Sending two students to study abroad in the same country at the same time isn't that unusual at JCCC. However, sending identical twin sisters to study abroad together in the same country is. Mia and Jona Jonjic have been students at JCCC since fall 2008, and they are now studying abroad in Nanjing, China for spring semester 2010. While some might say that China is a world away and a far different culture than that found in the United States, this will not be a new situation for the Jonjic sisters.

Born in the midst of the Yugoslav wars, their family was forced to flee the country in 1992, seeking refuge in Germany. After adapting to a new life, language and culture, the sisters again pulled up stakes at age 10 and moved to America, the country they would eventually call home. Once more, they had to learn a new life, language and culture before becoming naturalized U.S. citizens. Through all these difficulties, they have learned to rely on one another and have become adept at adapting to new cultures and languages. Chinese will be their fourth language, and they are both excited about visiting China and learning firsthand about its fascinating culture.

Mia and Jona have help paying for their semester abroad from the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship (Gilman), a nationally-competitive scholarship that funds study abroad programs. Community college students are a specific target audience for the Gilman, and the Jonjic sisters join three other JCCC students in receiving this prestigious scholarship for study abroad this spring semester. While they're in China, Mia, an international business major, and Jona, a biochemistry major, will focus on improving their Chinese language skills.

For more information about international education and the study abroad program at JCCC, contact Carolyn Kadel, director, international education, 913-469-8500, ext. 3496, ckadel@jccc.edu.