Hughes, Cabada, and Fountain will study abroad through USAC programs in Spring 2025 with the support of FEA scholarships.
The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) has awarded scholarships to three University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) students for their study abroad program. The students will receive up to $5,000 for demonstrating they are in financial need as someone of color, the first in their family to go to college, or as someone taking community college courses.
According to a release from the FEA, these students are just a few of more than 70 undergraduate students who will study abroad with support from scholarships in Spring 2025. USAC is a proud Access Partner of the FEA, meaning it participates on the advisory board and offers co-branded and allocated scholarships. This year’s recipients enrolled in USAC programs include:
Marlene Cabada, a graphic design major from Augustana College, Rock Island, will attend classes at Kookmin University in Seoul, Korea. She received the USAC Access Partner Scholarship.
Mackenna Fountain, who also received a USAC Access Partner Scholarship, will continue her French studies for Pittsburg State University, Kansas City, in Pau, France.
Tatiana Hughes, from Loyola University Chicago, received the USAC Rainbow Scholarship to go to Chengdu, China. She is an international business major who is also studying Chinese language and culture.
While each student will use this funding to go abroad, each will have their own unique experience.
“This scholarship provides me with the opportunity to pursue an academic and cultural experience in China,” Tatiana said. “It allows me to deepen my understanding of Chinese language and culture, as well as support my goals with increasing Mandarin proficiency and building a network with peers and professionals.”
“What I am most looking forward to during my study abroad semester experience in South Korea is to really connect with other cultures: to learn new customs, beliefs, and traditions,” Marlene said. “I want to engage within the community and join many student organizations and clubs. Most of all, I am looking forward to taking all of the graphic design courses that are offered at my host university. I am certain I will learn a lot which will assist in my development as a graphic designer.
Mackenna encourages everyone to put the effort into applying, even if it doesn’t pan out.
“If you ever think about applying for study abroad scholarships, my advice to you is to go for it,” she said. “You have nothing to lose; only something to earn. It is hard work, but with time, it does pay off. Just be authentic and be yourself in your responses.”
For more information about scholarships, visit the USAC Scholarships and Discounts page.
