Exchange Student Receives National Award for their time at UAS

The award recognizes students who make the best use of their study away exchange, focused on academic accomplishment, social welfare service, contribution to the campus or community, and creative use of their time.

Juneau, Alaska

Date of Press Release: September 1, 2020

Joshua Cohen has been announced as the recipient of the Dr. Richard R. Bond Community Engagement Award, presented by the National Student Exchange (NSE). Cohen completed his exchange experience at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) in 2018, and later at the University of Hawaii at Hilo in 2020. The award recognizes students who make the best use of their study away exchange, focused on academic accomplishment, social welfare service, contribution to the campus or community, and creative use of their time. It includes a $500 stipend.

According to a press release from the NSE, “Cohen said his experience in Alaska redefined his concept of home, friendship, and school. Courses in backcountry navigation, rock climbing, and sea kayaking allowed him to explore the Alaskan wilderness and experience mountain culture.” Upon returning to his home campus, Stony Brook University in New York, he created materials and served as an ambassador for the NSE, encouraging others to take advantage of the study away program.

The National Student Exchange provides opportunities for students enrolled at its 160 member institutions in the United States. In addition to the U.S., schools in Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are also included in their membership. The organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and has provided exchange opportunities to more than 118,000 students in its time.

At UAS, the study away program is for students interested in exchanges within the United States and internationally, with hundreds of options available to eligible students. Students can choose whether they want to study away for one semester, or a full year.

Dashiell Hillgartner, UAS Academic Exchange and Study Abroad Coordinator, remarked on Cohen’s achievements, “Josh earned this award by leaving his mark wherever he went. Study Away gives students the chance to step outside of their comfort zone, develop critical real world skills, and experience personal, professional, and academic growth all while exploring a new place and culture. Josh demonstrated the value these exchange programs provide for both our students who participate and for UAS when hosting students from other schools."

Learn more about the Study Away programs available at UAS by visiting the Study Away site or by calling (907) 796-6455.