"New Zealand is obviously quite small in terms of electronic commerce so it will be really interesting to see what processes they have over there for such a larger and more technologically advanced community," the 20-year-old said.
After several unsuccessful attempts at finding out whether she had received the scholarship, Francey Sulikosky was "excited and grateful" with the news that she would travelling to Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico City at the end of this year.
Having just finished her honours in law at the University of Auckland, she will be completing the remainder of her bachelor of arts in politics while abroad.
Hailing from Havelock North High School, the fully fledged lawyer has a job at law firm Meredith Connell in Auckland waiting upon her return.
During her time overseas, Ms Sulikosky hopes to become fluent in Spanish.
"Once university finishes in the middle of May, I am planning on doing a month's travelling around central America and then a month in Europe with a friend of mine who is also on exchange."
Similarly, former Napier Boys High School student Fady Girgis has just finished his fifth year at Victoria University of Wellington, studying a conjoint degree in law and psychology.
When he found out about his scholarship, he had to "keep it on the down low before the Prime Minister had released the results, but I told my family and a few friends here and there".
While at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM university), in Mexico, he will finish his law degree.
"I'm really stoked that I get to go to another country and visit. I think the Mexican culture will be a huge contrast to New Zealand, so I'm really excited to see that."
"A huge thanks to my parents, as they've always been supportive and helpful and I don't think I would have been able to get this without them and my referees because I think they were in very good stead to recommend me," Mr Girgis said.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said "this Government is ambitious for young New Zealanders. This scholarship is another way we can increase access to a broader education, equipping young New Zealanders with skills that will serve them well in this rapidly changing world".
"We are going to place students at the centre of the education system, with a much greater focus on personalised learning, strong foundations and lifelong learning. We will also recognise and celebrate diversity and put a focus on learning environments that are culturally and socially responsive."
A total $1,720,387 has been awarded as part of the first funding round for 2017/18 across both the PMSA and PMSLA scholarships.
"The PMSA and PMSLA programmes have the real potential to change the lives of the young Kiwis who take part," said Ms Ardern.
"Equipping students for the 21st century is a priority and, with this in mind, our young people have a lot to gain from spending time in an offshore institution – opportunities to further develop intercultural competencies, language and empathy, for example.
"The scholarships also enable students to build connections and friendships in Asia and Latin America. Relationships established at this level have been found to contribute positively toward trade flows and business ties – so there is clearly value for New Zealand in a broader sense."
The scholarship programme is funded by the New Zealand Government and administered by Education New Zealand. The PMSA was first launched five years ago and the scheme was extended to Latin America with the launch of the PMSLA in 2016. Through both programmes, 1362 awards have been made to date.
Applications for the second round for 2017/18 for PMSA and PMSLA must be submitted online by March 30 and April 30 respectively. Institutions are strongly encouraged to contact ENZ to discuss potential group applications.
PMSA funding rose to $3 million a year in 2016/17, and will increase to $3.5m in 2018/19. Funding for the PMSLA is $1m a year.
