Student Receives Study Abroad Grant

Haylee Albrecht ‘19, a Carroll University student double-majoring in biology and environmental science, was awarded a Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant. According to Phi Kappa Phi, these grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. 

Albrecht used the $1,000 grant to support her dream to travel to China for her Cross-Cultural Experience, an immersive cultural experience required for students through the Pioneer Core general education requirements at Carroll. 

“A representative from Global Maximum Educational Opportunities came and spoke in one of my classes my freshman year, and I thought, ‘This would be the greatest experience ever,’” Albrecht said. “A year later, that aspiration came true. The ability to travel abroad and study may single-handedly be the most grounding experience I have ever had educationally, relationally and spiritually.”

Albrecht studied climate change at Sichuan University, where she learned about the field of biology through a new viewpoint. She is interested in the topic of human waste production, and found the way China produces materials, treats waste, minimizes impact and recycles very interesting. “It was amazing to learn how communist countries view the world and what they perceive the human responsibility is towards the world,” Albrecht said. 

Overall, Albrecht feels that the experience helped her develop a more holistic view of international opinions regarding the world, which is helping to prepare her for the career in environmental science she’s working toward. 

The Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant is open to all students attending an international Cross-Cultural Experience—either a faculty-led or a student’s study abroad experience. For specific application requirements, visit the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant page. Phi Kappa Phi is a prestigious honors society made up of students in the top 10 percent of their class.