Freshman and junior win Fund for Education Abroad scholarships

University of North Georgia (UNG) students Ketsia Malala and Robbie Griffin originally thought a study abroad was just out of their financial reach. But this spring both grabbed onto their overseas opportunities after winning the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) scholarships.

"I was really happy and excited," said Malala, a junior pursuing a degree in management. "It was nice to succeed and know my efforts didn't go to waste."

Only 91 flexible scholarships totaling more than $350,000 were awarded by FEA to students of color and first-generation college and community college students from across the nation. Griffin and Malala were the only two students from a public or private school in Georgia to receive scholarships.

Their accomplishments also mark the second time in a row that two UNG students won FEA scholarships. Last year, Uriyah Davis and Phillip Ly became the first two UNG students to win the national scholarship.

"The FEA scholarship removes the barriers that many otherwise academically prepared students face when financing studying abroad," said Dr. Victoria Hightower, assistant director of the nationally competitive scholarships office and associate professor of history. "We are grateful for our colleagues in the Center for Global Engagement for bringing this scholarship to students' attention and encouraging students to apply and helping to mentor them through the process."

Griffin, a freshman pursuing a degree in strategic and security studies, said winning the scholarship lifted a financial weight from his shoulders.

"It was a lot of work to apply, and it was stressful to wait for the news," said Griffin. "Finally getting the award was a huge relief. It made me optimistic and excited for the future."

His and Malala's futures involve trips abroad in summer 2022. The FEA allowed students to defer their scholarships because of travel disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Malala will head to South Korea while Griffin will study in Athens, Greece.

Griffin said he is looking forward to the experience for a couple of reasons. As a member in UNG's Corps of Cadets with plans to commission as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army, he said his internship at the Research Institute for European and American Studies will aid him with his career.

"The intelligence community is based around working with international partners," said the 21-year-old from Augusta, Georgia. "I can learn to collaborate with the people in Greece and then bring back what I learn from them."

Griffin, whose grandfather immigrated to the United States from Greece, also plans to delve into the country's culture and reconnect with his family.

"I plan to immerse myself in the country, meet local people, try the food, and see the sights," he said. "And I have spoken to my family over there. I might be able to see them and stay for a weekend."

Malala plans to apply for an internship program in South Korea and hopes to stay with a host family.

"I want to understand the business environment there and learn about the culture firsthand," said the 20-year-old who was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa, and now lives in Buford, Georgia.

Malala hopes to put her education and skills to work in a professional setting. She also believes it will push her outside of her comfort zone.

"I will have to learn to adapt to a new environment and thrive," she said. "And I believe the whole experience will give me an advantage over others when I start to apply for jobs after graduation."

Students interested in learning more about nationally competitive scholarships, including Gilman or FEA, should contact ncs@ung.edu for more information. Students interested in learning about study abroad opportunities through various programs may visit UNG's Center for Global Engagement.