Scholars

Arein graduated from UWC Adriatic in 2019 and obtained a BS in Computer Engineering at Case Western University (USA) in 2023. Whilst studying at UWC Adriatic she participated in the Youth Inspiring Change conference, taught primary school children about Palestinian culture and performed dabke dance in cultural shows.

At Case Western Reserve University she combined her interests of computer engineering and art in order to become a digital animator and a story teller. Her aim is to present an alternative, factual perspective of the Palestinian issue.

“The Horizon Foundation takes credit for all the wonderful and impactful experiences that I had as a UWC student. It granted me life-changing support.”

Tenzin graduated from Rugby School in 2013, completed a BA in Physics at the University of Maastricht in 2017 and an MSc in Medical Physics at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2020. He is currently doing a PhD, also at UBC, where his research focuses on the early detection of lung cancer. Whilst at Maastricht, Tenzin organised a charity fundraising event for a Tibetan school in India.

He told us: “My Horizon scholarship was the most important thing that has ever happened to me. I feel grateful every single day and it turned me into a very confident person”.

Christine graduated from UWC Maastricht in 2019 and is currently studying for a BA Arts and Humanities at Bard College (Germany). During her time at UWC Maastricht, Christine held an exhibition of her artwork which explored the idea of belonging and identity and was a reconstruction of experiences she lived through in Syria.

After completing her UWC studies, Christine took a gap year focused on cultural immersion. She spent six months with Global Citizen Year in Senegal where she apprenticed as a tailor and as an English teaching assistant, and learnt the Wolof language (pictured with her tailoring supervisor Tante Marie).

“Horizon provided me with the space and peace of mind to be able to focus on my studies and I am enormously thankful for that.”

Tran graduated from UWC Atlantic College. She obtained a BA Economics and Mathematics from Middlebury College and an MA Computer Science and an MBA from the University of Chicago. She is currently employed as a Product Manager for Google and is also the founder of Xao, the first online toolbox in Vietnam that helps young entrepreneurs build viable startups from scratch.

“My Horizon scholarship gave me the chance to experience the most culturally diverse environment in which I learned to embrace differences. Because excellent education transformed my life, I became involved in education technology. My hope is that through ed-tech students anywhere, even those with less access to good schooling, can benefit from better education.”

Wassim is an Eton College graduate and obtained an MEng from the University of Cambridge in 2020. Whilst at university, Wassim volunteered with a Cambridge refugee aid group translating documents for refugee charities across Europe. He was also involved in a BAME academic mentorship scheme which aims to bridge the attainment gap for ethnic minorities at Cambridge. Wassim is currently working as a Data Scientist with the Financial Conduct Authority in London.

“I would not have been able to achieve everything I’ve done without Horizon’s support. I hope one day I can change the lives of young Palestinians just like Horizon has changed mine”.

Ameed is a manager at Monitor Deloitte (Dubai), focused on advising senior government clients in the Middle East on strategy and policy. He holds a master's degree (with distinction) in Pharmaceutical Formulation and Entrepreneurship from University College London and a bachelor’s degree (cum laude) in Chemistry and Biology from New York University Abu Dhabi. Previously he was a researcher at Harvard University and became a Chevening scholar in 2017.

Ameed grew up in Tulkarem, Palestine, where his parents ran a family bakery and instilled in Ameed and his four siblings the importance of education to overcome the political and socio-economic hurdles associated with living in Palestine. In 2010, Ameed received a Horizon scholarship to attend UWC Atlantic, an opportunity which he describes as being pivotal to his future academic and professional endeavours. Today, Ameed sits on the national committee responsible for selecting Palestinian students for similar scholarships.

“The Horizon scholarship was a transformative one. It has enabled me to access the best education worldwide and it has inspired me to seek purposeful leadership in whatever I do.”

Asifa graduated from UWC Atlantic in 2019 and is now studying for a BS in Business Administration at the Methodist University (USA). Whilst at UWC Atlantic, Asifa enjoyed sharing her culture with fellow students and conducted a workshop about life in Afghanistan in which she challenged misconceptions about her country. She is keen to work in the field of Business when she completes her studies.

“Horizon gave me a precious opportunity to experience diversity and live with people from different backgrounds. I was able to share my Afghan culture and traditions with fellow students as well as learning about theirs. I now wish to contribute to community development in Afghanistan.”

Mohamed completed his IB Diploma UWC Thailand in 2022. He was born in Syria but his family now lives in Lebanon due to the conflict. The Syrian tragedy has made him passionate about the issues of human rights and child labour. Mohamad has obtained a scholarship and is preparing to join the University of Oklahoma to study Biochemistry.

"I am so happy and lucky to be part of the UWC/Horizon community and have access to such an opportunity. My scholarship is a new start. It will put me on the path to success and enable me to fulfil my dreams.”

Tenzin graduated from UWC Atlantic in 2018 and completed a BS Environmental Science and Global Health at Duke University, USA in 2022. Whilst at UWC, Tenzin was selected by the World Literacy Foundation as a Youth Ambassador. At Duke, she has participated in a pilot Bass Connection project and spent the summer of 2019 in Ghana researching the physiological health effects of mercury exposure caused by gold mining activities. Tenzin is currently a Global Shaper at the Raleigh Hub of the World Economic Forum.

“Without Horizon, I wouldn't have achieved everything that I achieved. In terms of personal development, I have grown into a more mature and holistically better individual. I have a goal to be my level best, help my community and the world at large. Horizon was my best bet enabling me to meet my goals".

Rohid completed his studies at Eton College in 2015. He completed his Medical Studies at the University of Leeds in 2023 and an MSc in Anatomy and Education at Hull York Medical School in 2021.

At Eton, Rohid played at academy level for a rugby Super League team, competed at national and international level in mixed martial arts and won a national kickboxing tournament. At university, he was involved in Unorthobox which introduces disabled children to boxing. Rohid recently received the Silverside Award for a research abstract on the links between disposable household income and adult obesity.

"The Horizon Scholarship was an exceptional opportunity. It gave me the freedom to pursue both my academic and sporting interests and I was also welcomed into the wider Horizon family that has felt like a second home since."