Sniffen earns study abroad grant

University of North Georgia (UNG) senior Autumn Sniffen was awarded the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant to study at the National Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan. Originally from Catonsville, Maryland, Sniffen is pursuing a degree in modern languages with a concentration in Chinese for global professionals. 

Sniffen is one of 125 students nationwide to earn the grant, and she shared that this allowed her to travel out of the country for the first time.  

"This was my first time traveling outside of the U.S., but thanks to the amazing language classes and support I received from my Chinese Flagship Program I felt relatively prepared for life in Taiwan and wasn't overly apprehensive," Sniffen said. "I'm extremely grateful because studying abroad is already stressful enough without financial concerns." 

Awardees were selected based on their academic achievements, community service, career goals, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and acceptance into a study abroad program and received $1,000 to be applied toward travel abroad. 

Learning outside of the classroom has been a major bonus for Sniffen, who has been in Taiwan since mid-June. Her favorite memory so far is attending a Taiwanese church where the sermon was conducted solely in Chinese. 

Sniffen shared that the experience has broadened her knowledge of the language and went past what is taught in textbooks. 

"My friends and I were quickly welcomed and introduced to the pastor’s wife, and they encouraged us to keep coming and get involved," Sniffen said. 

Upon graduating in spring 2026, Sniffen says she is considering earning a graduate degree in Taiwan.