey M. Taylor ’23
2021-22
Giovanni S. Cassarino ’23
Raymond D. Devera ’24
Adam Fagenson ’22
Chloe Goldsmith ’22
Izzy Y. Kleiman ’23
Valentina M. Komarov ’23
Kenneth Mejia ’22
Natalie L. Sanchez ’22
2019-20
Francis M. Borys ’21
Stephanie Dam ’20
Khando D. Deckyi Khangsar ’20
Delaney Douglas-Hiley ’21
Evan D. Jones ’20
Shannon Regan ’20
Ixchel Vera Botello ’21
2018-19
Julie C. Henry ’20
Ted Iamsirithaworn ’19
Alexis Breanna Merheb ’20
Stacy E. Perez ’19
Jenna K. Roth ’20
Emily Shishima ’20
Sophia A. Steinhorn ’20
Shaelyn C. Wilson ’20
2017-18
Ashley Amell ’19
Mia Amor M. Contreras ’19
Shirin Enayati ’19
Clara Kim ’18
Jessica S. Liu ’19
Alyssa J. Metcalf ’19
Michelle E. Myers ’18
Dylan T. Parisi ’19
Lily Rudnick ’18
2016-17
Pia L. De Los Reyes ’18
Momo Fong ’18
Raven-Alexis N. Kone ’17
Ryann Jeff Malicdem ’18
Sirenia Sanchez ’18
Sierra Schwellenbach ’18
2015-16
Sophia T. Crisafulli ’16
Victoria S. Gray ’17
2014-15
Shelby B. Bartlett ’16
Courtney D. Bristow ’16
Enrique Caldera, Jr. ’15
Shannon Hsu ’15
Julie R. Kaplan ’15
Leah Moradi ’16
Corine S. Toren ’16
Rahel Zeleke ’15
2013-14
Emily R. Child ’14
Nicole A. Dela Rosa ’15
Brianna N. Krenson ’15
Nicholas T. Newton ’15
Olivia A. Priedite ’15
We are deeply grateful for your vision and generosity, which make these life-changing experiences possible. The reach of your support extends well past UC Santa Barbara, equipping students with the courage, resilience, and confidence to navigate a world outside their comfort zones. It is an honor to partner with you in advancing this mission of academic excellence and fostering the next generation of globally engaged leaders who will inspire and advance cross-cultural understanding.
Donor Honor Roll 2012-2025
Anonymous (4)
Eva H. Abello ’20
Baron J. Abramowitz ’15
Emmett J. Abrams ’17
Dr. Jodi Anderson ’94 and Christopher Field
Aspire Coaching (YYD Ventures, LLC)
Madeline R. Asta ’18
At Collective
Phoebe Baggot ’24
Ina Ballik
Berry Bros. & Rudd
Colin and Stephanie Blades
Martin G. Bonus ’04
Andrew Box
David A. M. Brown ’07
Roxanne Chen and Naya Rea
Navine Chhuon
Carenn Chu
Samantha J. Cooper ’01
Alfonso Crescenzo
Matthew Daines, Ph.D. and Violet Del Toro
Daisy Deli
Ken Daly
Lauren Davis ’09 and David Ferry ’09
Jesus de la Torre ’94
Rachel S. DeAngelis ’17
Ashley R. Dotter ’10
Matthieu ’87 and Marie-Anne Duncan
Hedieh Ekhlasi ’15
Elie El Noune
Astrid Eng ’27
Jesus A. Fernandez ’18
Janine Finch
Maureen C. Fischer ’83
Dr. Danelle M. Fisher ’93
Regina A. Fletcher ’65,’00
Douglas A. Freymeyer ’79
Claire A. Frost ’10
Martin Frost
Sandra S. Funkhouser ’87
Evan J. M. Gillogley ’13
Mitch Goldberg
Kara C. Goslin ’10
Vanessa M. Goslow ’08
Abigail R. Green ’27
Ildiko E. Gugan ’95
Marques J. Hardin ’08
Alyssa M. Hartmann ’26
Leonora J. Howard
Hoating Huang
HumaniTea
Brigitte Karlsen
Monica Kason Downing
Rashaad Kazi
Heather Keller
Ryan T. Kelley ’19
George King, Jr. ’55
Trey E. Kockler ’24
Magdalena Kowalik
Suzanne Lahey
Andrew E. M. Lennie ’08
Peter Lennon
Joel Lewis
Ryan J. Lieber ’14
Amy J. Lingard ’15
Jim C. Lockard ’84
Jeffrey F. Malaihollo ’87
Arthur Mattousch
Kenneth M. Mejia Perez ’22
Maddy H. Mekari ’26
Merck Company Foundation, Inc.
Christopher E. Michaels ’11
Jason W. Mollring* ’95
Mike Mompi
The Moorhen
Dina Niculaes
Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust
National Philanthropic Trust UK
Vivian-Lee Nyitray
Joe Ohlson
Greta Paa-Kerner
Jennifer L. Palmer ’02
Nadia Pankratova ’07
Jason ’93 and Elizabeth Perl
Scott M. Phillips ’99
PIMCO
Joanne Pon-Rubin ’79 and Barry Rubin
Pure Evil Gallery
Mauro Rafaelli
Philip R. Ralph ’96
Shannon C. Riley ’99
Philip M. Rosenzweig ’76
Rossoblu
Christina Ann Oreta Samson ’09
Michael Barnard Schaupp ’94
Florian Schratt ’13
Emily F. Seto ’02
Todd C. Shelley ’17
Chris ’80 and Mark ’79 Silverstein
Sukhraj Singh
Kellie J. Smith ’02
Amy Mallet Sobocinski ’25
Barbara Starks
Caroline P. Stewart ’17
Giorgia Troiani ’23
Mike Trovato ’95
Christina Tslarta
UC Trust (UK)
Vagabond Wines
Andrew W. Vandenberg ’13
Nadia Vinokur
Colette L. Wang ’24
Wellington Management Company LLP
Philip ’84 and Ann White, The Pacific View Foundation
