Whether they are situated in Riverside or as far away as Lyon, Honors students are always able to have a positive impact on their communities. This will certainly be the case when Honors student Reginald Arevalo will travel to France after being awarded the Dan Wise Memorial Scholarship.

"Through this program and by living in Lyon, I hope to gain a better understanding of the French society and culture, and to master the French language," stated Arevalo in an interview with the Honors Outlook. The $5,000 scholarship will allow Arevalo, a third-year linguistics and French double major, to partake in the yearlong trip as part of the UC Educational Abroad Program (UCEAP). Arevalo was one of ten students in the entire UC system that was awarded the scholarship.

Arevalo will be studying at the University of Lyon and noted that he was excited to expand his knowledge by taking classes that would not normally be available in American universities. He hopes to eventually work as either a university professor or at an American embassy in a Francophone country. In the near future, however, Arevalo plans to attend graduate school to study either diplomacy, sociolinguistics or French literature and media. "I'm most excited to meet new people, to travel around France and Europe, and to experience life with a French flair [this yearlong trip] along with my experience at UCR, will serve as a foundation to my future academic and career plans," stated Arevalo.

Arevalo will be traveling to France alongside students from UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz and even a colleague from UC Riverside. A common experience shared by students who have participated in study-abroad programs is that of immersion in the host country's culture and the expansion of one's own perspective. During his year in France, Arevalo will certainly be able to achieve these feats and will proudly represent UC Riverside and University Honors.