SFA students earn scholarships for study abroad endeavors

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Nine students from across Stephen F. Austin State University’s diverse academic disciplines will soon expand their education around the globe with the help of prestigious study abroad scholarships.

“These scholarships help make international experiences accessible to our students and give them the opportunity to not only explore new cultures and perspectives but also grow academically and personally,” said Heather Catton, director of SFA’s Office of International Programs. “Furthermore, their experiences abroad will enrich our campus community and hopefully encourage other students to follow in their steps.”

Kimberly Birrer, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Forestry, was awarded $12,500 through the David L. Boren Fellowship, part of the National Security Education Program. This fellowship supports U.S. students studying critical languages and cultures abroad. Birrer will travel to Brasília, Brazil, to conduct research at the University of Brasília, furthering her studies while immersing in the Portuguese language and Brazilian culture.

“This funding opens an incredible opportunity for me not only to learn Portuguese but to be completely immersed in Brazilian culture as I collaborate on research work with colleagues in the lab and field in Brasilia,” Birrer said. “I hope to be able to contribute to our shared learning as we study insect communities, the scientific process, Portuguese and scientific English. This will put me one step closer to my ultimate career goals, which are to contribute to large-scale, collaborative conservation projects that transcend physical, political and cultural barriers.”

Andrea Horton, junior nursing major, and Emily Bautista-Moran, sophomore international and intercultural communication major, will participate in a faculty-led adventure to Bahia, Brazil, to plunge themselves in Brazilian culture and the Portuguese language. Horton and Bautista-Moran earned $6,000 and $3,000, respectively, through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. The scholarship supports American students who wish to gain proficiency in a variety of languages and cultures and to develop skills that are critically important to their academic and career development.

"Participating in a study abroad program means more to me than simply traveling – it represents a chance to grow personally, academically and professionally,” Horton said. “As someone who has always dreamed of studying abroad but faced financial limitations, this opportunity allows me to break those barriers and immerse myself in a new culture, language and healthcare system that will expand my perspective as a nursing student.”

Jacob Gonzalez, sophomore computer information systems major, will study urban drone dynamics and learn how drones are used for delivery at Riga Technical University in Riga, Latvia. Gonzalez’s tuition and accommodation are covered by the Latvian State Scholarship, which offers scholarships to foreign students, researchers and teachers participating in summer schools in Latvian higher education institutions.

“This scholarship and educational experience mean a lot to me, as they’re providing me an opportunity to further my education beyond what my degree normally calls for,” Gonzalez said. “They give me another way to market myself to other companies in order to be more desirable for employers. By way of this trip, this scholarship is paying for my chance at a more successful life beyond, so this scholarship is very meaningful.”  

Five students will embark to the University of Debrecen in Debrecen, Hungary, to study the rich history and culture of the east-central region of Europe. All the students’ tuition, room and board were covered by the Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel, a nonprofit organization that promotes and supports educational and cultural ties between Americans and Hungarians. Students include Colin Anderson, junior interdisciplinary studies major; Caden Johnson, sophomore mechanical engineering major; Jessica Frasier, senior finance major; Madison Herman, sophomore media and communication major; and Briley Smith, junior political science major.

Interested in learning about your study abroad opportunities at SFA? Visit sfasu.edu/international.