MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — This summer, Middle Tennessee State University music major and physiology minor Heather Benz found herself studying in Vienna, immersed in the vibrant pulse of European culture through the lens of two deeply intertwined passions: classical music and human physiology. 

Benz, a recipient of the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant, was one of 75 students nationwide awarded $1,000 to expand their education across borders.

A Nashville resident, Benz chose Vienna for its dual significance: historically as the epicenter of Western classical music, and scientifically as the birthplace of groundbreaking figures in medicine like Karl Landsteiner and Christian Doppler. 

“Vienna has direct ties to both of my majors,” Benz shared. “I wanted to explore it all — museums, concerts, cultural practices, even conversations with local professionals. My personal philosophy for this program was simple: experience everything.”

Her time abroad was anchored in the MTSU History of Western Art Music class, taught by Joseph Morgan. While she wasn’t enrolled in a separate conservatory program, the city itself became her classroom and concert hall. A particularly transformative moment came during a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in the Musikverein’s famed Golden Hall. 

“It was surreal,” she recalled, “and introduced me to Vienna’s profound love and dedication to music.”

Beyond her artistic growth, Benz embraced the opportunity to broaden her understanding of global health care practices. With aspirations to become a physician assistant specializing in small motor skill surgery for musicians, she saw this trip to observe how cultures prioritize both wellness and artistry. 

“This experience has given me a new perspective on care, especially how music and medicine intersect,” she said. “I hope to bring that depth back to my community.”

Benz’s curiosity and ambition were matched by practical planning. She discovered the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant while researching financial aid. 

“Receiving the grant was an incredible boost of confidence — and directly impacted my ability to attend the program,” she said. “It funded my tuition and helped make this dream a reality.”

“Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity for experiential learning, and I am so glad Heather was awarded a scholarship by Phi Kappa Phi to make her experience in Austria a reality,” said Leah Lyons, dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

Also recognized with the PKP Study Abroad Grant this year was Nathaniel Harrison, an accounting major within the Jones College of Business with an Honors minor. The Cookeville resident studied in Japan. His immersion offered insight into one of the world’s most economically and culturally distinct environments, further enriching his academic experience through global exposure.

“We are proud of Nathaniel and Heather for being named recipients of Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad grants this year,” said Philip Phillips, president of the MTSU Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi and associate dean of the MTSU Honors College. “We are grateful to the national Society for making this kind of support available to our high-achieving students, who otherwise might not be able to study outside the United States. This is a great opportunity for them.”

To be eligible for a Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant, applicants must attend an institution with an active chapter and hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75. Membership in the society is not required. The next application cycle opens Dec. 15, 2025, and closes March 15, 2026. Study abroad programs must take place between May 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.

— Robin E. Lee (Robin.E.Lee@mtsu.edu)