(Left: Jaxom Kitchens, Right: Mikel Snow)

Two WKU students were awarded Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) scholarships for study abroad in the January 2023 application cycle. The recipients were offered scholarships for study abroad in Japan and Tanzania for the Summer 2023 term. Both students were also previously recognized by the Gilman Scholarship for study abroad. 

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) makes life-changing international education experiences accessible to all by supporting minority and first-generation college students underrepresented in U.S. study abroad. This application cycle, 95% of awarded scholars identify as students of color, and 79% are first-generation college students.

Jaxom Kitchens is a recipient of the Gateway International Group Scholarship. An electrical engineering major, he earned the scholarship to study in Japan in Summer 2023, where he will take Japanese language and intercultural leadership courses. After graduating, he will pursue a career in electrical engineering. 

Mikel Snow of Lexington is a social work major and recipient of the Gateway International Group Scholarship. Mikel, daughter of Charlene Jones, earned the scholarship to study social work in Tanzania in Summer 2023. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in social work after graduating from WKU.

Both of the students recognized worked with Will Randolph, Coordinator for Nationally Competitive Opportunities in the Office of Scholar Development at WKU, to prepare their applications. 

Students interested in studying abroad are encouraged to seek scholarship funding early, as students who plan one year in advance maximize their scholarship potential. To explore possibilities for study abroad, students are encouraged to work with WKU Global to find the best study abroad program to fit their goals and the WKU Office of Scholar Development to seek nationally competitive scholarships. Students studying abroad in Spring 2024 can apply for FEA beginning in early July 2023.

About the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA): FEA awards many different types of scholarships, including named scholarships that are funded by specific donors and designated scholarships that are destination- or demographic-specific. FEA’s mission is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population.

About the Office of Scholar Development (OSD): The Office of Scholar Development is committed to helping WKU students in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. OSD welcomes the opportunity to work with students interested in nationally competitive scholarships.

About WKU Global: WKU Global serves the WKU community by engaging students, faculty and staff in diverse, educational and cultural experiences through faculty-led, exchange, consortia and other study abroad opportunities.

Contact: Will Randolph, will.randolph@wku.edu