BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) recently announced recipients of the Intercultural Leadership Award (ILA). The awardees include junior art and biology double major Marlena Szewczyk of Columbia, Mo. and Chris Cicinelli of Elmhurst, Ill., who graduated in December of 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Both studied in Copenhagen, Denmark during the fall of 2011.
The ILA is awarded to students who have received the most out of their study abroad experience and immersed themselves in the Danish culture. Recipients are chosen by way of a point system, based on courses taken that reflect global and local trends, living with Danes, involvement in cultural immersion activities during the semester and a personal essay reflecting on their experience.
“Showing that you have taken an active role in your own experience and have taken steps toward understanding the global landscape illustrates to graduate schools and future employers that you are an asset and will be an engaging and competent student or employee,” said Anders Uhrskov, director of DIS.