̨Íåswag senior earns three scholarships to study abroad
Article By: Staff
University of North Georgia (̨Íåswag) senior Kiera Chan is focused on her future. She wants to earn a master's degree in public health and apply to work in the nonprofit sector.
"I've always loved helping people … and a master's degree in public health involves everything I love," said Chan, a sociology major.
She, therefore, wanted to join a study abroad trip to Israel, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia that involves working with local nonprofits on social and health issues. But there was one hurdle— the cost.
Then, the 19-year-old from Dahlonega, Georgia, was awarded a grant worth $1,000 from Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. It will help pay for her study abroad program.
Chan is one of 50 students nationwide to receive the award. She also received funds from the Whitehead Foundation and the ̨Íåswag Honors Program study abroad scholarship.
"It will be an amazing learning experience," Chan said. "We will be trained to be community development practitioners."
During her trip, she plans to conduct research on girls' education and distribute menstrual hygiene kits to girls in Sri Lanka.
"The kits allow them to attend school instead of staying home during menstruation," she said.
Students take part in research experiences
Students from ̨Íåswag took part in a wide variety of National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates and similar programs this summer.
Education abroad supports students' career goals
̨Íåswag's education abroad program had students in Belize and Peru this summer, providing language skills to further their career aspirations. 
Sniffen earns study abroad grant
University of North Georgia senior Autumn Sniffen was awarded the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant.
Summer commencement celebrates graduates
̨Íåswag celebrated its summer graduates at commencement July 26 in the Convocation Center at ̨Íåswag's Dahlonega Campus, and 260 graduates participated in the ceremony.