For Eh Ta Taw, a sophomore at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, global studies is more than an academic discipline—it is deeply connected to his own life story.
Now, that journey is taking him around the world.
Taw has been selected for the highly competitive Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program, an international leadership and study abroad experience hosted by the Council for Opportunity in Education. This summer, he will travel to The Hague, Netherlands, to study global sustainability, peace, and justice as part of a cohort of 10 students selected from across the United States.
Taw first learned about the opportunity through Kathleen Dillon, project director of Nebraska’s TRIO Student Support Services program, who encouraged him to apply.
“I decided to apply because it was a fully funded study abroad opportunity,” Taw said. “The program covers airfare, accommodations, meals and excursions, ensuring a full study abroad experience. As a global studies student, it was also the perfect opportunity to learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and explore how they can help address global challenges.”
Taw was nominated through Nebraska’s TRIO programs, which support first-generation and low-income students in higher education. The Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program was specifically created to expand access to international education opportunities for TRIO students across the country.
The application process was rigorous. In addition to securing recommendations from both the TRIO program and faculty advisor Emira Ibrahimpasic, Taw completed two essays.
“The application process was quite challenging, but with the support of my TRIO project director, I was able to complete it smoothly,” he said. “Since I heard about the program a little late, Kathleen even met with me over the weekend to help with both the writing and application process.”
When he learned he had been selected, Taw was stunned.
“I was surprised because many students from around the U.S. apply for this program and only 10 students are selected,” he said. “It means a lot to me because it shows that my story and experiences are important. I feel privileged to represent myself, my community, and my school abroad.”
Originally from Ter Pbaw Village in Myanmar, Taw moved to Nebraska in 2016 and now considers Lincoln his second home. He is Knyaw, an ethnic group indigenous to Myanmar, and says his lived experiences have shaped both his academic interests and career goals.
Taw initially planned to study business at Nebraska, but an introductory global studies course changed his direction. He eventually decided to pursue majors in global studies and political science after discovering a passion for understanding cultures, migration, and international issues.
“I really enjoyed global studies because it helped me understand diverse cultures and global issues,” Taw said.
The leadership program includes coursework at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and focuses on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through intercultural learning, leadership development, and visits to international institutions in The Hague, often known as the international city of peace and justice.
For Taw, the opportunity aligns directly with what he studies in the classroom.
“This program will enhance my knowledge of international policies and globally sustainable solutions to international problems,” he said. “It will help me become more well-versed in global perspectives on politics, peace and sustainability, exposing me to perspectives that I might not otherwise encounter.”
He is particularly interested in exploring migration and refugee resettlement in the Netherlands.
“I’m interested in the local impact of global migration in The Hague,” Taw said. “I will be able to meet refugees and asylum seekers in the Netherlands, and I want to learn how a city known for peace and justice welcomes and resettles immigrants.”
Taw has already been involved in research connected to migration and refugee resettlement at Nebraska and hopes to eventually work with organizations that support immigrant and refugee communities.
He believes the experience will strengthen both his academic and professional future.
“Studying abroad at a world-renowned university focused on human rights, peace studies and conflict resolution will show future graduate programs and employers that I am deeply committed to my work, cross-cultural communication and engaging with diverse voices to create globally sustainable solutions,” he said.
Taw hopes to use locally what he learns abroad.
“I hope to use the skills I gain to support immigrants and refugees from around the world who resettle in Lincoln,” he said. “I believe what I learn will inspire my community and help us create innovative practices and programs that further peace in our community and beyond.”
Beyond academics, Taw is looking forward to experiencing Dutch culture and meeting people from different backgrounds.
“I’m most excited about the culture of the Dutch people and stepping into a place that I’m not familiar with,” he said.
While some students may feel nervous about studying abroad, Taw says his emotions are largely rooted in anticipation.
“I’m mostly excited, and most of my nervousness comes from the excitement,” he said.
Ibrahimpasic, a global studies instructor in the School of Global Integrative Studies, said Taw’s selection reflects both his academic promise and leadership potential, as well as the importance of programs like TRIO in helping students access transformational opportunities.
For Taw, studying abroad in The Hague represents more than travel or academic achievement. As the only student from Nebraska in the cohort, it is also an opportunity to represent the state and inspire other students who may not see international experiences as possible for themselves. He hopes to bring back new perspectives that will enrich both his coursework and the broader university community.
“I will be able to offer diverse, international perspectives in class conversations and writing in my global studies and political science courses,” he said. “I’m eager to connect with scholars from all over the world whom I can potentially consult with in future academic research, as well as nonprofit and advocacy work in my career.”
He also has a message for students who may be hesitant to pursue opportunities like this.
“Sometimes students hesitate to apply because they think they won’t be selected,” Taw said. “I would tell them to try anyway. Opportunities like this can open doors you never imagined.”
