BHSU student from Argentina awarded World Affairs Council of America scholarship

Headshot - Claudio (Sebastian) Escudero
Claudio (Sebastian) Escudero, an international student from Argentina at Black Hills State University, was recently chosen as a scholarship recipient to attend the World Affairs Councils of American Conference in Washington, S.D. The South Dakota WACA chapter selected one South Dakota student to be nominated, and Sebastian went on to win the scholarship.
Claudio (Sebastian) Escudero, a business major at Black Hills State University who is from Argentina, was selected as the South Dakota scholarship recipient for the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) Conference “The Eight Forces Reshaping the Global Economy.” The Conference will be held in Washington, D.C. in November.

Sebastian transferred to BHSU this year after attending Western Nebraska Community College. He wanted to complete his bachelor’s degree in the U.S. at a school that is AACSB-accredited (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). The BHSU School of Business earned AACSB accreditation in 2014.

“Along with accreditation, I found BHSU to have affordable tuition when compared with other schools, even with paying out-of-state tuition. The University is also in such a nice area with so much to do outdoors,” said Sebastian.

Sebastian said he is passionate about how international relations can help alleviate poverty. He looks forward to networking with two former Secretary of State leaders, a former Secretary of Defense, journalists, and other students at the WACA Conference. He will also have dinner at the Chinese Embassy.

Born in Alem, Argentina, in the Misiones Province, Sebastian is the oldest of seven children. He remembers his mother working three jobs at times to support their family, and working hard to send Sebastian to extra English classes outside of school.

Sebastian moved to Chicago at the age of 19. He was already accepted to attend the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina at the time, but changed his plans and decided to study in the U.S. Hearing from friends that the Midwest was the right place, with friendly and welcoming people, Sebastian moved to Nebraska to start college. During this time he was awarded a Coca Cola World Leaders of Promise Scholarship to defray educational expenses and develop his leadership skills.

“My mom and grandparents always taught me there is so much more to see beyond what we already know. The possibilities beyond our borders are even bigger,” said
Sebastian.

As a resident assistant at BHSU, Sebastian earns free room and board by mentoring fellow students. He also works a few hours a week in Networking and Computer Services on campus.

“I live in Bordeaux Residence Hall. Most of the students on my floor are freshman. I can help them because it’s similar to what I’m experiencing because I’m also new to BHSU,” said Sebastian.

The BHSU Office of International Relations and Global Engagement at BHSU sends out a weekly newsletter to students about opportunities on and off campus. When Sebastian saw the scholarship opportunity to attend the WACA Conference, he knew he needed to apply.

His resume was not the best it could be, however, so he connected with his professor Dr. Bobbi Looney, assistant professor of management at BHSU.

“My favorite class at BHSU so far is Managerial Communications. Dr. Looney stayed after class one day to help me with my resume so I could submit the scholarship application,” said Sebastian. “Experiences like this help me to keep going and keep reaching to achieve my goals.”
 
About International Relations at BHSU
The Office of International Relations fosters engagement in global communities by our students, faculty and staff. We do so by promoting the lifelong benefits of studying abroad and invigorating Spearfish and the region with a diverse student body, which represents more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and South America. For more information about our office and BHSU’s global engagements, visit www.BHSU.edu/International, call 605-642-6942, or email International@BHSU.edu.