Ten university students from Muslim communities around the world will spend the summer in the U.S., forging connections of mutual understanding between America and their home nations.

Portland, Maine /PRNewswire/ - The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) has revealed the inaugural group of university students selected for the Rick A. Ruth BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Scholarship. This innovative program promotes peace by creating bonds of mutual understanding between Americans and people from global Muslim communities.

The scholarship honors Rick A. Ruth, a dedicated career public servant and longtime senior advisor in the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Across his 40-year career, Mr. Ruth advanced public diplomacy and people-to-people exchange initiatives, with special emphasis on enhancing U.S. ties to the Muslim world.

CIEE chose the first 2026 Ruth Fellows for their proven dedication to civic participation, intercultural dialogue, and drive to build goodwill between the United States and their home countries. As Ruth Fellows, these students will take part in the U.S. Department of State's BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program, residing in signature American locales and working for CIEE's host employers over the summer.

The 2026 Ruth Fellows and their summer assignments include:

Parichaya Buranasomphop, Thailand, Xanterra Parks & Resorts Glacier Park Lodges, Montana
Natnicha Muhummad, Thailand, Cedar Point, Ohio
Demirhan Demir, Türkiye, Xanterra Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
Berfin Fidan Gok, Türkiye, Six Flags, Ohio
Defne Bilge Hangisi, Türkiye, Clam Bar, Maine
Hatice Hatipoglu, Türkiye, Little Truckee Ice Creamery, California
Ece Nur Lelik, Türkiye, Holland America Denali Lodge, Alaska
Zeynep Zisan Metin, Türkiye, Six Flags, Ohio
Omer Faruk Ruzgar, Türkiye, AH Duryea's Orient Point, New York
Eylul Sevval Yildiz, Türkiye, Six Flags, Ohio

"While living and working in the United States, these students will build meaningful connections, share their perspectives, and return home with a deeper understanding of American society," said Rick A. Ruth.

"Rick Ruth dedicated his career to advancing peace through cultural exchange, and we are proud to see that legacy come to life through these remarkable students," said James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President and CEO of CIEE. "The relationships they build with their American coworkers and other members of their host community will help strengthen mutual respect and understanding across cultures."

Each year, the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program welcomes roughly 100,000 international college students from more than 140 countries to the United States. These participants bolster local economies, assist American businesses, and gain direct insight into U.S. culture and values, which they share back in their home communities.

For the current scholarship round, CIEE welcomed applications from Türkiye and Thailand, nations with substantial Muslim populations. The organization plans to rotate eligible countries for the Ruth Scholarship each year, steadily widening cultural exchange chances for students from Muslim communities worldwide.

About CIEE

Since 1947, CIEE has connected people, countries, and cultures through study abroad and international exchange programs that foster global peace. We change lives; our alumni change the world. Learn more at ciee.org.

Media Contact:
Leslie Taylor
ltaylor@ciee.org
(207) 553-4274

SOURCE Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)