WKU News

WKU student Brianna Bennish, a first-generation college student, was awarded a Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) scholarship in the Spring 2026 application cycle for study abroad to Poland in Summer 2026. She graduated from Somerset Community College in May 2025 with high distinction, earning an associate in arts degree and a certificate in Criminal Behavior. She is now continuing her education at Western Kentucky University, where she is planning to graduate in May 2027.

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) provides scholarships to make international education experiences accessible to US students with financial need. Since 2010, FEA has awarded $5,329,400 to 1552 scholars, 80% of whom are first-generation college students, and 35% of whom are community college students. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic purpose for study abroad and connect their chosen courses to their future professional goals.

Brianna Bennish of Eubank is the child of Amanda Bennish. She is a Criminology major with a minor in clinical and community behavioral health. She is the recipient of the Gateway International Group Education Abroad Scholarship and will study abroad in Poland in Summer 2026, where she will learn how Poland approaches rehabilitation and recidivism. She is excited about how this will prepare her for her future career in criminology, as she is focused on reducing recidivism and improving rehabilitation efforts within the criminal justice system.

Brianna worked with Lindy Watkins, Specialist for Nationally Competitive Opportunities in the Office of Scholar Development at WKU, to prepare her application. 

Students interested in studying abroad are encouraged to seek scholarship funding early, as students who plan one year in advance maximize their scholarship potential.

To explore possibilities for study abroad, students are encouraged to work with WKU Global to find the best study abroad program to fit their goals and the WKU Office of Scholar Development to seek nationally competitive scholarships.

Students studying abroad in Spring 2027 can apply for the next FEA cycle beginning in July 2026.

About the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA): FEA awards many different types of scholarships, including named scholarships that are funded by specific donors and designated scholarships that are destination- or demographic-specific. FEA’s mission is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population.

About the Office of Scholar Development (OSD): The Office of Scholar Development is committed to helping WKU students in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. OSD welcomes the opportunity to work with students interested in nationally competitive scholarships.

About WKU Global: WKU Global serves the WKU community by engaging students, faculty and staff in diverse, educational and cultural experiences through faculty-led, exchange, consortia and other study abroad opportunities.

Contact: Lindy Watkins, lindy.watkins@wku.edu