Student Success

Saker Scholarship for Study Abroad in France

Dr. Safwan and Mrs. Maissa Saker have established an annual scholarship to encourage OU students who major or minor in French to pursue international education in France.

Female student poses at the Château de Chenonceau

OU study abroad student Gabriela Mayoral on a class excursion to the Château de Chenonceau in Chenonceaux, France.

Office of International Education

icon of a calendarNovember, 14, 2019

icon of a pencilBy Katerina Mihailidis

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Dr. Safwan and Mrs. Maissa Saker have established an annual scholarship of $2,000 to encourage OU students who major or minor in French to pursue international education in France. The Saker Scholarship for Study Abroad in France is available to interested students through the Office of International Education.

Inspired by ten years of living in France and numerous visits back to the country, Oakland University Special Lecturer in French Maissa Saker states that this scholarship stems from her desire to give back to the OU community that she and her husband have grown to love.

“We knew that many students have dreams of traveling abroad but many aren’t able to afford it. We have cherished every visit to France. We knew that sharing this adventure would give future students an unforgettable experience,” says Saker, adding that setting up the Saker Scholarship for Study Abroad in France was an easy decision for them.

“We are thrilled to have the Saker French Scholarship available to make study abroad in France more affordable for a deserving student,” says Stephen Filler, Chairperson of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. “We hope that the scholarship will encourage students with an interest in France to experience its diverse culture personally and to make a positive impact on the people and communities they encounter.” 

It is Saker’s wish for the scholarship’s future recipients to take full advantage of all the wonderful things France has to offer. From its breathtaking museums to its delicious food, bustling nightlife, stunning nature and historic architecture, “we want this trip to inspire people to travel more, to continue to learn and grow throughout this adventure and beyond,” she says.

Saker also hopes that this scholarship will increase recipients’ sense of curiosity and appreciation for other cultures. “To those students who feel like traveling abroad is just a dream, we want to tell them that it doesn’t have to stay that way. If you are motivated, strive for self-growth, and have a passion for exploration, then take a chance on this scholarship. We would love to help you achieve your dreams.”

For more information on the Saker Scholarship for Study Abroad in France, please contact Director of International Education Alex Zimmerman, [email protected].

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