SU's Surrett to Study Swahili in Tanzania Through Boren Scholarship

By SU Public Relations

SALISBURY, MD---While her family was stationed overseas for 13 years, Salisbury University sophomore Miranda Surrett learned different languages and cultures living in countries from South Korea to Germany. This summer, she adds Africa to her passport. 

As a recipient of the Boren Scholarship, Surrett, a public health and international studies major of Silver Spring, MD, will study Swahili in Tanzania.

“Traveling and exploring new cultures has always played a prominent role in my life,” said Surrett. “To now have the opportunity to combine those aspects with my passion for incorporating international culture into public health is an amazing benefit for my future career.”

Surrett will spend 12 weeks in Arusha studying Swahili, participating in cultural activities, and learning hands-on from her host family.

She attributes SU’s supportive and comforting campus community for not only being her home away from home but also for helping encourage opportunities like the Boren.  

“SU was like a puzzle piece clicked for me,” she said. “Going from a military kid and student with disabilities who wasn’t sure how life on a college campus would turn out, to being instantly plugged in to a welcoming community who then inspire you to do research and resume building that you never thought were possible.”

Upon her return to this U.S., this fall Surrett will serve as a U.S. State Department intern with a focus on global public health, furthering her goal toward a career in international development and helping countries build public health infrastructure. 

“These opportunities are an example of why you should never say no to taking a chance on something and you never know what’s ahead of you and what you can achieve.”

Two students, Jacob Cudmore-Maupai, senior, international studies major, of Millersville, MD, and Anderson Herman, junior, chemistry major, of Fruitland, MD, were selected as alternates for the program. 

The Boren is supported by the U.S. Department of Defense and administered by the Institute of International Education, on behalf of the NSEP.

SU students who are interested in applying for national fellowships should complete an online interest form or email Dr. Kristen Walton, SU National Competitive Fellowships Office director. 

Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.