South Students Receive Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant
Posted on June 30, 2026 by
Three South students, among 75 across the nation, receive the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant.
The grants are designed to support undergraduates, both members and nonmembers from campuses that have Phi Kappa Phi chapters, as they seek expanded knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. The selection process for a study abroad grant is based on the applicant’s academic achievement, campus and community service, relation of travel to academic preparation and career goals, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and acceptance into a study abroad program.
Recipients from University of South Alabama include:
Ashley Jennings of Gulf Shores, Alabama, a sophomore majoring in nursing at University of South Alabama studied in Greece with Dr. Amy Beasley. "My highlight was getting to speak with the translators at the clinics we set up. They were so knowledgeable and taught me so much," Jennings shares. "I feel so much more culturally equipped to communicate with patients in the future."
Mary Helene Marmande of Mobile, Alabama, a junior majoring in chemistry at University
of South Alabama is currently conducting research at the Institute of Transformative
Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University, Japan. "One of the most memorable moments
of my study abroad was getting to tour Matsumoto castle. It is one of a few castles
in Japan that has not been reconstructed, so I was standing where Samurai fought in
battles hundreds of years ago," Marmande shares. "It was so cool touring a room and
realizing that monumental events in Japan's history happened in that very same spot."
Matthew Laub of Front Royal, Virginia, a senior majoring in criminal justice, departs for London at the end of June. "In the military, I was fortunate to have been given opportunities to travel the world, and the adventure bug has always been in me...However, I have never been to Europe, and this study abroad program will finally make that happen," Laub shares. "College is an amazing adventure, and I found that as an adult learner, the classes, assignments, and collegiate experience as a whole is vibrant, rich, and highlights that it is never too late to pursue higher education. What I also believe is an important and instrumental part of the collegiate journey is attending a study abroad program. I feel that every student should expand their comfort zone and take the leap! Studying abroad opens your eyes to new cultures, creates lasting friendships, and I truly believe it completes the higher learning experience. The world is one giant amazing adventure that is waiting for you to come explore!