BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Two Western Kentucky University (WKU) students have been awarded highly competitive Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) scholarships, securing opportunities to study abroad in France and Austria during upcoming academic terms.
The scholarships were awarded as part of the February 2025 application cycle, which marked a record-breaking year for the FEA with over 3,300 applicants—the highest in the organization’s 15-year history. Only 3% of applicants were selected, placing this year’s recipients among an elite group of just 106 nationwide. WKU stands out as the only Kentucky institution represented among the awardees.
The FEA is dedicated to expanding access to international education by supporting students who are traditionally underrepresented in study abroad programs, particularly first-generation college students and students from minority backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate a clear academic purpose and align their international coursework with long-term professional goals.
The WKU recipients are:
Angelo White, of Bowling Green, received the NAFSA Tamara H. Bryant Memorial Scholarship. A marketing major with a concentration in sales, White will attend EM Lyon Business School in France in Fall 2025 to pursue business studies.
Donari Merritt, of Hopkinsville, was awarded the Gateway International Group Education Abroad Scholarship. A music major focusing on arts administration, Merritt will study music through the KIIS Austria program in Summer 2024.
Both students worked closely with Lindsey Houchin in WKU’s Office of Scholar Development to prepare their applications. The office plays a critical role in guiding students through the process of securing competitive scholarships for international study.
WKU officials encourage students interested in studying abroad to begin planning at least a year in advance to maximize their eligibility for scholarships and find the best program to meet their goals. Students can connect with WKU Global for program advising and the Office of Scholar Development for scholarship support.
Applications for FEA scholarships for study abroad in Spring 2026 will open this summer.
