Phi Kappa Phi’s Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduate students as they gain experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Seventy-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year. With the help of a grant in 2019, Julianne Liu, from University of Utah, was able to travel to France to study, as well as participate in the school’s Global U Program.

“For five weeks, I attended daily intensive French language and culture courses at the Centre Universitaire d’Études Françaises at the Université Grenoble Alpes,” shared Liu. “In addition to my language class which covered topics such as grammar, comprehension, and conversation, I also learned about French visual arts and culture and civilization.” She visited art districts and important cultural locations, enjoyed the cuisine and more.

Her days were packed with learning and activities. “In the afternoons, I spent my time in the city, going to almost every museum, seeing the historic monuments, watching French movies, hiking in the nearby mountains, and familiarizing myself with local foods and, of course, patisseries,” said Liu.

The opportunity to stay in a family’s home built personal connections while expanding her language skills. “In the evenings, I returned home to my lovely host family with whom I improved my conversational and cross-cultural fluency over dinner discussions, subjects ranging from describing ourselves and our days to uncovering similarities and differences between our cultures, governments, education systems, and eco-friendly practices.”

Liu shared what it was like to receive the award saying, “I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant.” She noted that it was an incredible, rewarding experience and added, “My time abroad improved my language proficiencies, surrounded me with a warm, supportive community, and introduced new career possibilities. I am beyond excited for forthcoming endeavors and adventures as I continue pursuing this ever-growing passion.”

Do you want to be one of our 2020 Study Abroad Grant recipients? Click here to learn more and apply by March 15.