After May Commencement, Favoured-Joy Oghenekome will take the next step in what has been a very rewarding international journey with two intensive months of summer study in South Korea via the federal Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) program.

Coming to the United States from Nigeria when she was 14 years old, the global and international studies major previously studied abroad in South Korea in spring 2022 and spent the winter 2023 semester in Thailand. 

Despite such robust international experience, “I was not expecting to get it this time,” Oghenekome said of the competitive and prestigious scholarship. “I figured I might apply this time and then have to apply again, so I was surprised to get it on the first try.”

Oghenekome has been interested in the Korean language for a while, noting that it has some surprising similarities to her native language from back in Nigeria. She started learning Korean at Lindenhurst High School and picked up more of it from television shows.

“When I got to study abroad in Korea, I was already self-taught," Oghenekome said. "But when I got there, I realized how much I knew.” 

For the program, Oghenekome joins a dynamic group of American students committed to studying critical languages. 

The U.S. Department of State sponsors and oversees the CLS program as part of a larger government effort to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages viewed as critical to national security, prosperity and engagement with the world. The American Council for International Education supports the U.S. Department of State in its implementation of the program.

Intensive experience

The CLS opportunity, from June to August, packs a lot of experience into that time frame.

“There is about a year’s worth of learning in just two months,” Oghenekome explained. “As a global studies major, I’m lucky to have a working proficiency with the Korean language.”

After completing this summer opportunity, Oghenekome is interested in consulting in an international field such as global marketing, human resources or diversity, equity and inclusion work -- to ultimately become prepared to work in the private sphere or for the U.S. Department of State.

She eventually wants to attend law school to work in international law.

With an interest in international study coming out of high school, she applied to many institutions but wanted to stay in-state for its affordability. 

“I wanted a school that cared about and gave a lot of attention and opportunities to those looking into international studies majors,” Oghenekome recalled. “Oswego had the better scholarship package.”

Oghenekome quickly realized she made the right choice.

“I ended up falling in love with the school,” Oghenekome said. “My experiences were amazing.”

She credits her academic advisor Lisa Glidden –- “she’s the best,” Oghenekome said –- for guidance along the way.

She also has worked with the Office of International Education and Programs as a diversity study-abroad mentor to make other students aware of international travel experiences funded by the university.

Coming to the U.S. and seeing how many opportunities she can access, then receiving avenues for international experiences through SUNY Oswego, have given Oghenekome a very optimistic outlook.

“I’m just really grateful,” Oghenekome said. “I feel like as long as there is an opportunity, and I can see it and try my best, things will work out.”