Seventeen Florida State University students will build foreign language skills and experience culture abroad this summer after earning scholarships through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.
The Gilman Scholarship is awarded by the U.S. Department of State and gives students the opportunity to study or intern in foreign countries with the aim of building proficiency in diverse languages and cultures and preparing individuals for a globalized world.
“We are thrilled for the 17 FSU students nominated for Gilman Scholarships this year and are excited to see their dreams of studying abroad come to life,” said Jesse Wieland, associate director of the Office of National Fellowships. “We have students representing our Tallahassee and Panama City campuses engaging in diverse programs that fit their academic and personal interests, which highlights the flexibility of this award and how our students put in the effort to find opportunities crucial to their own growth and development.”
“We have students representing our Tallahassee and Panama City campuses engaging in diverse programs that fit their academic and personal interests, which highlights the flexibility of this award and how our students put in the effort to find opportunities crucial to their own growth and development.”
— Jesse Wieland, associate director of the Office of National Fellowships
The Gilman Scholarship program was founded in 2001 and is named after the late Benjamin Gilman, who served for 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and chaired its House Foreign Relations Committee. The scholarship enables American students to gain proficiency in diverse languages and cultures, skills that are critically important to their academic and career development. More than 28,000 students have taken part in the program since its inception.
The scholarship enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception.
Two students will use the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in Costa Rica this summer. Kate Deviney, a political science major minoring in Spanish, will study the Spanish language and conversation through an external provider in San Joaquin de Flores, Heredia Province in Costa Rica. She looks forward to immersing herself in the Spanish language and culture and developing a deeper understanding of the diverse backgrounds and perspectives in the region.
“As a pre-law student from South Florida, I’ve observed the increasing significance of Spanish as a predominant language in the region,” Deviney said. “I aspire to bridge the communication gap and provide legal assistance to Spanish-speaking communities. This experience will not only enhance my professional capabilities but also enable me to effectively connect with and advocate for clients from varied cultural backgrounds in my future legal career.”
Chelsea Brown will also study abroad in the Heredia Province in Costa Rica this summer. She’s using her Gilman Scholarship to participate in the Spanish Immersion Experience Program administered through International Programs. The program offers students a unique opportunity for complete immersion in the Spanish language and Costa Rican culture.
Several recipients are using the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in London this summer. Alexis Rister, a criminology major, and Sabrina Jacques, a nursing major, will participate in the Broad Curriculum Program at the FSU London Study Centre through International Programs.
“I wanted a cultural experience so similar yet so different from the U.S.,” Jacques said. “I hope to broaden my horizons when it comes to European history.”
Rister said she looks forward to exploring different cultures and building memories abroad.
“The Gilman Scholarship has given me an experience I will forever cherish as a first-generational student,” Rister said.
Michael Ackeret, a psychology major, will study abroad at FSU London this summer through the Psychology Program administered by International Programs. Students in this program study the principles of psychology across many domains and explore London to compare how applications of psychology differ across cultures.
“As a first-generation student and recovered addict, winning the Gilman Scholarship isn’t just a financial relief, it is the realization of my wildest dreams come true,” Ackeret said. “Transformation is what I’m all about, and this scholarship opens doors for me to grow personally, academically and culturally.”
Theatre major Jason Alvarez will study abroad in London during the Fall 2024 semester through the Theatre Academy London Program. Located in the heart of the West End, Theatre Academy London provides an immersive experience through theater training to develop and add depth to students’ work.
“With studying abroad and coming from a low-income family, I wanted to see what resources I could use to help me get to where I want to be,” Alvarez said. “Gilman challenged me to envision how my goals could shape me into the artist I want to become upon returning to Tallahassee.”
Rose Clermont, a student double-majoring in public health and international affairs, participated in the International Affairs in London Program over spring break through International Programs. The weeklong program is a component of the Introduction to International Affairs (INS 3003) course for students enrolled in the International Programs section. The trip includes a visit to Parliament, a walking tour in central London and visits to cultural sites and museums like the Tower of London and the British Museum.
“As a first-generation college student and American, my desire to study abroad was initially hindered by financial constraints,” Clermont said. “The Gilman Program not only provided the financial means for me to pursue this opportunity but also welcomed me into a network of individuals who utilized their international experiences in their professional careers, offering numerous professional opportunities. During my time abroad, I was able to further integrate the principles of international affairs and public health, gaining a deeper understanding of global NGOs such as A21, and broadening my comprehension of frameworks addressing global issues.”
Some students are using their Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in Florence, Italy. Tessa Mahurin, a student double-majoring in art history and business management, and Makenzie Heyliger, a public health major, will participate in the Broad Curriculum Program at the FSU Florence Study Center through International Programs. This experience will allow them to earn credits in both general requirements and elective courses in a variety of disciplines while living in the birthplace of the Renaissance.
“I applied for the Gilman Scholarship to fulfill my dream of studying in Florence, Italy to engage in Italian art and language,” Mahurin said. “As an art history and business management major with minors in Italian and museum studies, I am deeply fascinated with Italy’s contributions to the art and business world.”
“As a public health major, I learn of many cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds and locations worldwide and how health and health disparities differ across the country and the globe,” Heyliger said. “The ability to experience these various differences on a greater scale firsthand will be an opportunity to expand my knowledge within my major and apply what I have learned in class to the real world.”
Kaylan Williams, a public relations major, will participate in the Communication and Media in Florence Program at FSU Florence this summer through International Programs. The program focuses on providing students with unique hands-on communication and media experience through direct interactions with Italian clients. Students compose “ItaliaNoles,” the campus magazine at FSU Florence.
“I applied to the Gilman Scholarship to help make studying abroad more accessible for me,” Williams said. “I hope to fully immerse myself in Italy’s culture and learn more about my major through FSU’s Communication and Media program.”
Tafari D’Aguilar, a mechanical engineering major, will participate in a study abroad experience in Rome this summer through an external provider.
“Thanks to the amazing guidance from the ONF faculty and Presidential Scholars program staff I was able to learn and plan for this amazing fellowship,” D’Aguilar said. “Being so fortunate to receive this opportunity, I hope to gain a holistic view of the world as I learn more about the culture, history and people of Rome, while simultaneously continuing the pursuit of higher education.”
Other students will use their Gilman to take them to Valencia, Spain, this summer. Adrian Vivas-Nambo, a student double-majoring in biological science and Spanish, will participate in an internship at a physical therapy clinic through International Studies Abroad.
“I aim to enhance my clinical experience while respecting Spain’s privacy regulations, and hope to influence the health care system positively, assisting me in deciding whether to pursue a career as a medical doctor or a physician assistant,” he said.
Samantha Prophete, a human development and family sciences major, will participate in the Taking Family Science Abroad Program at the FSU Valencia Study Center this summer through International Programs. Students in this program gain an understanding of Spanish culture and family life through visits to museums, cultural centers, schools, daycares, neighborhoods and local communities.
“I applied to the Gilman Scholarship program because of its generous financial support for studying abroad, which would alleviate the financial burden on my family,” Prophete said. “Additionally, I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself in a competitive arena. Studying in Valencia, Spain this summer, I aim to immerse myself in Spanish culture, language and way of life, returning with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country.”
Natalia Lopez and Gabriela Gonzalez, both psychology majors, will study abroad at FSU Valencia this summer as participants in the Broad Curriculum Program through International Programs. Through the broad curriculum program, students can pursue general requirements and elective courses in a variety of disciplines while experiencing Valencia and its surrounding areas.
“I chose to apply for this fellowship because several professors and mentors encouraged me to study abroad and take advantage of all of the resources offered in the program,” Lopez said. “I hope that during this abroad experience I will develop a better understanding of my own personal and professional values, as well as strengthen them to make my career path clearer.”
“Facing financial struggles is precisely why I applied for the Gilman scholarship,” Gonzalez said. “I saw it as a crucial opportunity to study abroad, enrich my Spanish proficiency and deepen my cultural understanding. These skills are vital for my future as a health care provider, enabling me to connect with diverse patients on a deeper level.”
Freddy Mendoza, a human development and family sciences major, will study abroad at FSU Valencia during the Fall 2024 semester as a participant in the Broad Curriculum Program through International Programs.
“Studying abroad is an opportunity I might not have again,” Mendoza said. “I wanted to take the opportunities I have at FSU to apply for scholarships and study abroad without worrying about the financials.”
One student, India Lambert, will participate in a direct enroll program at Waseda University in Tokyo this summer. One of FSU’s more than 45 international partner universities, Waseda University offers a unique summer program for international students to take courses on various topics and learn more about Tokyo and Japanese culture.
Students interested in learning more about the Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship can email FSU’s Office of National Fellowships to set up an advising appointment. To learn more about Interntional Programs, visit international.fsu.edu. For more information about global exchanges, visit cge.fsu.edu/global-programs.
This year’s Gilman winners, their destination country and major are:
- Adrian Vivas-Nambo | Spain | Biological Science/Spanish
- Samantha Prophete | Spain | Human Development & Family Sciences
- Rose Clermont | United Kingdom | Public Health/International Affairs
- Kate Deviney | Costa Rica | Political Science
- Alexis Rister | United Kingdom | Criminology
- Tessa Mahurin | Italy | Art History/Business Management
- Michael Ackeret | United Kingdom | Psychology
- Makenzie Heyliger | Italy | Public Health
- Tafari D’Aguilar | Italy | Mechanical Engineering
- Kaylan Williams | Italy | Public Relations
- Jason Alvarez | United Kingdom | Theatre
- Natalia Lopez | Spain | Psychology
- Gabriela Gonzalez | Spain | Psychology
- Sabrina Jacques | United Kingdom | Nursing
- Freddy Mendoza | Spain | Human Development and Family Sciences
- India Lambert | Japan | Psychology
- Chelsea Brown | Costa Rica | Elementary Education