Two McHenry County College (MCC) students recently received scholarships from the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP) to help fund their study abroad trips this fall. Emma Bertuccioli, who will be studying at the International College of Seville in Spain, and Patrick Meny, who will be studying at Carlow College in Ireland, each received $1,000 for their studies.
The ICISP awards three scholarships each fall and spring semester across all the nearly 30 ICISP member schools.
“To have two of the three ICISP scholarships be awarded to MCC students is outstanding,” said Spanish instructor Lindsay Carson, who leads MCC’s Study Abroad program. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that these students never regret.”
Emma Bertuccioli, who is pursuing her Associate in Arts at MCC, was initially encouraged to study abroad by her employer.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of studying abroad,” she said. “My boss had the opportunity and told me it was the best experience of her life and always pushed me to go. I never thought it would be an option for me, but MCC has made it possible—and I am very grateful.”
Through MCC’s partnership with the ICISP, students are able to earn credits by studying abroad in Austria, England, France, Ghana, Ireland, Toronto, and Spain. Bertuccioli decided on Spain to expand on her knowledge of the Spanish language.
“I also love the architecture and more laidback way of living in Spain,” she said.
Bertuccioli did a lot of research to figure out what experience would best align with her goals, but credited Carson as the biggest help to getting started.
“Lindsay was always very informative and helpful throughout the entire process,” she said.
Carson was also the one who informed her about the ICISP scholarship.
“I was told it was a competitive scholarship but knew it wouldn’t hurt to apply,” Bertuccioli said. “To my surprise, I found out I was one of the applicants to receive it—and I felt very appreciative and thankful.”
Bertuccioli will be starting her program on September 18.
“I’m excited to meet all my classmates and host family and to make so many new memories,” she said.
Learn more about MCC’s study abroad program here. The Spring 2025 study abroad application is open until October 8.