Trent University Student Among 100 Rhodes Scholars Selected Worldwide

Trent University international student Joshua (Yee Aung) Low has been selected as a 2019 Oxford University Rhodes Scholar—the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship award in the world.

A 4th-year International Development Studies (IDS) and International Political Economy student, Low attributes part of his success as a recipient of the coveted scholarship to the personalized learning environment at Trent, the academic rigour of the IDS program, and the incredible support and mentorship from his professors and the Trent International team.

“At Trent, professors care about you both personally and intellectually,” says Low. “Studying International Development, I have loved the intellectual challenge and the tight-knit community of the program. Starting with Trent International as soon as I arrived from Malaysia and continuing through the last four years, my time at Trent has been very meaningful for me and full of many key experiences and cherished friendships.”

Joshua Low

Low has a strong interest in forced migration issues, human rights theory and practice, and citizenship theory that was fostered through his experiences at Trent.

“One of the first things that strikes one about Joshua is his genuine intellectual curiosity—this is about ideas, but also much more,” says Dr. Chris Beyers, professor of International Development Studies at Trent. “He continually seeks insight into how people think and act, in social, economic and political contexts, as well as in everyday life.”

Low applied for the esteemed Rhodes Scholarship in hopes of continuing his intellectual journey at the University of Oxford in the Refugee and Forced Migration Studies master’s program where he is looking forward to “living and loving the questions.” Trent International supported his application and helped fund his more than 20-hour journey back home to Malaysia where he completed his final interview before being named the successful applicant in November.

Low—who will graduate from Trent this spring—is the fifth Trent student to be named a Rhodes Scholar. Previous recipients include: Shelagh Scarth ‘74 (Canadian Studies and History), Jim Retallack ‘74 (History), Alison Van Rooy ’86 (Politics & International Development Studies), and Kai Alderson ‘90 (Philosophy).

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