The Globe Runner Scholarship Fund offers high-achieving high school students from underserved communities in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico area the opportunity to step outside their local community and develop a global vision by studying abroad.
“Immediately when I got to Spain, I felt so welcomed with open arms. Meeting these people really did impact my life…. It truly just has broadened my view of culture, people, how to handle things, how to adjust to change; just overall, those connections will always have an impact on my life.”
—Sahilda, Globe Runner Scholar
Globe Runner Scholarship Fund supports high school global education and life-changing international exchanges
Intercultural learning has life-changing benefits for a young person and contributes to the growth of schools and the world. Studies show that students who study abroad:
• achieve higher levels of education and foreign language proficiency
• are better able to communicate with others and to think critically
• have a better understanding of their home country and culture
• are more confident, adaptable and resilient.
“I never thought I would get so close to people in such a short period of time. I still..talk to my host family a lot, specifically my host sister. We text every day, catch each other up. . . . My advice would be to never say ‘no.’ When I was there, I made sure not to reject anything, and I just took everyone’s ideas and said, ‘Yes, let’s do it!’”
—Cesar, Globe Runner Scholar
“And I think Kenya really helped me, and all these amazing people helped me to believe in myself even more, because you are who you surround yourself with. And … my best advice to someone is that someone has to be that leader — make it you!” —Mikayla, Kenya 2023
“[The workshop] brought together passionate, like-minded people who genuinely enjoy meaningful discussion. What struck me most was how no one acted like a follower. Choices were not made to blend in, but because of individual belief. Even when opinions were unpopular, people stood their ground, representing an honest dialogue. . . . It served as another reminder to always become a better person and make activism and volunteerism a priority, not just an occasional effort.” — Iyla, Germany 2025
Sharing cultures
Developing future leaders
“I brought gifts … chocolate and things like that, to share with [my Kenya host family]. And in return, it was gifted to me... I wasn't expecting anything, but it was gifted to me tenfold . . . . I returned back with so many different jewelry.
They braided my hair. And I taught them how to make a friendship bracelet, like the chevron ones. And I taught my host sister, and then her friend how to make that. And then I finished a bracelet and gave it to my host brother, and it was so sweet because then he gave me one of his T shirts. And it was just a sweet moment …. whatever you gave you weren't expecting anything, but they made sure that you were appreciated. And that was …a big moment of … just sharing our little cultures and hobbies that way.” — Mikayla, Kenya 2023
Our global exchange partner, AFS-USA, empowers students to become globally engaged citizens by delivering meaningful intercultural experiences that provide the knowledge and skills needed to help create a more just and peaceful world.
Empowering students to become globally engaged citizens
“I assumed I naturally wouldn’t be completely accepted into the community I felt like I was invading, but in fact, they embraced me wholeheartedly. They changed the way I saw Spain because I knew I could place … trust … into just about anyone without fearing I would be taken advantage of.
I know just what greatness the world has to offer, and luckily, I now get to share that greatness with others.” — Ryan Rodriguez, AFS-USA scholarship student who traveled to Spain.
Passing Peace Forward
I often think about how wonderful it is that I get to see a different city, in a whole different country, with people who are just as driven and passionate as I am, and who, over only two weeks, have become great friends. . . . We are bound by the same experiences here, but outside, we are totally different people. I think that's the best part. These are the kinds of international relationships I hope to keep for years to come. Now I understand what it's like to be a changed person coming back from an exchange program, even if it was only 2 weeks. One of the ways I hope to carry that change forward is through my Personal Action Plan. — Iyla, Germany 2025
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
globerunnernm@gmail.com