Southeast Missouri State University student Amber Fenton has been selected as the first SEMO student and one of just six recipients nationwide of the Lewerglobal: Your Journey Begins Scholarship, earning $2,500 to support her summer study abroad experience in South Korea.
The Lewerglobal Scholarship is sponsored by Lewermark, SEMO’s provider of international student insurance. Lewermark periodically offers competitive scholarship opportunities for both international students studying in the U.S. and U.S. students studying abroad.
Fenton will participate in the Hansung International Summer School program in Seoul, South Korea, from June 25 through July 22, 2026. As part of the application process, students were asked to reflect on what “living life to the fullest” means during their study abroad journey.
“Without this scholarship, this trip would not have been possible,” said Fenton. “It enables me to expand my international experience into another continent which is beyond exciting, and something I’m immensely grateful for.”
An interior design major, Fenton has been actively involved with SEMO’s study abroad office and has demonstrated a strong commitment to global engagement. This past summer, she volunteered her time and talents to help redesign the study abroad office space, bringing her design skills to a project that supports future students exploring international opportunities.
“I’ve worked closely with Amber and have been continually impressed by her reliability, initiative and commitment to cultural learning. She is proactive, dependable, and even reminds me of tasks that need attention—qualities that demonstrate her maturity and initiative,” said Aven Pacha, SEMO’s study abroad coordinator. “Amber exemplifies the spirit of global citizenship and the values of the Lewerglobal Scholarship. I’m confident she will use this opportunity to further her growth while inspiring others.”
Study abroad opportunities at SEMO are supported through dedicated advising, peer mentoring and resources designed to make international experiences more accessible for students across all majors. Scholarships like the Lewerglobal award help reduce financial barriers and allow students to gain valuable global perspectives that strengthen their academic and professional goals.
As she prepares for a month in Seoul, Fenton hopes to immerse herself in the country’s design and culture, experiences she says will shape her creative work and expand her understanding of the world.
“I want to visit as many art exhibitions, galleries and museums as possible,” said Fenton. “I’m most excited to be enveloped by a community that will allow me to work on being open and adaptable to new environments, people and vastly different customs.”
From Cape Girardeau to Seoul, SEMO commits to supporting students in pursuit of opportunities that expand beyond southeast Missouri while staying deeply connected to their academic and professional goals.
For more information about SEMO’s study abroad programs, visit semo.edu/studyabroad.