T wo Georgia College & State University honors students were chosen to participate in the prestigious 2023 Fulbright UK Summer Institute.

Sophomores Alexis Keeney of Athens and Peyton Rodgers of Marietta are the first Georgia College students to receive this highly-selective scholarship.

This year, more than 700 students applied for less than 50 spots.

Keeney, a sociology major with a minor in public health, will study at Queen’s University Belfast for the “Understanding Northern Ireland” summer institute. Rodgers—a management major planning to minor in management information systems or public health—will do a joint study at Glasgow School of Art and University of Strathclyde for the “Technology, Innovation and Creativity” summer institute in Scotland.

“The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes are going to provide both Peyton and Alexis, who are already strong leaders on our campus, great opportunities to further develop their leadership skills through a global lens,” said Anna Whiteside, coordinator of the National Scholarships Office and assistant director of the Honors College.

The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes are available in five locations in the United Kingdom. The program covers the cost of travel, tuition and fees, accommodations and some meals.

Administered by the Fulbright UK-US Commission, the programs are for undergraduate students with little or no travel experience outside North America. Participants get to explore the history, culture and heritage of the UK, while experiencing higher education in another country.

To apply, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.7 and at least two more undergraduate years left before earning a degree. They should also have ambassadorial skills, be sensitive to other cultures and have a genuine interest to learn more about the United Kingdom. Students who participate are also asked to further the Fulbright mission in some way upon returning to the United States.

“Cultural exchange is a truly transformative experience,” said Maria Balinska, executive director of the US-UK Fulbright Commission, “and I am excited to see this year’s UK Summer Institutes participants embark on this journey of immersing themselves in British academia and culture. I’m confident this experience will leave a lasting impression on both the participants and on those they meet and connect with during their time here.”

Keeney was nominated by faculty members to apply for the Belfast program in Northern Ireland, which runs three weeks mid-June to early July. She was surprised to hear she got the scholarship and wished she could share the news with her father, who passed away in April. He was a strong supporter of her school work. She said he would be proud she was chosen for the interview process.

“He didn't get to hear the news that I was awarded the scholarship,” Keeney said, “but I know he would be just as excited as I am. I’m really looking forward to meeting people and exploring the natural parts of the country of Ireland. The photos I’ve seen have really peaked my interest.”

Besides a short service trip to Belize, Keeney has not traveled much. At Queen’s University Belfast, she’ll study the culture, identity, history and politics of Belfast; lasting solutions for local challenges in communities and place; and political extremism and polarization in the 21st Century. She’s excited these topics align with her sociology major. The summer institute will help her reach the goal of becoming a medical social worker.

She’s also looking forward to seeing the Titanic exhibit where the historic ship was built.

“As a sociology student, it is my goal to study and learn about all different types of people,” Keeney said. “A big part of social work is interacting with diverse groups and being open to hearing new perspectives and experiences. Studying abroad is a great way to do that and to work on those skills.”

Rodgers was also nominated by faculty to apply for the Fulbright UK Summer Institute. Her Scotland trip will last three weeks during late July to August. This will be her first trip abroad.

She encourages other students to apply for the program.

The Glasgow School of Art and University of Strathclyde program is designed to help participants learn how Scotland developed into a technological and innovative society. Rodgers will attend lectures and seminars and go on study visits that focus on health, well-being and creative approaches for future cities.

Rodgers is particularly looking forward to exploring business programs at the university and its Human Centre for Entrepreneurship. Beyond school, she hopes to see Edinburg Castle and marvel at Scottish architecture.

In the future, Rodgers plans to get a master’s in healthcare administration.

“This experience,” she said, “will help me gain the skills and knowledge I need to effectively serve my team and patients and provide them with the best experience possible.”