Katie Maloan is from Oklahoma. She is a senior at Trinity University in San Antonio and plans to graduate May 2022. Her majors are Political Science and International Studies with minors in French and Economics. She plans to obtain a Master’s in International Development, Paris School of International Affairs. Each Rotary Global Education Grant scholar must select from the Rotary Areas of Focus and align their program of study with this focus.
Katie’s focus is Economic and Community Development. Her International Host is the Rotary Club of San Antonio Downtown and Joan Kearl will serve as her counselor. The Host Club is the Rotary Club of Paris Académies, Paris, France.
Questions:
How did you learn about the Rotary Global Education Grant?
Trinity University’s Center for International Engagement regularly forwards internship and scholarship opportunities to International Studies majors. Last fall, I saw an email about the Rotary Global Education Grant and, after a bit of research, realized I would be a great fit for the grant’s criteria.
How did you choose the country you will be going to and the educational institution where you will be studying?
I have been studying French for almost six years now, both in high school and as one of my minors at Trinity, so France was an obvious choice for my undergraduate semester abroad in Fall 2021. L’Institut d’études politiques de Paris, commonly referred to by the nickname Sciences Po, is a leading institution for international and political studies. However, it wasn’t until living in Paris last semester that the values of Sciences Po truly came alive to me. All of my professors were alumni or lecturers from the university, and seeing their hunger to learn and engage with subjects beyond their specializations fueled in me a deep desire to be part of the Sciences Po community. Sciences Po stands out among many impressive universities because of its character: a dedication to effecting meaningful change through service, a focus on applying an interdisciplinary approach to international issues, and its students’ enthusiasm for rich, lifelong learning. I want to be the kind of professional that Sciences Po shapes, someone committed to thoughtful, purposeful action with a heart for making the world a better place. I had anticipated that my semester in Paris would be a capstone for my time as an undergraduate student, but I didn’t know it would instead be a launching pad. It led me to the doorstep of the school that would not only offer the academic training I was seeking, but also a culture of curiosity and civic engagement.
What things are you most looking forward to in your experience? Do you have any apprehensions?
One of the most transformative parts of my time studying in Paris was developing a new understanding of the role of language. Of course, I knew language was a tool for communicating information, but I was delighted and intrigued to learn firsthand how language not only reflects but shapes one’s ideas and perceptions of the world. This realization has intensified my desire to continue refining my French skills in graduate school so I can more fully understand and connect with French-speaking cultures. Sciences Po’s Master in International Development is taught in English, but it also offers courses for French learners. Living in Paris, immersed in the French language and culture, will enable me to refine my language abilities and prepare me to serve and collaborate effectively in my international work.
I am most looking forward to this immersion and the opportunity to reach a new level in my French conversational skills. I know from experience, though, that the process of learning and practicing a new language can be exhausting, embarrassing, and incredibly challenging. I feel nervous about all the moments when I will forget a word or misconjugate a verb, but I recognize that those mistakes are part of the process of learning and improving in my second language. On a lighter note, I’m also apprehensive about going without my favorite creature comforts, like American peanut butter and Texan air conditioning!
What would you like to say to Rotarians who make this grant possible through their support of the Rotary Foundation?
Thank you very much for investing in me. This grant is truly life-changing for me, providing support for my learning both in and out of the classroom. I hope and believe that my career will also impact others’ lives by contributing to more equitable and well-informed economic development policies. Thank you for your confidence in me, your support for my education, and your commitment to meaningful action in San Antonio and around the world.
Is there anything else you would like to include that was not asked?
I look forward to sharing my experiences with you all next year and to maintaining a lifelong connection with Rotary. If you need any recommendations for the next time you’re in Paris, feel free to reach out to me! Katie Maloan <katiemaloan@gmail.com>
How did you learn about the Rotary Global Education Grant?
Trinity University’s Center for International Engagement regularly forwards internship and scholarship opportunities to International Studies majors. Last fall, I saw an email about the Rotary Global Education Grant and, after a bit of research, realized I would be a great fit for the grant’s criteria.
How did you choose the country you will be going to and the educational institution where you will be studying?
I have been studying French for almost six years now, both in high school and as one of my minors at Trinity, so France was an obvious choice for my undergraduate semester abroad in Fall 2021. L’Institut d’études politiques de Paris, commonly referred to by the nickname Sciences Po, is a leading institution for international and political studies. However, it wasn’t until living in Paris last semester that the values of Sciences Po truly came alive to me. All of my professors were alumni or lecturers from the university, and seeing their hunger to learn and engage with subjects beyond their specializations fueled in me a deep desire to be part of the Sciences Po community. Sciences Po stands out among many impressive universities because of its character: a dedication to effecting meaningful change through service, a focus on applying an interdisciplinary approach to international issues, and its students’ enthusiasm for rich, lifelong learning. I want to be the kind of professional that Sciences Po shapes, someone committed to thoughtful, purposeful action with a heart for making the world a better place. I had anticipated that my semester in Paris would be a capstone for my time as an undergraduate student, but I didn’t know it would instead be a launching pad. It led me to the doorstep of the school that would not only offer the academic training I was seeking, but also a culture of curiosity and civic engagement.
What things are you most looking forward to in your experience? Do you have any apprehensions?
One of the most transformative parts of my time studying in Paris was developing a new understanding of the role of language. Of course, I knew language was a tool for communicating information, but I was delighted and intrigued to learn firsthand how language not only reflects but shapes one’s ideas and perceptions of the world. This realization has intensified my desire to continue refining my French skills in graduate school so I can more fully understand and connect with French-speaking cultures. Sciences Po’s Master in International Development is taught in English, but it also offers courses for French learners. Living in Paris, immersed in the French language and culture, will enable me to refine my language abilities and prepare me to serve and collaborate effectively in my international work.
I am most looking forward to this immersion and the opportunity to reach a new level in my French conversational skills. I know from experience, though, that the process of learning and practicing a new language can be exhausting, embarrassing, and incredibly challenging. I feel nervous about all the moments when I will forget a word or misconjugate a verb, but I recognize that those mistakes are part of the process of learning and improving in my second language. On a lighter note, I’m also apprehensive about going without my favorite creature comforts, like American peanut butter and Texan air conditioning!
What would you like to say to Rotarians who make this grant possible through their support of the Rotary Foundation?
Thank you very much for investing in me. This grant is truly life-changing for me, providing support for my learning both in and out of the classroom. I hope and believe that my career will also impact others’ lives by contributing to more equitable and well-informed economic development policies. Thank you for your confidence in me, your support for my education, and your commitment to meaningful action in San Antonio and around the world.
Is there anything else you would like to include that was not asked?
I look forward to sharing my experiences with you all next year and to maintaining a lifelong connection with Rotary. If you need any recommendations for the next time you’re in Paris, feel free to reach out to me! Katie Maloan <katiemaloan@gmail.com>
Each year, District 5840 funds one Global Education Grant for a scholar who resides or is attending school in the District. It is for graduate study (Master’s or Ph.D) at a University anywhere in the world. A District 5840 Rotary Club must sponsor the scholar and serve as the International Host. A Rotary Club in the Country and City (location) where the scholar plans to study must also agree to sponsor as the Host Club. The minimum grant is for $30,000 and is funded by District Designated Funds and the World Fund. Sponsoring Clubs must be certified to submit grants. Applications are due in November, and interviews are conducted in December or January. Study starts in September or soon after depending upon the study institution. A training seminar takes place in January where outbound scholars from multiple zones gather before embarking on their grant. Information and application materials are available on the District website or contact Jane Burton, jburton13@satx.rr.com