RIT students experience global learning opportunities through international fellowships that expand research, study abroad, and cultural exchange programs worldwide

Monroe County, New York – Rochester Institute of Technology students are continuing to expand their academic paths far beyond campus, using international fellowships and scholarships to gain hands-on experience, research opportunities, and cultural exposure across multiple countries. The latest group of recipients reflects a wide mix of disciplines, destinations, and global programs that connect classroom learning with real-world application.

University officials say the growing number of students participating in these programs highlights a core part of the RIT experience: global engagement. The fellowships allow students not only to study abroad but also to work directly with researchers, universities, and international teams in fields ranging from engineering and computer science to design and biotechnology.

“One of the hallmarks of an RIT education is the opportunity to send so many students out into the world to live, learn, and explore,” said Jenny Sullivan, director of Education Abroad and International Fellowships. “Thanks to these nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships, our students are using their skills and talents to make a difference in the global community. They are learning other languages, building relationships with locals, and exploring other values and perspectives related to their disciplines. These experiences provide benefits that extend far beyond classroom measurements.”

One of the most active programs this year is the DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering, which sends undergraduate students to Germany for fully funded summer research placements. Participants are matched with German universities and doctoral researchers, giving them direct access to advanced laboratory environments and ongoing scientific projects. This year’s DAAD RISE scholars include Christos Papaventsis, a computer science major from Panorama, Greece, and Aman Patel, a cybersecurity major from Ithaca, New York.

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At the graduate level, the DAAD RISE Professional scholarship continues to support students pursuing research internships in Germany across a broad range of scientific fields. This year’s recipients include Bhople Siddharth, a computer science major from Indore, India, and Nijim John Hanna, an imaging science student from Toledo, Ohio. These placements give graduate students the chance to contribute to complex research projects while working closely with international teams.

Beyond Germany, other students are preparing for study experiences across Europe through the Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship, which supports those who may face financial barriers to international education. The program ensures that students with limited resources can still participate in global learning opportunities. This year, Irwin Cano, a biotechnology and molecular bioscience major from Los Angeles, California, will study in Copenhagen, Denmark, while Yasmin Ramos, an interior design major from Astoria, New York, will travel to Milan, Italy.

Another major initiative is the Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Globalink Research Internship program, which places U.S. students in Canadian universities for 10 to 12 weeks of summer research. The program spans multiple disciplines, including science, engineering, mathematics, and even the humanities and social sciences. This year’s recipients include Grayson Manzino, a chemical engineering student from Dayton, New Jersey, and Lumi Poysa, a human-centered computing major from Macedon, New York. Both students will work under faculty supervision on research projects designed to deepen their technical and academic skills.

In the rapidly evolving field of semiconductor research, the UPWARDS Japan scholarship continues to play a key role in connecting students with cutting-edge industry work. This year’s group of recipients includes Ahmed Yesuf, Amberle Nirai, Sana Nirai, Dean Bartels, Lucas Newquist, Destinye Yamada, and Sami Znati. These students, coming from various engineering disciplines such as microelectronic engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and microsystems engineering, will contribute to semiconductor-focused research projects in Japan.

The program is designed to strengthen international collaboration in semiconductor development while giving students exposure to one of the most advanced technology sectors in the world. For many participants, it also serves as a stepping stone toward future careers in global tech industries.

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Meanwhile, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, funded by the U.S. Department of State, continues to support students who want to study or intern abroad while building language and cultural skills. The program also encourages participation in STEM-related research during international study.

This year’s Gilman recipients include Malena Juif, a packaging science major from Rochester, New York, who will study in Japan; Emir Yilmaz, a cybersecurity major from Butler, New Jersey, who will travel to Poland; Rafael Rutigliano, an industrial engineering major from Geneseo, New York, who will study in France; and Roan Everett John, a civil engineering technology student from Henrietta, New York, who will also study in Japan.

For RIT, these programs continue to represent more than just travel opportunities. They are structured academic experiences that connect students with global mentors, advanced research environments, and diverse cultural perspectives. As participation grows, the university’s international fellowship network remains a key part of how students prepare for careers in an increasingly connected world.