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When University of North Georgia (̨Íåswag) junior Julia "Kate" Taylor learned that she had received a to study for a year at Zhejiang Normal University this fall, she cried tears of joy.

"It was such a relief to finally receive the confirmation that I would be studying abroad for 10 months," the strategic studies major said.

The Chinese Government Scholarship will cover her tuition, room and board, but not other expenses. Taylor also received a , which will cover her airfare and other items.

"I would not have been able to study abroad without these two scholarships," the 20-year-old from Savannah, Georgia, said. 

The Chinese Government Scholarship, awarded by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), is given to only 10 students nationally from among the 400-plus AASCU member institutions. The Gilman is open to U.S. undergraduate students who receive Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.

Dr. Anastasia Lin, assistant vice president of research and engagement, explained the Gilman scholarship is unique because it is geared toward supporting students who are underrepresented in study abroad programs.