ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏWorld News
International Student Awarded Prestigious FAIE Scholarship
Congratulations to Dariya Alibi for receiving a prestigious Florida Association of International Educators (FAIE) Study Florida scholarship

Jul. 13, 2021 (Tampa, Florida) – Ms. Dariya Alibi, an undergraduate at the ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ, was recently
               awarded a prestigious Florida Association of International Educators (FAIE) Study
               Florida scholarship. FAIE’s key objective is to promote international educational
               exchange in the State of Florida by providing a platform for communication and networking
               to foster greater understanding and enhancement of the field of international education. For
               the 2021-22 academic year, FAIE partnered with Study Florida, a not-for-profit professional
               association, to support scholarships for international students pursuing higher education
               at a college or university in Florida. Ms. Alibi, an international student from Kazakhstan,
               is currently a sophomore at USF pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science and
               holds a cumulative GPA of 3.98. 
 
In explaining about her decision to study at the ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ, coming from
               Kazakhstan "has been one of the best decisions of my life," Alibi said, "And it has
               greatly impacted me and shaped me into the person I am today."
 
But Alibi admits that when first arriving on campus, making the new adjustment was
               difficult. Her family was thousands of miles away, she didn’t know anyone on campus,
               and her academic goals were unclear. "But I was ready for the latest chapter in my
               life to begin," she adds. "I realized that my biggest dream had come true." She was
               excited to attend USF, and the challenges only encouraged her to work harder towards her
               goals and reap everything from her university experience.  
 
Through a mentorship program, Alibi found a passion for computer science. "I decided to
               major in computer science because I firmly believe that by pursing this career I will
               make our world a better place," and she has specific focuses in healthcare and robotics. Alibi
               is also heavily involved with other organizations on campus like the Global Citizens
               Project, Women in Computer Science, Society Woman Engineers, and iBuddy.  
 
"I have met a lot of inspiring individuals from all over the world who share similar
               values, and who have impacted my life. I have created life-long friendships," Alibi admitted
               of her organizational and ambassadorial work. She is proud to say that she is part
               of a project which creates a safe environment for current engineering students and
               supports them in their journey on campus. She also serves as a volunteer for the National
               Association of Engineering Student Council Conference, functioning as a liaison between
               students and the organization. 
 
Alibi is thankful for her experience and the multitude of opportunities that she has received as
               an international student. The Study Florida program has "provided such a fantastic
               opportunity for students to obtain a high-quality education in Florida." With the scholarship,
               Alibi plans to complete her computer science degree (on time) without worrying about
               tuition cost and other expenses. Alibi says this will also help her family out during
               these difficult times, where they will not have to worry about her tuition being due.
               "I will only empower myself to work harder towards achieving my goals because I’m
               passionate about making the world a better place and helping others. USF has taught
               me so much, and I believe this is only the beginning."