N.C. A&T Student Receives Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant to Study in South Africa

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Aug. 12, 2026) – For North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University psychology student Deja’Nique Liburd, Cape Town, South Africa, has become an extension of the classroom. Through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) Cape Town Summer Internship & Study Abroad Program, she is combining cultural immersion, academic study and hands-on experience to expand her understanding of mental health globally. 

Liburd, a junior from St. Croix, Virgin Islands, was awarded a study abroad grant from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society, which provides financial support for high-achieving students to expand their global learning experiences and recognizes excellence across all academic disciplines.

“As the home of our Phi Kappa Phi chapter, N.C. A&T’s Honors College is committed to supporting excellence across the entire university,” said Margaret I. Kanipes, Ph.D.,  Honors College dean. “Deja’Nique’s achievement reflects the kind of high-impact, globally engaged learning we strive to make accessible to all students, regardless of college affiliation.”

Liburd is one of 75 students selected nationwide for this competitive award to pursue international academic enrichment opportunities. 

“This recognition reflects the strength of our students’ academic preparation and their commitment to engaging the world beyond the classroom,” said Gerard G. Dumancas, Ph.D., Honors College associate dean of Research and Program Innovation. “Opportunities like study abroad are transformative, and we are proud to see our students competing successfully at the national level.”

Liburd is using this grant to support her internship with Training Workshops Unlimited, a division of Cape Mental Health, where she supports adults with intellectual disabilities and advances her academic and career goals in psychology.

Her internship responsibilities include developing educational activities, assisting with life-skills programming, and contributing to the program’s day-to-day operations. She is supplementing her professional experience with a course in intercultural communication and leadership that explores South Africa's history, culture, and social challenges through lectures, discussions, and community-based learning. 

“As a psychology student, this program has given me the opportunity to expand my education beyond the classroom by immersing myself in a new culture while gaining hands-on experience in the mental health and nonprofit sectors,” said Liburd. “It has strengthened my leadership and cultural awareness while allowing me to see how psychology and community engagement can create meaningful change.”

The Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant has enabled Liburd to combine academic learning with meaningful service, providing experiences that will shape her future as a psychologist while reinforcing A&T’s commitment to preparing globally engaged leaders.