Gilman Alumni Ambassador Program

The Gilman Alumni Ambassador Program is a diverse group of Gilman Scholarship recipients who have studied abroad in various countries around the world. They are official ambassadors of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, providing presentations and promotional outreach to university and college campuses around the nation to students and advisors interested in learning more about the Gilman Scholarship Program. The Gilman Alumni Ambassadors have been trained by the Gilman Scholarship Program.

If you would like to request a Gilman Alumni Ambassador to present at your campus or if you are interested in becoming a Gilman Alumni Ambassador, please contact Gilman Scholars by email at [email protected] if you have any questions.

2014 Gilman Alumni Ambassadors:

Recipients Page Gabriela Aguilera, University of New Hampshire, 2014, Kyrgyzstan 2 Kelsey Ball, Ohio University, 2014, Morocco 3 Elizabeth Barrera, University of Texas at Austin, 2014, India 4 Hugh Blackburn, Towson University, 2013, Japan 5 Natalie Cawker, University of Portland, 2013, Costa Rica 6 Tyler Clark, Valparaiso University, 2014, Spain 7 Charles Donkor, Bridgewater College, 2013, Ghana 8 Caitlyn Ebert, Daemen College, 2013, Poland 9 Megan Grable, University of Missouri, Columbia, 2012, China 10 Hugo Hernandez, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2014, Japan 11 Gregory Jones, University of Pittsburgh, 2012, Tanzania 12 Michael Karakash, University of California, Irvine, 2012, Chile 13 Amanda Lawnicki, Beloit College, 2012, Russia 14 Aaron Lemmon, Boston College, 2007, Australia 15 Lea-Jeanne Martin, The Evergreen State College, 2014, United Kingdom 16 Donald Meeks, Scottsdale Community College, 2014, Czech Republic 17 Erika Morton, University of Memphis, 2014, China 18 Ben Nia, University of Texas at Austin, 2013, Australia 19 Rosa Reyes, University of New Mexico, 2012, France 20 Heather Stewart, University of Louisville, 2013, Costa Rica 21 JoVona Taylor, University of Missouri, 2013, United Kingdom 22 Raul Velarde, University of Miami, 2012, Spain 23 Quenton White, Wayne State University, 2013, United Kingdom 24 Calvin Xu, New York Institution of Technology, 2008, Germany 25

1 Gabby Aguilera, Kyrgyzstan, 2014 University of New Hampshire New Hampshire

media in post-conflict The most significant attribute I rehabilitation. I used what I gained from my study and intern learned in my research to help abroad experience was a sense of develop media strategies that confidence in myself and an ability would promote diversity and to adapt to new and unexpected peace in Kyrgyzstan and lessen the situations. There is a feeling of ethnic tensions that were immense freedom that comes remnants of the 2010 conflict from knowing that you are between the Uzbeks and the independent and capable enough Kyrgyz. Some of these strategies to live and work in a country and a included promoting local media culture that is radically different outlets that spread messages of from your own. It makes you feel D uring the 2014 summer peace and assisting with a like the whole world is open to term, I spent two months studying workshop for journalists which you. I know that I am not done and interning abroad in Bishkek, taught the importance of writing traveling to other countries and Kyrgyzstan. I studied History of pieces that were unbiased and experiencing other cultures. Central Asia and Russian Language maintained a high level of at the American University of journalistic integrity. I am very fortunate that the Central Asia and interned five days Gilman Scholarship helped defray a week at the Soros Foundation. I greatly enjoyed my academic and the cost of my experience abroad. My study and intern abroad internship experience, but the part I plan to encourage others to take experience gave me a sense of of my experience that completely advantage of this life-changing confidence in myself and my changed my life was utterly opportunity. abilities, and gave me a chance to unexpected. During my second grow both personally and week in Kyrgyzstan, I quite literally “The most significant professionally. stumbled into an English teaching attribute I gained from job. I discovered that I greatly my study and intern My research at the Soros enjoyed teaching and am abroad experience was a Foundation opened up a new area passionate about helping people sense of confidence in of interest for me that I had never learn. Before this, I had never even myself and an ability to even considered before. Most of considered teaching as a potential adapt to new and my work focused on identifying career path, but it is something I unexpected situations.” the most effective ways to use am definitely considering now.

Fo l l o w - on Service Project For my Follow-on Service Project, Experience Blog showcases stories blogging and hope to continue I took a slightly different route from current Gilman scholars here in the U.S. I used the blog to than most. I applied to be a Gilman abroad to spread awareness of the talk about different parts of my Global Experience Blog opportunity and encourage experience, such as my initial Correspondent and was fortunate students to apply. I had never expectations, my encounters with enough to be chosen to share my blogged before, so it was a culture shock, and how my life in experiences in Kyrgyzstan through completely new endeavor for me. Kyrgyzstan differed from my life this venue. The Gilman Global I found that I greatly enjoyed back in the US.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 2 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Kelsey Ball, Morocco, 2014 Ohio University, Athens Ohio

majors so different than my own. capable of reaching their goals if Although studying abroad was not they set their mind to it. required, it was an important goal for me personally. I have always Currently I am finishing my last felt that understanding other year of college, and studying people and their culture is a vital abroad has absolutely affected my and admirable quality to possess career choices. I am looking into regardless of career ambition. traveling to South America in During my abroad experience, I order to help teach a Diabetes was given the opportunity to live Prevention Program. I am with a wonderful host family, who definitely a huge advocate for taught me so much about the helping students and showing Moroccan culture through their those in the Exercise Physiology cooking and extremely caring major that it is possible, and also personalities. I was able to learn extremely beneficial, to study H aving the opportunity to and truly feel that the knowledge I abroad in our field. I cannot wait learn and live in another country gained will benefit not only my to work with students in their was an experience that I used to career, but also my understanding journey to achieve their goals of believe was out of my reach. That of the world around me. studying abroad. was until I was given information on the Gilman Scholarship, which I was able to travel to other cities ended up allowing me to be a part in Morocco such as Ifrane, of an internship abroad program in Chefchaouen, and Merzouga. Each Meknes, Morocco. For an entire of these places were once-in-a- “I have always felt that month, I was able to observe and lifetime experiences that I would understanding other help practice Physical Therapy not trade for anything. Studying people and their culture with children who have various abroad would not have been is a vital and admirable mental and physical disabilities. possible for me if it were not for quality to possess the Gilman Scholarship. It allowed regardless of career As an Exercise Physiology major, it me to achieve a dream I strived ambition.” was eye opening and exciting to for ever since beginning college. have the chance to work with The Gilman Scholarship solidified other students in many various my firm belief that everyone is

Fo l l o w - on Service Project As the President of our Exercise field and funding opportunities, my field the many opportunities Physiology Club at Ohio such as the Gilman Scholarship. being offered to them and how University, part of my Follow-on So many students are interested these experiences abroad can Service Project entailed in studying or interning abroad, help them personally, conducting a club meeting about but feel that it is not possible professionally, and academically the opportunities to study or within this particular major. I am will encourage them to go abroad. intern abroad in the health care hopeful that showing students in

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 3 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Elizabeth Barrera, India, 2014 University of Texas at Austin Texas

My experiences in India have I was finally able to explore another definitely encouraged me to pursue continent, something I had always more opportunities abroad, wanted to do, but was never able to particularly internships. I know with due to my financial needs. I definitely certainty that I will venture outside of would not have been able to the United States in order to pursue participate in this program without more international opportunities in the Gilman Scholarship, and I the future. appreciate the financial support I received for my program in India. I am currently looking for more While I was there, I visited many internship and research opportunities temples, forts, and local markets that in Biomedical Engineering that would opened my eyes to the many allow me to improve my skills and be differences (and similarities) between able to contribute greatly to my field. cultures across the globe. I aim to spread the work I do to my S tudying abroad in India was community and to the world. definitely the beginning of the While the majority of religions in realization of many of my goals. I India and the Western Hempisphere experienced a culture completely are drastically different from one “I was able to experience outside of the American and Mexican another, I found two things to be first-hand the work of a societies I had grown up with, and I quite similar between India and programmer as I was bonded with my fellow engineering Mexico: the spicy food and the street classmates in an environment that markets that people go to while writing code to improve many of us found to be exotic. I buying groceries. They had a wide the current heart-rate received credit for an embedded variety of goods to offer to the monitor system during systems class that I needed for my customers. The friendships I made my internship with Ineda Biomedical Engineering major. In while in India are some of the Systems.” addition, I was able to experience strongest I have ever had, and I would first-hand the work of a programmer not have been able to meet the as I was writing code to improve the intelligent, talented people that were current heart-rate monitor system in the program if it had not been for during my internship with Ineda the Gilman Scholarship. Systems.

Fo l l o w - on Service Project

My Follow-on Service Project many engineering students that listening to my story and learning consisted of hosting a booth during a attended the study abroad fair, so the about how I found my particular Study Abroad Fair at the University booth allowed me to encourage program has encouraged engineers of Texas at Austin in which I them to look for a program abroad to not give up on education abroad, explained details of the Gilman that fit with their career aspirations. I and that funding opportunities, such Scholarship for people who were know how challenging it is to find as the Gilman Scholarship, are interested, and described my study abroad programs as an available to them. experiences abroad. There were engineering major. I hope that

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 4 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Hugh Blackburn, Japan, 2013 Towson State University Maryland

view of the study abroad the face of tragedy helped me experience. come to a new understanding of the world, human strength, and the In a very short period of time, my precious nature of life itself. host family became very much like a real family to me and the daily “My host family became interactions I had with them were very much like a real enormously helpful to my personal family to me and the daily and professional goals of becoming interactions I had with fluent in Japanese. It was this them were enormously immersion that helped my helpful to my personal classroom Japanese studies and professional goals of S tudy abroad is an essential part translate into a true fluency. becoming fluent in of the modern educational The Asian Studies program that I Japanese.” experience. It provides critical and participated in also furthered my valuable multicultural knowledge academic goals by quickly filling in I will never be able to forget the that serves to enrich both the my required classes for my major countless friends I made and the student as well as the international and deeply enriching my places I saw. Going to Japan had community. My year spent abroad understanding of Japanese art, been a dream for me since was no exception, and is an religion, as well as regional politics adolescence, and I brought with me outstanding example of why study and history. a bucket list of places to visit and abroad is so critical. things to do. I exhausted the list in I made friends from all corners of two months and was forced to go During my spring 2013 study the globe in an incredible write a new one, twice. abroad program, I lived with a host multicultural experience that has family in Hirakata city in Osaka helped shape my worldview. Thanks to my time in Japan, prefecture while studying at Kansai In particular, my trip to Hiroshima supported by the Gilman Gaidai University. I later extended was a truly humbling and awe- Scholarship, I was able to expand my term abroad into the fall 2013 inspiring experience. As part of my horizons in ways that I had not semester and moved into a our program I was able to hear the thought possible. The experience I dormitory. Both living experiences of a hibakusha, one of gained will serve me well arrangements gave me a unique the survivors of the Atomic bomb. throughout the rest of my career. Listening to her story of courage in

Fo l l o w - on Service Project For my Follow-on Service Project, inspire them towards studying seven classrooms around campus I wanted to give back to the abroad, something that had not with students from a community college that had given occurred to many, and for others diverse set of backgrounds and life me the opportunity to pursue had seemed unfeasible for financial experiences. I believe that my higher education before moving reasons. I took photographs speaking had a strong impact on on to Towson State. I wanted to during my time in Japan and used the students—several contacted reach out to minorities at my these to share my experiences in me with further questions after previous community college and the event.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 5 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Natalie Cawker, Costa Rica, 2014 University of Portland Montana

I believe one of the most valuable My experience in Costa Rica has components of my study abroad inspired me to pursue academic program was my host-family research in laboratories overseas experience. I was able to fully after graduation. I am extremely immerse myself into a new culture, interested in connecting with yet I was supported and encouraged research teams overseas because it by my host family to ask any will not only allow me to expand my questions I had about certain scientific knowledge but will also observations that I did not fully allow me to continue learning about a understand. My host family had an different country and will foster extensive family network, including diverse cultural experiences. several bilingual children who could help me with my Spanish when I was I continue to use the lessons that I having trouble communicating. My learned during my time studying host family also took me on several abroad, such as the ability to weekend outings to see different communicate with others in different parts of the country, including remote languages, and acceptance of cultural D uring the summer after my beaches that only locals had access to. practices that may otherwise seem junior year, I had the opportunity to peculiar or confusing. Having studied study abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica My time studying abroad in Costa abroad with a Gilman Scholarship, I with the support of a Gilman Rica was crucial for my ability to have learned the importance of the Scholarship. I spent my time abroad complete a Spanish minor and learn a exploration of new cultures in order taking classes that enhanced my foreign language while studying to fully understand the world around proficiency in the Spanish language, science at the University of Portland. me, and the political relationships allowing me to complete several As a biochemistry major, I found that between different nations. classes for my Spanish minor. I a summer study abroad program was completed an advanced Spanish best suited for my academic needs, grammar course, and a discussion- and allowed me to have experiences I “My time abroad has based class where we discussed could not have otherwise had. The inspired me to pursue socioeconomic issues that are Gilman Scholarship allowed me to academic research in especially prevalent in modern Latin pursue a study abroad program America. Outside of class, I continued without incurring strenuous financial laboratories overseas my immersion in the Spanish language burdens during my time as an after graduation.” by communicating with my host-family undergraduate student. or my “familia tica”.

Fo l l o w - on Service Project During my time abroad, I served as a such as the different food I ate or reflect upon all of the experiences I Reach the World mentor, a position animals I had seen. I also video- had abroad, and to compare how where I communicated with a chatted with the students several different life in Costa Rica was from classroom of elementary students times during my time abroad where I my small hometown in Missoula, located in the Bronx who wanted to answered their questions and even Montana. I cultivated cultural learn more about study abroad demonstrated the different dance awareness I could not have opportunities. With Reach the moves I had learned during a dance otherwise discovered with my time World, I composed articles detailing class! During my time as a Reach the abroad, made possible by a Gilman different aspects of my time abroad, World mentor, I was able to truly Scholarship.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 6 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Tyler Clark, Spain, 2014 Valparaiso University Indiana

whose native language is not Now that I have returned to the Spanish. I had class everyday in United States, I have started my Spanish grammar. The class had a senior year at Valparaiso University very international feel because all of while also serving as a Peer Adviser the other students were from non - for the Study Abroad Office here Spanish speaking countries as well. on campus and as a Gilman Alumni Ambassador. After I graduate, I The entire experience of being hope to go abroad again as part of abroad not only increased my the JET program. I hope that understanding of other cultures and enrolling in that program will help the Spanish language, but also immerse me in the Japanese helped to strengthen me as a culture, as well as improve my person. I was forced to think on my beginners Japanese skills. I would feet a lot more and was faced with like to also teach English to I lived in Zaragoza, Spain for situations I had never had to deal Japanese children and hopefully almost 5 months. While there, I with while in the United States, and inspire them to study abroad was enrolled in classes at Zaragoza that is a skill that I will always carry someday. University in the Centro de Español with and will definitely prove to be como Lengua Extranjera. invaluable in the future. When I initially decided to study “The entire experience abroad, I told myself that that Living with a host family forced me of being abroad not only experience would help me decide to rely on what little Spanish I knew increased my whether or not I would continue to help them understand me when I understanding of other my dream job: to become an was not exactly sure how to get my cultures and the Spanish international interpreter someday. meaning across. After living in language, but also Zaragoza for a few weeks, I started helped to strengthen me My knowledge of the Spanish tutoring a boy named Andrew in as a person.” language improved vastly, and I have English. He and I became good been praised on my improved friends. During our sessions we had speaking abilities quite a few times the chance to see how our native since returning to the United languages related to each other in States. I was in a Spanish intensive ways we had not acknowledged course, designed for students previously.

Fo l l o w - on Service Project The Gilman Scholarship helped me Experience Blog Correspondent. I other students to study abroad, as financially. I was able to focus wrote about my different well as assuage any doubts or fears more on my experiences while experiences I had while in Spain, they have. As a Peer Advisor in the abroad, without having to worry including homesickness, culture study abroad office, I help prepare about my financial obligations. For shock, and new friendships. I hope and advise students who are going my Follow-on Service Project, I that seeing my blog will promote abroad and prepare a "pre- became a Gilman Global the Gilman Scholarship and inspire departure" class.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 7 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) C D, G, 2013 Bridgewater College Virginia

decided to extend my stay in Ghana so place of birth, it hurts me to see how I could take advantage of this amazing the country is not taking full advantage experience. I had the chance to work of all of its resources. Because Ghana with the education advising center at does not have the knowledge capital the Embassy, advising local students or costly equipment to extract their who were interested in studying in the own natural resources like gold and U.S. and assisting students with the oil, foreigners have taken over such application process to institutions in resources and only a small portion of the U.S. Additionally, I helped prepare the revenue goes back into the students who had already been Ghanaian economy. I am hoping that accepted into a program through my efforts will have an impact on orientations and advising. It was improving educational resources in W ithout the Gilman Scholarship rewarding to know that my guidance Ghana. Because of my experience, I my study abroad dreams would not and knowledge of U.S. culture and have decided to pursue a career as a have become a reality. My year abroad education systems helped prepare Foreign Service Officer, so that I can was by far one of the best experiences Ghanaian students for their next assist people of third world countries I have had in my life. For the first time chapter of their lives. on behalf of the U.S. government. in my life I feel like I have done something that had a positive impact While living in Ghana, I also realized on the lives of others through that there are many people in the “It was rewarding to know volunteering, interning and my Gilman country with great potential, yet there that my guidance and Follow-on Service Project. are very limited resources to help knowledge of U.S. culture these individuals achieve any real and education systems During my time abroad, I volunteered success. Education has advanced since helped prepare Ghanaian for the United States Embassy of I lived there, but still has not students for their next Ghana for the summer through the fall progressed to match the potential of chapter of their lives.” semester. Due to this opportunity, I the people. With Ghana being my

F‐ S P Education is a smart starting point. I had the opportunity to visit several Ghana and give the students of With education comes tools to solve schools while in Ghana and proposed Dominion the option of “adopting” everyday problems in society. This is these ideas to them. the athletes of Ghana. I plan on why I initiated my Follow-on Service returning to Ghana in January to In addition, I donated some soccer Project aiming to engage children in donate more soccer gear as an gear to the schools. Upon my return school through sports. Being an ambassador for Athlete to Atleta. to the U.S., I visited my high school athlete and soccer enthusiast, I think sports director to restart Athlete to In the future I would like to expand soccer has the potential to encourage Atleta, a program that donates outside Ghana to other African student involvement. However, most equipment to less affluent schools. countries. Being in the U.S. for ten of the rural schools in Ghana do not We collected soccer equipment and years now, I have realized the have the funding for the equipment or donated many shipments to schools in perception Americans have of Africa. staff to run athletic programs. I Ghana and within our home This program can help fix many strongly believe that if sports became communities. Through Athlete to Atleta misconceptions and hopefully have a larger part of school in Ghana, we will try and link the athletes of more American students interested in school attendance would surely Dominion High School and schools in going to Africa. increase.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 8 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Caitlyn Ebert, Poland, 2013 Daemen College New York

completed fixed. Mapping of taught me to not assume things are cemeteries has become a particularly what I expect them to be and to be interesting field because of more open-minded about what I might genealogical research. For Jewish not know. families there can be a gap in the knowledge because of unmarked I am hoping to work in areas of law graves, vandalized graves, and mass that allow me to continue helping graves. Mapping projects work to people of different backgrounds restore as many names to graves as understand one other. Individuals possible. Being able to participate, going through immigration are put into even for a short time, in this work was high stress situations that they are not an opportunity that I wanted to familiar with and then faced with legal experience. challenges. There is often a language barrier, but also the technical jargon in T he program I picked allowed me Exploring the cities and towns was law that inhibit understanding. I think to experience two distinct cultures, one of my favorite parts of studying that I am in an ideal position to become very immersed in the history abroad. I was surprised how empathize with my clients’ struggle to of WWII, and give back to an "citizenship" or "ethnicity" was viewed comprehend the complexities of law. underserved population. The town in Poland, which was very important in that I spent the majority of my abroad our mapping project. In America, if experience in was divided between your family traveled over 100 years occupying Nazi and Soviet troops. The ago you identify as American with “The program I picked markers and divisions can still be felt Italian or German roots. Many Jewish allowed me to experience in the town today. This town had one families settled in Poland hundreds of two distinct cultures, of the largest population of Jewish years before the start of WWII and become very immersed in residents in Poland. Now there are were never considered "Polish." This is the history of WWII, and only a handful of Jews living there and still true in modern times, and with give back to an the cemetery has fallen into disrepair. different ethnicities. Trying to underserved population.” The vandalizing of this cemetery by understand this distinction, which the Nazis and Soviets was never seems minor in a lot of ways, has

Fo l l o w - on Service Project My Follow-on Service Project was Global Programs Office, but has not about with others. study abroad outreach to Daemen been completed yet. The blog is live at College students. I was asked to the History and Political Science Near the end of the semester, one of attend several events in the department webpage. These activities the professors, Dr. Tomasz Pudlocki, community that pertained to all targeted current and future who taught our program in Poland, expanding this program. students at Daemen College. was able to come to Daemen to give a guest lecture. I was asked to attend The History and Political Science The other students that participated in the reception before his lecture to department at Daemen featured me as this program, as well as myself, were greet professors from Poland, a Gilman recipient in their blog. I asked to speak to the Buffalo Polish members of the community, and the participated in the study abroad fair Arts Club about our experiences in guest professor. This was another and sat on a study abroad panel that Poland. This was an exciting way to exciting way to share my experience spoke to freshmen students. My practice professional speaking skills in Poland as a Gilman Scholar. poster is in publication, through the and share something I am passionate

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 9 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Megan Grable, China, 2012 University of Missouri-Columbia Missouri

back home. I later found out that the volunteering at the Columbia Area Gilman Program was in search for a Career Center where I gained hands- correspondent for the Gilman Global on marketing experience and now Experience Blog. To my excitement, I work for them as their Social Media received the position and began Manager. While I enjoyed my new promoting my study abroad role as a Social Media Manager, I experience towards an even larger wanted to give back to my community population. even further. I wanted to share my experience with the freshmen I wrote thematic Word Press articles students at Mizzou so I compiled a highlighting my time spent in China Prezi presentation, study abroad and compiled video footage for the reference sheet, and reached out to Gilman team to edit and produce. My students via Twitter and email. articles and videos were an important part of my daily routine, and I gained a deeper understanding while “My experience abroad F or my study abroad program I observing cultural differences. The and volunteer work as a chose the IES Summer Language position allowed me to reflect on my video blog correspondent Intensive Program in Beijing, China. I time spent in China, encouraged sparked an interest in realized that the best place to others to someday be in my shoes, journalism and social practice Mandarin would be in a city and served as the best medium to media. I even switched my rich in history, culture, and a place remember my memories. I emphasis to Marketing unlike anywhere I had ever traveled. collaborated with two fantastic because of my new-found Beijing became my home and I met so people from IIE that guided me in my passion for it.” many wonderful people that I now project and trusted my creative consider family. instincts with my work. I was chosen for a once in a lifetime scholarship My continued service to the Gilman When I first arrived in Beijing I was and volunteer position and the Scholarship will never go away and I on my own for a week which experience opened up doors for me look forward to promoting the encouraged me to meet people, when I returned back to the states. Gilman Scholarship to future study explore new opportunities, and abroad students. I not only became a practice my language skills. I never My experience abroad and volunteer more well-rounded individual, but I wanted to forget my experience so I work as a Gilman Global Experience improved my language skills and began documenting everything on my Blog Correspondent sparked an enhanced my education outside the personal blog. Writing everyday interest in journalism and social classroom. Without the Gilman allowed me to share my experiences media. I even switched my emphasis Scholarship I would not be as with others, promote study abroad, to Marketing because of my new- successful as I am today and for that, I and connect with friends and family found passion for it. I started thank you. Fo l l o w - on Service Project During my term abroad I was a exchange to become part of their academic peer groups designed Gilman Global Experience Blog college experience. exclusively for incoming college Correspondent for the Gilman Upon returning to the states, I freshmen. For the program, I taught a Program. In this role, I documented wanted to give back as much as semester FIG course on Study my experience and encouraged possible. On campus, I was heavily Abroad. In addition, I gave students to consider international involved with Freshmen Interest presentations to other FIG classes on Groups (FIGs), which are social and the top reasons to study abroad.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 10 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Hugo Hernandez, Japan, 2014 University of Nevada, Las Vegas Nevada

Japanese on a daily basis. While difficult at first, I was able to quickly Studying abroad has helped me grow adapt and learn at a much faster rate. in a multitude of ways. Spending four My host parents were always months in a completely different understanding and helped me country helped push me outside of my acclimate to the change in language. comfort zone and helped me grow. This immersion into Japanese society Now that I look back at this allowed me to really experience what experience, I notice all of the little life in another country is like. I was a changes that it caused within me. I Japanese resident instead of a tourist. learned, matured, and saw another part of the world. Seeing the world has always been a S tudying abroad in Japan had a personal goal of mine. I enjoy learning There is so much knowledge outside profound effect on both my personal about different cultures and trying of the United States that not a lot of and professional goals. I have always new things. My time in Japan allowed individuals are able to obtain. Studying wanted to pursue a career in me to experience the Japanese culture abroad is more than a trip to another international law, but my experience first-hand, in a way that I could not country, it is creating a home away abroad helped reinforce my desires to have done living in the United States. from home. Take the chance and see pursue this field of work. I was able to Not only was I able to further my what you are able to find. see international law from a different language studies, but I also learned a point of view and this helped deepen lot more about the Japanese culture, my interest in the international field. history and lifestyle. I was able to join My time away from home helped me clubs at the host university and really mature as an individual, become more interact with other students my age. “I was able to see independent, and gain skills necessary international law from a in this globally connected world. My experience abroad has given me different point of view more than just memories. I was able and this helped deepen I took an intensive Japanese language to make long-lasting connections with my interest in the studies program at Kwansai Gakuin individuals from all over the world. In international field.” University (KGU) in Japan in order to addition to this, my experience makes improve my Japanese. During my time me more competitive when applying abroad, I stayed with a host family of for law school and employment in the three and this experience helped my future. Only a small percentage of U.S. language acquisition as well. None of undergraduate students study abroad the family members spoke much so this make me stand out from the English so I was compelled to speak rest applying to law school.

Fo l l o w - on Service Project My Follow-on Service Project impact. I worked with the email and offer to serve as a point of consisted of giving presentations to International Programs office at my contact for any questions or students in which I shared my university in order to increase my concerns. I was fortunate enough to experiences abroad and provided audience within my university campus. receive help and advice from those information on the Gilman Through them, I was able to present around me when I was preparing to Scholarship. I presented to students at to diverse individuals both in English study abroad, so I made it a personal my old high school and students at my and in Spanish. At the end of each goal to create a difference in the university in order to have a greater presentation I would provide my studies of others.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 11 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Gregory Jones, Tanzania, 2012 University of Pittsburgh Connecticut

Professionally, my questions about these connections anywhere I go. joining the Foreign Service and/or working in international affairs were I am currently the program answered. I was fortunate enough to coordinator with the organization work with a number of non- Refugee and Immigrant Fund (RiF) in governmental organizations (NGOs) New York City, aiding asylum seekers throughout the country and felt this in the acculturation process through shaped my career goals. I interned urban farming. I hope to continue with an outstanding NGO called serving communities in a similar Wonder Workshop where for ten respect and look forward to future months, I taught English as a Second opportunities. Language (ESL) to artisans living with physical deformities from polio. I have always been in firm support of working within the community in Through my experience teaching ESL, I which you live. Studying and interning felt connected to the local community in Tanzania reaffirmed that belief and in Tanzania and I developed genuine inspired me to continue working with I can confidently say my study abroad friendships with many of the disadvantaged populations from both experience was truly unique, and employees at Wonder Workshop. a local and global perspective. Studying unlike any other. By making the choice The beauty of those relationships is abroad in Tanzania has inspired me to to spend my last year as an that we taught each other. The continue to understand the world. undergraduate in Dar es Salaam, experience helped me realize how Tanzania, I knew I was making a important it is to continue giving back decision that would have a significant to the community in which you live impact on my life. and it is on that path that I intend to “The friendships I formed, remain professionally. the conversations I had, and Academically, my experience allowed my love for human me to interpret, analyze, and While living in Tanzania, I was lucky to connection is what I will understand Tanzania’s educational befriend some of the most loving, take away most from this system. Studying at the University of jovial, and resilient people I have ever experience and is something Dar es Salaam, I witnessed the met. I formed genuine relationships I will continue to value differences in educational opportunity, with many of them. The friendships I anywhere I go.” which in turn helped me understand formed, the conversations I had, and the country’s history and view of my love for human connection is what academia. I will take away most from this experience. I will continue to value

Fo l l o w - on Service Project For my Follow-on Service Project, I with for almost five years while programming. I also talked extensively returned to Pittsburgh where I attending college. I compiled a slide about my own study abroad attended college to present to the presentation, highlighting several high experience. Many students said they Somali-Bantu refugee youth affiliated school study abroad programs that I benefited greatly from hearing about with my organization, Keep It Real’s, found to be the most appropriate. I my experience. I am hoping to have REAL Saturdays program. About considered cost, scholarship and inspired my students to pursue study fifteen to twenty students were in financial aid opportunities, location, abroad opportunities with this newly attendance, all of whom I worked duration of the trip, and academic acquired knowledge.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 12 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Michael Karakash, Chile, 2012 University of California, Irvine California

opportunity to pursue my love for education and teach English. As a Santiago is a beautiful city full of literary journalism student great food, art, literature, and music concentrating on racial theory and that changed my life. Upon the social justice, I focused my studies in completion of my program, I came Chile on photojournalism and back to the U.S. to finish my degree, documentary production in order to and immediately went back to Chile document the life and culture of the for another year to live in the city Chilean population and be a voice and teach English full-time. for underrepresented communities. The opportunity I had to work with I am currently working for an Chilean photographers and educational non-profit in Los filmmakers, while learning about the Angeles, focusing on communities of G rowing up in a multilingual rich history and current social issues color, and planning for a master’s household with a fusion of Armenian was a life-changing experience. degree in international relations with and Turkish culture and traditions a focus on Latin American has greatly impacted my worldview. In Santiago, I jumped on any development. Thanks to the Gilman My experiences growing up have opportunity that would allow me to Scholarship Program I had the nurtured my passion for travel and enhance my cultural understanding opportunity to travel throughout languages. I am extremely fortunate and improve my Spanish language South America. I can now say that I that the Gilman International skills. I taught English at a Chilean really understand what I want to do Scholarship Program provided me high school, as well as at the with my life. with the resources and support I University of Santiago, Chile. needed to pursue my interests in Through my experience teaching at language and social justice through the University of Santiago I helped “The Gilman my study abroad experience in professional engineers improve their International Santiago, Chile. English communication skills allowing Scholarship Program them to expand their careers provided me with the I knew the program in Chile was the globally. Not only did this allow me resources and support I perfect fit for me because it not only to better understand the educational needed to pursue my allowed me to take classes with local climate in Chile, but it also interests in language Chilean college students at the connected me with people of all ages and social justice.” Pontificia Universidad Católica de and challenged me to step outside Chile, but also provided me with the my comfort zone.

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For my Follow-on Service Project, I I documented, wrote, blogged, and The on-going connection we had worked with an international non- held international video conferences throughout the year influenced their profit, Reach the World (RTW). As a with these students, helping them learning and showed them that RTW correspondent, I shared my connect to Chile and a world there is an entire world outside of experiences while in Chile with a outside of their classroom, while their city that they can go out and classroom of 6th and 7th grade coordinating lessons plans with their explore with the help of programs students at a dual language school in teacher. like the Gilman International South Bronx, New York. Scholarship Program.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 13 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Amanda Lawnicki, Russia, 2012 Beloit College Michigan

forty minutes late because I got myself Of course, there were also instances lost—a normal occurrence in Moscow. that highlighted our differences—for It didn’t matter though, as the example any attempt to form a line at directors at the center, hugged me, the metro ticket booth was laughable. immediately nicknamed me And the inventive shopping carts on “Amandochka,” sat me down, and gave swivel wheels facilitated the best a cup of tea. organized chaos I had ever seen.

I was later reminded of American But my most memorable experience hospitality when I was invited to the was quite ordinary, and occurred while U.S. Embassy for a Thanksgiving dinner waiting in the metro. An older man put on for U.S.-Russian exchange asked me a question I could not partners. I again got slightly lost and answer and he eventually found out I arrived a little late, but it also did not was American. He smiled, thanked me M y experience in Moscow matter. I was hugged by people I had for coming to Russia, and made sure I impacted me in uncountable ways. I never met and who smiled a lot. After got on the train before him. studied Russian as a Foreign Language all, by then I had been used to the at the Russian State University for the stony faces on the metro and in the Humanities (RGGU). My Russian skills grocery store, so the fact that “I am so grateful to improved greatly, I made several everyone was smiling was strange! programs such as the professional and personal connections Gilman Scholarship, that with both Russians and non-Russians, These two instances highlight why I am bring people from and I had my first experience so grateful to programs such as the conducting on-site research at Park Gilman Scholarship, that bring people around the world Iskusstv (Fallen Monument Park). from around the world together. together.“ Whether I was meeting my Russian The Gilman Program put me in colleagues or American ones, the contact with EducationUSA, so I had reactions were amazingly similar. Not the opportunity to work with Russian only was I able to learn about how I want to continue to facilitate these high school students applying to U.S. Russian culture differs from my own, experiences that promote cross- colleges. Not only did I correct but also how we are similar in some of cultural understanding, for myself and application essays, but I also gave a the most basic ways. And this was in for others. The Gilman Program was a presentation on liberal arts institutions Russia! Not too long ago, and perhaps fantastic starting point, and I’ll be and even attended cultural events even today, Russians and Americans eternally grateful for the opportunities hosted at the center. I remember were portrayed as complete the program gave me. when I first came to the office, I was opposites. Fo l l o w - on Service Project For my Follow-on Service Project, I I was also a member and mentor for minorities, and students with gave a symposium at Beloit College’s Student Support Services (SSS) and disabilities. These same populations annual “International Student participated in a study abroad panel that are underrepresented in Symposium Day,” that incorporated discussion for SSS and McNair education abroad, and so we were my research on Park Iskusstv in Scholars students. These programs are able to tackle some fears and doubts Moscow with independent research part of the Federal TRiO Programs, specific to students like us. The on post-Soviet memorials in Eastern which target students with high ultimate message? You, too, CAN Europe. financial need, as well as first study abroad! generation college students, ethnic

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 14 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Aaron Lemmon, Australia, 2007 Boston College Pennsylvania

course offerings to a student with my was a ten-day Northwest excursion liberal arts background. I was up the Australia coast and through attracted to Murdoch’s theology the Outback. This experience immersion program which offered included lessons on the geology and high-level courses with graduate Ph.D. history of Western Australia as well and chaplaincy candidates. as opportunities to meet Aborigines who preserved tribal myths passed My own interest in spirituality is down across 40,000 of years of rich deeply rooted in the historical cultural tradition. perspective and my coursework reflected a challenging combination of “The writing analysis curricula that I could not have strategies coursework pursued at Boston College. In proved invaluable for my particular, the writing analysis later work as a news strategies coursework proved writer, educational he Gilman Scholarship provided invaluable for my later work as a T consultant, and health me an extraordinary opportunity to news writer, educational consultant, care administrator where study in Western Australia during the and health care administrator where effective communication spring 2007 semester at Murdoch effective communication can mean the can mean the difference University. Going abroad has had a difference between success and between success and significant impact on my personal life failure. I was inspired by the failure.” and my professional career challenging coursework abroad, and opportunities. My study abroad thrived in the environment by earning experience encouraged me to expand top marks before I returned to my horizons in ways that I could have Boston College to graduate cum These lessons in new cultures and never previously imagined. laude. health care approaches deeply informed my more recent work on Murdoch University appealed to me Studying abroad in Australia is a much behalf of Steward Health Care, the because of the cultural opportunities more diverse experience than many second largest hospital system in New available in the city of Perth in people might think at first glance – a England. To this day, I still wear a addition to the ways in which I could large percentage of Murdoch tiger eye gemstone ring – I acquired challenge myself academically. At the University’s student body had an the stone during my Northwest trip time that I studied abroad, I attended international background, with strong and bound it with silver after my Boston College with majors in representation from South Asia and return to ensure I carry my Gilman Communication and Theology. Southeast Asia. One of the most legacy with me always. Murdoch University offered unique memorable events I participated in

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For my Follow-on Service Project I Northwest Field Trip Excursion into have this footage used for outreach wanted to incorporate my a video documentary DVD. I efforts. I am honored to serve as a Communication studies at Boston perfected my skills with Final Cut Pro Gilman Alumni Ambassador with the College in to my representation of and the final product was presented opportunity to spread the word study abroad and the Gilman at Boston College as well as myself! Scholarship, so I decided to turn the broadcast on the local Fox affiliate in pictures and memories of my ten-day my hometown. It was exciting to

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 15 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Lea-Jeanne Martin, United Kingdom, 2014 The Evergreen State College Washington

individual perspectives to contribute As Scotland is rich with history, my to an overall understanding on what is time immersing myself in the people being taught. Often, a single and culture has allowed me to create discussion topic could last for weeks my own personal chapter of a family because of all the different history. My children are of mixed perspectives from students in the heritage - half African-American, half classroom. I also enjoyed that I was Scottish. Their grandmother is the learning all the time, not just from the only surviving relative they know that professors in my lecture classes, but originated from Scotland and sadly, from students on campus, from gym her failing health means what little my teachers, the help desk, the janitor, children know of their Scottish roots even the resident coordinator. passes with her. The award of the Additionally, all of my classes were Gilman Scholarship placed me in an hybrid - class time followed by field otherwise unobtainable position to be T he impact of being awarded the instruction. The field studies to allow in the heart of their beginnings, Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in students to see and test theories in an searching and connecting numerous Scotland has been incredibly impactful active, hands-on environment. amounts of information such as their and empowering both as a student originating clan's history, their tartan and as an individual. Living abroad For example, my favorite part of a (the skirts) colors, and the clan's affords both personal and scholastic class I took, Psychology of Evil, was Scottish crest to bring information growth. Choosing to enhance my discussing William Wallace, hearing back to them. Now they have an social psychology studies at the heated and passionate lectures from opportunity to pass down their full University of Stirling was incredible. our teachers on how Mel Gibson culture from both sides if they chose The Psychology program at the actually did an inaccurate job on the to have a family in the future. , University of Stirling is one of the movie Braveheart. Reading and highest rated in student satisfaction in hearing about William Wallace all of the United Kingdom because it (Braveheart) was exciting - taking an “As Scotland is rich with incorporates challenging individual actual field trip and planting your feet history, my time student-led research in addition to on the land where he fought, feeling immersing myself in the classroom lecture in the learning the chilly temperatures to have an environment. understanding of their survival, and people and culture has having the knowledge of why this allowed me to create my I learned that Scotland's particular battle is such a proud and own personal chapter of understanding of education is not a concreted moment in Scotland's a family history.” lecture being given to a class, but culture is quite different. presenting a scenario that encourages

Fo l l o w - on Service Project For my Follow-on Service Project, I about my study abroad experiences. from my first-hand experience so that created a blog documenting my In addressing the non-traditional I can offer potential study abroad experiences in Scotland that included student population at my university, I students ways to overcome their own writing, pictures, and video for others feel that I am able to identify several challenges. I am excited to share my at my home university that are perceptions of barriers that allow experiences and provide any insight considering study abroad. those who are unsure to move to allow others to facilitate their own Additionally, I am scheduled to speak forward. My hope is to be able to experience as well. in lectures at my home university identify and speak about the barriers

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 16 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Donald Meeks, Czech Republic, 2014 Scottsdale Community College Arizona

The program that I participated in historical sites intensified the allowed for immersion into the empathy I felt for their past Czech culture. The flexibility and struggles and helped me understand expertise of the staff helped me and the history much more than just my fellow students to dive deep into through reading and lectures. the culture of the Czech Republic. We rode public transportation and My experience abroad helped to shopped in local supermarkets. open my mind to new opportunities and gave me an understanding of My dream and current studies to cultural differences, as well as a become a travel media specialist was great respect for the Czech culture. affirmed on this trip. I had a chance to witness the amazing art in all Upon returning home, I enrolled at mediums while abroad. The very Arizona State for a Bachelors in M y dream is to become a global buildings we lived in remained Arts in Digital Culture and am citizen, and with the help of the pretty much unchanged through planning a minor in teaching English Gilman Scholarship Program, I am both occupations. With a classroom as a Second Language (ESL). one step closer to realizing that located directly in Praha city square, Through this program and dream. As a Gilman Scholarship it was impossible to miss the background, I hope to have the recipient I was provided the everyday life and wonder of the opportunity to study abroad again opportunity to study cinema in the Czech culture. My documentary film or work abroad in the future. beautiful city of Prague, the capital work, as well my photography skills, of the Czech Republic. allowed me to shine light into the little known past of the Czech I spent the summer of 2014 studying Republic. “I was thrilled to learn the influence of cinema during both about the power of a Czech Republic Revolutions. I was I was able to learn greatly from the craft that I have studied thrilled to learn about the power of fellow students on the program who for years, and how it a craft that I have studied for years, were studying topics such as Art fueled change on such a and how it fueled change on such a History and Holocaust Studies. I grand scale during the grand scale during the revolutionary visited the Jewish quarter as well as revolutionary times.” times. the largest Jewish cemetery in Europe. Being able visit these

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For my Follow-on Service Project, I can teleport into my past and their parents and family members, was excited to incorporate aspects witness the beauty of the Czech to start the conversation about of the digital and still art that I Republic. study abroad. In both the studied and worked on while photobook and the video, I am abroad in to my presentations and In addition, I am planning on hoping students will enjoy imagery discussions with potential study creating and showing a promotional from an actual scholar’s adventure! abroad students. I am working on a video at my community’s annual photobook to donate to the study Film School Film Festival. This will abroad office so that other students allow potential students, as well as

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 17 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Erika Morton, China, 2014 University of Memphis Georgia

view of how business is conducted During my time abroad, I met so on an international level. While many goal-driven individuals who interning, I learned that business have taught themselves how to do customs vary from country to whatever they put their minds to. I country, so conducting research on was able to engage in motivating and business behavior is extremely educational conversations on a important in order to be successful. consistent basis. Those I had the opportunity to speak with conversations have pushed me to five successful CEOs all under the take pride in everything that I do, age of thirty who run business definitely when it comes down to ventures in China. Each of them conducting research and my told me that research counts. education. I nterning abroad was a life-changing experience; I had the opportunity to While I was in China, I had to test Overall, this experience has given network with successful individuals my level of independence and my me a whole new perspective upon and I was able to explore many social skills. Before arriving in China, life. Spending my summer nearly ten places throughout China. On a I knew very little Mandarin. It was thousand miles away around the personal level, traveling and living not enough to hold even a basic globe was incredible. I am abroad completely opened my eyes conversation. I had to learn a few extremely thankful for this to other ways of life. Taking myself simple sentences fast. With English opportunity and will encourage away from the norms that I was used as a primary language and Spanish as others to take the steps to turn the to and immersing myself in a country a secondary language, learning idea of studying or interning abroad where things were done differently Mandarin was a bit challenging. At into a reality. really put my adaptability to the test. times, it became frustrating, but after a while, it all came together. The “While interning, I I interned at Helena Forbes, a fabric majority of the time I commuted learned that business outsourcing company. I had the around the city by myself, and customs vary from opportunity to source fabric for knowing Mandarin was essential. At country to country, so some of the world’s leading clothing first, I was shy about speaking with conducting research on companies. This opportunity others in Mandarin, but eventually business behavior is definitely went hand-in-hand with my with practice I had gained enough extremely important in field of study. Many of Helena confidence to speak comfortably. order to be successful.” Forbes’ clients are based all over the world. I was able to get a first hand Fo l l o w - on Service Project

I was able to incorporate my hobby viewers. I have set up dates to study abroad fair. Realizing that of video production into my Follow- present my experience to K-12 International Business majors are on Service Project by creating a students with an emphasis on underrepresented, I am spreading video blog highlighting my juniors and seniors. I believe that awareness about interning abroad experience abroad for everyone to because they are graduating soon, throughout the International view online. Parts of the video blog the thought of studying abroad will Business Student organization on are also embedded into my be fresh in their minds. I have also campus. presentation as a tool to engage the presented at my school’s annual

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 18 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Ben Nia, Australia, 2013 University of Texas, Austin Texas

undergraduate course. I became so taking additional loans in order to go engrossed in the subject matter that I abroad. shifted my professional goals to reflect a career that encompasses the ethical Studying abroad in Australia was one issues involving medicine. I also had of the most eye-opening experiences I the privilege of attending a lecture at participated in while in college. Spring the University of Sydney, where the of 2013 was truly an unforgettable 14th Dalai Lama shared his views on semester. My experiences abroad education. Such a poignant shaped my academic, personal, and presentation was truly an amazing and professional goals so much that I once in a lifetime experience. In cannot imagine where I would be now addition, I participated as a test subject if I had not gone abroad. Although I for a clinical experiment at my am back in the U.S., I know this is only school’s biochemistry department. It the beginning of my international was fascinating to be on the other side education endeavors. I am so thankful of the research spectrum and I know towards the U.S. Department of State, G rowing up, I always seized any the knowledge I gained will be the Gilman Program, and the Institute opportunity to go abroad and enrich invaluable to me as a future physician. of International Education for giving my life with new people and new me the means to participate in such a places. However after some time, I Additionally, while abroad I had the profound program that changed my wanted something more than just two privilege of befriending students from perception of who I am and what I or three weeks in a different country all over the world. Throughout the want to accomplish in life. as a tourist. I wanted to completely semester, I grew close with them and immerse myself into another culture. fostered bonds that would last even Thus, it was no surprise that around though we would soon be hundreds of my sophomore year at the University miles apart. of Texas at Austin I decided to study “My experiences abroad abroad for a semester. After applying to study at the shaped my academic, University of Sydney in Australia, it personal, and professional My semester abroad impacted me was important to start thinking of goals so much that I academically in ways that I would have ways I was going to fund such an cannot imagine where I never imagined. As an exchange endeavor. My study abroad advisor would be now if I had not student at the University of Sydney in suggested I apply for the Gilman gone abroad.” Australia, I had the opportunity to Scholarship, which I am so grateful enroll in a bioethics class, which that I did. Receiving the Gilman evidentially became my favorite Scholarship allowed me to opt out of Fo l l o w - on Service Project After returning from Australia, I the social fraternity, Tejas, at the abroad can be affordable with the aid fulfilled my Follow-on Service Project University of Texas, in order to raise of scholarships, such as the Gilman by informing students at my home awareness that students can study Scholarship. This cooperative university about the Gilman abroad while finishing their degree in approach helped double the number International Scholarship Program. four years. of applicants who applied for the Gilman Scholarship at The University I also worked closely with the Working with potential study abroad of Texas. Cockrell School of Engineering, the applicants has been a great way for Foreign Language Department, and me to inform students that study

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 19 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) R R, F, 2012 University of New Mexico New Mexico

improved immensely. The second the goal of eventually becoming fluent semester, I lived with a host mom, in three languages. This skill is which further advanced my French crucially important to me because of conversational skills. Even though she my career goals. In the future I want spoke English, she only spoke to me to work with international in French. Although it was frustrating communities on issues of human at times, it was such great experience rights and social justice, such as with for my improvement in the language. refugee agencies and/or departments, Also, I created a “conversation whether in the United States, abroad, partner” group with my neighbor, and or internationally. My dream work took extra classes at the Alliance place would be the United Nations. Française to further aid in my language proficiency. “In the nine months I In the nine months I spent abroad, I spent abroad, I learned more about my goals and learned more about my goals and S tudying abroad has been the most myself than in any of other myself than in any of challenging, yet the most rewarding undergraduate experience. My other undergraduate and beautiful experience of my life. I growth from studying abroad has experience.” studied abroad in Nice, France for meant so much to me and has been one academic year. I chose this applicable to my everyday endeavors location because I wanted to learn ever since. Personally, this was a time French as a third language. Obtaining of re-discovering my identity, After graduation, my next step is to a Gilman Scholarship was of such developing adaptability and apply to a graduate program in significance for me because it gave me independence, understanding the International Family Studies or an opportunity I would have never value of human relationships, International Organizations. Taking had; studying abroad is a challenge for becoming a better friend, and even this direction, would allow me to students with limited financial means. learning to laugh at myself. However, combine my passions - family this was also a time to define my dynamics, language learning, While abroad, I lived with a French academic and career path. international affairs and traveling - roommate, who became a really good into my career path. friend. Through conversations with Upon my return from abroad, I her, my French language abilities continue to take French classes with

F‐ S P

As part of my Follow-on Service financial resources and scholarships because these newsletters reach Project, I wrote monthly articles for such as Gilman, and the benefits of more than 100 students per month. the newsletter of the Student studying abroad. TRiO’s mission is to There is an urgent need to promote Support Services (SSS) TRiO Program support first-generation, low-income, study abroad programs within at my home university, for which I and minority students through minority students since the worked as a tutor and mentor prior services such as academic and percentages of these students to my departure. The articles I wrote financial aid advising tutoring and studying abroad at the University of were about my process as a Gilman mentoring, social/cultural activities, New Mexico are as low as 10%, being applicant, my experiences, my host and graduate school guidance. I chose that it is a Hispanic-Serving university, learning a new language, this program because of its genuine Institution. the culture, and most importantly, commitment to the students and

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 20 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Heather Stewart, Costa Rica, 2013 University of Louisville Kentucky

homestay with a local family and two other American students. Living with a During my time abroad, I was able to local family was the best way to truly focus on how the health care system immerse myself in the culture: they of Costa Rica functions, including treated each of us like daughters and visiting hospitals and other sites of made us feel right at home. We had health care practice. It was a very eye home-cooked traditional meals every opening experience that will continue day and had a family to show us to influence my perspective on the around San Jose. It was also an health care system here in the U.S. As important part of my language I begin my path towards graduate acquisition, as I had the opportunity to studies and eventually my career, I will practice Spanish with native speakers remember what I learned, as well as in my homestay. the general importance of a global perspective on health. In Costa Rica, I studied at Universidad Veritas. While there, I took two Most importantly, I developed a deep I n the Summer of 2013, I had the courses: “Costa Rican Health Care love and respect for another country unique and unforgettable experience and Tropical Medicine” and “Spanish and the people that live there during of studying abroad in the beautiful for Health Care Professionals.” These my summer abroad. I expanded my country of Costa Rica. Thanks to the were perfect courses for me, and the horizons and embraced a new culture, Gilman Scholarship, I was able to availability of these courses was the in a way that has changed me realize my desire to pursue an primary reason that I selected my indefinitely. I will always be thankful to international learning experience, and particular study abroad program. Here the U.S. Department of State and the actualize my dream of attending a in the States, I am a Senior Biology and Gilman Scholarship for the amazing university outside of the United States. Philosophy double major, with interest opportunities they provide to students My experience was more rewarding in Bioethics. Upon graduation, I plan like myself. Pura Vida! than I could ever express in words. I to attend graduate school to obtain a truly was able to grow as a person Masters degree in Bioethics and “As I begin my path through my new experiences, as I Medical Humanities, and then possibly towards graduate studies stepped outside of my comfort zone pursue a J.D. with a concentration in and eventually my career, and embraced a new culture, tried Health Care Law or a Ph.D. in I will remember what I new things, and immersed myself into Bioethics. I would like to do clinical learned, as well as the a new way of life. ethics, advise hospital policy, and general importance of a eventually work on developing health global perspective on During my time abroad, I lived in a care policy at the government level. health.”

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An important part of my Follow-on students, or students that come from expressed the importance of thinking Service Project was taking a road trip backgrounds where they might not about study abroad early, to be able back to the high school that I talk about college or opportunities to take advantage of great scholarship graduated from to present to the such as study abroad with their and grant opportunities that can fund students there and to get them families. It meant a lot to me to be study abroad, and reassured them thinking about study abroad. The kids able to be a living example of that study abroad is (and should be) that I reached out to were students someone who came from the exact for everyone. likely to be first generation college same background as they did. I

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 21 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) JoVona Taylor, United Kingdom, 2013 University of Missouri Illinois

While studying in London, I took Camden. I rode the tube everyday classes related to British culture to get to class and my internship. I and my academic major of took advantage of the various journalism. Many of my classes markets throughout the city to implemented aspects of the vibrant shop for everything from clothes city and allowed for a very to fresh produce. Ultimately, I had interactive learning environment. no choice but to be overwhelmed My classes included visits to with British life and culture during various U.K. media companies like my time abroad, and I enjoyed The Guardian, Bloomberg and every minute of it. Studying abroad Condé Nast and others unique to gave me the opportunity to British culture and media. I also experience a world much bigger completed an internship for media than I imagined as a young adult. I T hanks to the Gilman company Dennis Publishing while can honestly say that I am more Scholarship I was able to study and abroad. My internship allowed me culturally aware and mentally intern in London, England for a to experience a British work enriched, because I lived and semester during my junior year of environment on a weekly basis and studied in London for four months college. This opportunity has been to make connections with of my life. one of the most rewarding professional journalists. My experiences in my life thus far. I international internship also helped was able to immerse myself in a me to expand my writing and culture totally different from my reporting style in order to reach a background and gained so many broad readership beyond the “My time abroad was a valuable friendships, life lessons and United States. personal learning professional advancements. As a experience that made first-generation college student My time abroad was a personal me a lot more conscious who saw no possibilities of learning experience that made me about the world and its studying abroad prior to learning of a lot more conscious about the diverse range of cultures the Gilman Scholarship, I am world and its diverse range of and people.” passionate about promoting study cultures and people. I lived in a flat abroad experiences for others like (commonly known as an apartment myself. in the U.S.) with other American students in the London borough of

Fo l l o w - on Service Project For my Follow-on Service Project I I presented to a class of junior and was to show young students that wanted to target high school-level senior-level students at a despite the misconceptions students from the inner-city of neighborhood high school about associated with studying abroad, I Chicago, where I am from, and my experience abroad and gave am living proof that it is possible inspire them to consider studying them advice on how to jump start for students of all backgrounds and abroad. their own study abroad experience lifestyles. before heading to college. My goal

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 22 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Raul Velarde, Spain, 2012 University of Miami Florida

diverse cities in the United States, Spain. My time in Europe gave me the speak multiple languages, and work for experience to converse about the day- an engineering firm with offices to-day lifestyle, art, history, and around the world, but studying in gastronomy. Santander truly showed me what having an internationally informed Once I came back to the United mindset truly is. States, I was able to use what I learned abroad in the business world. With Meeting students that were studying many businessmen traveling around abroad from approximately 20 the world, I was able to have a different countries, all with thought provoking conversations with outstanding backgrounds and unique people much older than me and build stories to tell highlighted my time in business relationships in the industry. Spain. I was one of the few in the During interviews, my study abroad engineering program. The university’s experience is always a conversation civil engineering department is one of starter and seen as a sign of leadership I have loved the city and the the best in Spain, hence the most and diversity. University of Miami, since I moved competitive to get into. Due to some from Quito, Ecuador 14 years ago. I classes being cancelled, I was even able have cherished each moment in Miami to take a Coastal Engineering course and would not trade my experience or in a city renowned for their oceanic education there for anything. I state protection. The class was a great “During interviews, my this because with all that attachment; challenge that I was able to overcome. study abroad experience leaving for a semester and imbedding I even made it to the top of the class. is always a conversation myself in a country I have never been In addition to my technical courses, I starter and seen as a in, away from everyone I know, has was also able to take a pre-historic art been the most rewarding six months course to learn more about the sign of leadership in my life. I learned so much about history of the region and and diversity.” cultures, language, professionalism, development. travel, and even resilience during my time abroad. Furthermore, by being so close to historically rich cities such as Madrid, I have always had a deep international Barcelona, and Seville, I was able to connection due to my international learn not just about the culture of the background. I live in one of the most region I was in, but the country of

Fo l l o w - on Service Project My Follow-On Service Project was meetings we put together for an advisor for the College of based on helping the study abroad prospective study abroad students. In Engineering and helped students plan program at the University of Miami these sessions, the study abroad their academic curriculum, prepare grow along with its relationship with alumni were able to share their their study and intern abroad the students that come from partner experience with the younger applications and advise them on schools. By being a Global students and provide advice on how financial aid opportunities such as the Ambassador with the Study Abroad to proceed. In addition to that, due Gilman Scholarship. department, I was able to provide my to the low number of engineering input during orientation and interest students that study abroad, I became

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 23 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Quenton White, United Kingdom, 2013 Wayne State University Michigan

home to the first modern light rail this would be a great opportunity to system, two major accomplishments become immersed in the culture and in the world of technology and thoroughly understand the language. sciences. Overall, the experience was really I had the opportunity to meet people worthwhile. I made new friends, from different nationalities and explored different cultures and cultures. This helped me decide completed classes that have which language I wanted to study for enhanced my understanding of our my home institution's language legal system here in the U.S. requirement. I eventually settled on Italian after making friends with T hanks to the help of the Gilman several Italian speaking students and "I wanted to become Scholarship Program, the U.S natives throughout my time abroad. more involved in the Department of State, as well as the community on a Shawn Carter Foundation, I was able I wanted to become more involved in to spend a semester in Manchester, the community on a personal level personal level and England where I studied sociology and contribute my time positively contribute my time and criminal justice to prepare for while living in Manchester, so I positively while living in law school. volunteered with the U.K. Cancer Manchester." Research program. As a volunteer, I I initially chose to study in the United attended local events to raise Kingdom to strengthen my awareness about the causes, understanding of legal systems here prevention and treatments of cancer. Currently, I am completing my senior in the U.S, as our system is largely year and working for Google's based on British law, but I was My abroad experienced has led me Community Leadership program, a surprised to have learned of to consider studying abroad again, one-year program designed to Manchester’s rich and interesting only this time I would like to live in promote digital literacy in history. For instance, it is where Italy to study Italian. My university underserved communities and small Ernest Rutherford successfully split has a program based in the beautiful businesses. the atom for the first time. It is also L'aquila region of Abruzzo. I think

Fo l l o w - on Service Project After learning of the Follow-on around the city. My Follow-on mentors, resources and provide Service Project requirement, I Service Project, ExtraPUSH was them with guidance on business thought of ways I could make a designed to aid this agenda through planning. I believe such programs are positive impact on Detroit through social entrepreneurship and crucial to the city’s revitalization my service proposal and by utilizing community involvement. process, and to encourage growth in things I would learn while abroad. Detroit. I received support from my The organization provides a platform university, as well as the U.S I considered two major issues facing for aspiring and existing Department of State who has helped the city, economic recovery and entrepreneurs to launch or me expand the idea and fundraise for redevelopment within the city. accelerate their social venture or the project. Entrepreneurship and urban organization. We do this by development have been major topics connecting entrepreneurs with local

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 24 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) Calvin Xu, Germany, 2008 New York Institute of Technology New York

language school called the Carl participated in my university’s first Duisberg Centrum in Cologne. study abroad program to Nanjing, Afterwards, I was placed at the China for two semesters. I also University of Applied Bremen went back to Germany again in where I took a full semester of the summer of 2010 for a electrical engineering courses in research internship with the German and English. In the last six University of Hamburg. Now, I am months of the program, I worked working as an systems engineer as a corporate business for Alpine Partners—a development intern at the Kaefer proprietary trading firm that is Gruppe—a midsized industrial headquartered in Manhattan and insulation firm headquartered in St. Thomas in the US Virgin Bremen. Islands. A s someone who has never ventured far outside of New York Overall, my time in Germany was City, the opportunity to spend a as comprehensive as it can be. I year abroad in Germany was truly had the chance to live, work and “I took a full semester of a life-changing experience. This study in the country for a year electrical engineering was made possible by the Gilman and met countless professional courses in German and Scholarship and through the contacts and friends along the English. In the last six Congress Bundestag for Youth way. months of the program, I Exchange program (CBYX). worked as a corporate I was encouraged to seek out business development I lived with an amazing German additional study abroad intern at the Kaefer host family who I still maintain opportunities upon returning to Gruppe—a midsized contact with to the present day. I my university. A year after the I industrial insulation firm spent the first two months received the Gilman Scholarship headquartered in Bremen.” learning German at a intensive to study in Germany, I

Fo l l o w - on Service Project

Before I went abroad to spreading the word about the and prospective students about Germany, I made a decision to Gilman Scholarship and my the value of an international blog as often as possible. I had a experiences abroad. I hosted education. To that end, I will semi-professional DSLR camera information sessions during break always refer students to apply for and I loaded my blog with weekly hours and after class hours using the Gilman Scholarship. content on how life is like living in PowerPoint and showing my time Europe. in Europe through my blog and photography website. For the Follow-on Service Project, Today, as an alumnus of my I worked closely with the study university, I feel that I have a abroad center at my university in greater role in advising incoming

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 25 Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE)