According to a letter from the Midwest Regional Director of the AIFS College Division, Damien Marshall, the process of determining recipients is highly selective.

“These awards are quite competitive, so it is a nice accomplishment for her to have received one,” says Marshall.

AIFS provides students with summer, semester and academic year college study abroad programs. According to their website, every year nearly 5,000 U.S. undergraduates choose to study with AIFS at one of their 24 international campus locations.

Dr. Robin Bott, the director of study abroad programs at the College, is a supporter of international study funding for students.

“As the Adrian College Study Abroad Director, I encourage all of our students who study abroad to apply for funding from as many sources as possible,” says Bott. “Many of our affiliates, like AIFS, offer scholarships on a competitive basis. It is very gratifying to see these awards going to our students.”

Bott comments that by receiving this type of financial award, study abroad becomes more feasible to the students.

“Such an award given to a student not only makes the experience more affordable, but it is also a tangible assurance of faith the scholarship committee has in the student's success,” says Bott. “I am very pleased for Cat and wish her well in London this fall.”

Griebe, a graduate of Lutheran North High School in Macomb, Mich., is currently a junior at the College and is majoring in political science.