Bay High grad studying in Tanzania

Laura Curry, who graduated from Bay High School in 2017, is studying abroad in Tanzania.

Laura Curry, a 2017 Bay High School graduate, received a Boren Scholarship and is studying abroad this year in Tanzania, Africa. She is a junior at West Virginia University and is WVU's 26th Boren Scholar.

As a history major at WVU, Laura has concentrations in American, African, Asian and Latin American history but developed a special interest in Africa. She also has a minor in Business Administration and is a student in the Honor's College.

The Boren Scholarship promotes linguistic and cultural immersion. Laura will be learning Swahili while learning the history and culture of East Africa.

“My two African history courses last semester have taught me so much about the rich and complex history of this continent as well as reorienting my worldview,” she said. “As I began researching Tanzania, I read about not only the natural beauty of the region but also the kindness and warmth of Tanzanians. The experience of living abroad will be invaluable to me because one day I hope to partner with local organizations to promote human rights.” 

Boren Scholars are able to take part in an intensive language study at the University of Florida through the African Flagship Languages Initiative. Laura studied there this past summer before departing for Tanzania for the academic year. She is now spending almost eight months fully immersed in a village in Tanzania, living with a host family. She is studying at a university first semester and doing an internship second semester.

Laura competed with students from all over the country for the scholarship. In addition to gaining valuable experience in Tanzania, she is serving a critical need of the U.S. government for workers with unique language skills.

Recipients of the Boren Scholarship are required to work for the federal government in the national security area. Laura plans to work in immigration, foreign service and eventually for the United States Agency for International Development.